[h=1]Want to Be a Better Writer? Cut These 7 Words[/h]by Joe Bunting
If you’re reading this, then you want to be a better writer. However, becoming a better writer is elusive, isn’t it? It’s more art than science. There are hundreds of writing rules, thousands of words to know, and millions of possible ways you could write even a simple message.
How do you become a better writer when writing itself is so complicated?
[h=2]One Writing Rule to Rule Them All[/h]In this article, we’ll discuss seven words you should avoid, but if I had to give you one piece of advice about how to become a better writer, this would be it:
“Be more specific.”
Being more specific is the piece of the writing advice I give to nearly every writer I work with.
Unfortunately, there aren’t seven magical words that you can use to make your writing better.
Instead, these seven vague words are KILLING your writing.
If you want to follow writing rule number one to be more specific, then you need to look out for these seven words. They’re vague and are usually a shortcut to what you’re really trying to say.
Every time you catch yourself writing with any of these, try to find a better (and more specific) way to phrase your message.
[h=2]A Caveat[/h]The problem with writing about what not to do is that you inevitably do exactly what you’re telling others not to do.
If you catch me using any of these seven words or phrases in this article or elsewhere, you’re welcome to email me angrily, calling me a hypocrite.
Consider, though, that none of us, especially me, have arrived at the summit of editorial perfection. Also, please remember that writing is still an art, not a science, and the most important rule of art is to break the rules!
[h=2]The 7 Words and Phrases NOT to Use[/h]Without further delay, here are the seven words and phrases to avoid if you want to become a better writer.
[h=3]1. “One of”[/h]Good writers take a stand.
It is either the most important or not. It’s either the best or not. Avoid saying “one of the most important,” “one of the best.”
Example: One of the most important writing rules is to be specific.
Instead: The most important writing rule is to be specific.
[h=3]2. “Some”[/h]Here is the definition of the word “some:
If you want to become a better writer, avoid “some” and all of its relatives:
However, the word “thing” is a shortcut and a sign of vague, watered-down writing. If you see it in your writing, think hard about what you’re really trying to say.
[h=3]4. “To Be” verbs, Especially Before Verbs Ending With -Ing[/h]“To be” is the most frequently used verb in the English language. Its conjugations include:
Example: “Spot was running through the woods.”
Instead: “Spot ran through the woods.”
“Spot was running” is a good example of a verb weakened by “to be.”
“Spot ran” on the other hand, is a much stronger example.
[h=3]5. “Very”[/h]Why cut the word “very”? I’m going to leave this one to the pros:
“Substitute ‘damn’ every time you’re inclined to write ‘very,’” said Mark Twain. “Your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.”
“So avoid using the word ‘very’ because it’s lazy. A man is not very tired, he is exhausted. Don’t use very sad, use morose. Language was invented for one reason, boys—to woo women—and, in that endeavor, laziness will not do. It also won’t do in your essays.” —N.H. Kleinbaum, Dead Poets Society
“‘Very’ is the most useless word in the English language and can always come out. More than useless, it is treacherous because it invariably weakens what it is intended to strengthen.” —Florence King
[h=3]6. Adverbs (words that end with “-ly”)[/h]Adverbs—like loudly, painfully, beautifully—are well-meaning words that do nothing for the reading experience.
Good writing is specific. Good writing paints pictures in readers’ minds. But which sentence paints a better picture in your mind?
Sentence 1: “She laughed loudly.”
Sentence 2: “Her loud laugh seemed to reverberate through the party like a gong. Heads turned to see where the ruckus came from.”
Adverbs do lend verbs a glimmer of meaning, but it’s the difference between gold-plated and solid gold. Go for the real thing. Avoid adverbs.
[h=3]7. Leading words: So, mostly, most times, in order to, often, oftentimes[/h]Most times—often even—you don’t need leading words. Cut them to sharpen your writing.
I’ve even read an argument that beginning your sentence with the word “so” can sound condescending. What do you think?
[h=2]Writing This Way Isn’t Easy[/h]It takes time. You have to think through each sentence, each word. You have to cut and rewrite and rewrite again.
You have to think.
This, of course, is how you become a better writer. You labor over words. You build up meaning one sentence at a time. And eventually you become so fast and competent that it’s easy, simple to write this way.
Just kidding. It’s never easy. It’s worth it, though.
http://thewritepractice.com/better-...al&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
If you’re reading this, then you want to be a better writer. However, becoming a better writer is elusive, isn’t it? It’s more art than science. There are hundreds of writing rules, thousands of words to know, and millions of possible ways you could write even a simple message.
How do you become a better writer when writing itself is so complicated?
[h=2]One Writing Rule to Rule Them All[/h]In this article, we’ll discuss seven words you should avoid, but if I had to give you one piece of advice about how to become a better writer, this would be it:
“Be more specific.”
Being more specific is the piece of the writing advice I give to nearly every writer I work with.
Unfortunately, there aren’t seven magical words that you can use to make your writing better.
Instead, these seven vague words are KILLING your writing.
If you want to follow writing rule number one to be more specific, then you need to look out for these seven words. They’re vague and are usually a shortcut to what you’re really trying to say.
Every time you catch yourself writing with any of these, try to find a better (and more specific) way to phrase your message.
[h=2]A Caveat[/h]The problem with writing about what not to do is that you inevitably do exactly what you’re telling others not to do.
If you catch me using any of these seven words or phrases in this article or elsewhere, you’re welcome to email me angrily, calling me a hypocrite.
Consider, though, that none of us, especially me, have arrived at the summit of editorial perfection. Also, please remember that writing is still an art, not a science, and the most important rule of art is to break the rules!
[h=2]The 7 Words and Phrases NOT to Use[/h]Without further delay, here are the seven words and phrases to avoid if you want to become a better writer.
[h=3]1. “One of”[/h]Good writers take a stand.
It is either the most important or not. It’s either the best or not. Avoid saying “one of the most important,” “one of the best.”
Example: One of the most important writing rules is to be specific.
Instead: The most important writing rule is to be specific.
[h=3]2. “Some”[/h]Here is the definition of the word “some:
- An unspecified amount or number of.
- Used to refer to someone or something that is unknown or unspecified.
If you want to become a better writer, avoid “some” and all of its relatives:
- sometimes
- something
- someone
- somewhere
- somewhat
- somebody
- somehow
However, the word “thing” is a shortcut and a sign of vague, watered-down writing. If you see it in your writing, think hard about what you’re really trying to say.
[h=3]4. “To Be” verbs, Especially Before Verbs Ending With -Ing[/h]“To be” is the most frequently used verb in the English language. Its conjugations include:
- am
- are
- is
- was
- were
- being
- been
Example: “Spot was running through the woods.”
Instead: “Spot ran through the woods.”
“Spot was running” is a good example of a verb weakened by “to be.”
“Spot ran” on the other hand, is a much stronger example.
[h=3]5. “Very”[/h]Why cut the word “very”? I’m going to leave this one to the pros:
“Substitute ‘damn’ every time you’re inclined to write ‘very,’” said Mark Twain. “Your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.”
“So avoid using the word ‘very’ because it’s lazy. A man is not very tired, he is exhausted. Don’t use very sad, use morose. Language was invented for one reason, boys—to woo women—and, in that endeavor, laziness will not do. It also won’t do in your essays.” —N.H. Kleinbaum, Dead Poets Society
“‘Very’ is the most useless word in the English language and can always come out. More than useless, it is treacherous because it invariably weakens what it is intended to strengthen.” —Florence King
[h=3]6. Adverbs (words that end with “-ly”)[/h]Adverbs—like loudly, painfully, beautifully—are well-meaning words that do nothing for the reading experience.
Good writing is specific. Good writing paints pictures in readers’ minds. But which sentence paints a better picture in your mind?
Sentence 1: “She laughed loudly.”
Sentence 2: “Her loud laugh seemed to reverberate through the party like a gong. Heads turned to see where the ruckus came from.”
Adverbs do lend verbs a glimmer of meaning, but it’s the difference between gold-plated and solid gold. Go for the real thing. Avoid adverbs.
[h=3]7. Leading words: So, mostly, most times, in order to, often, oftentimes[/h]Most times—often even—you don’t need leading words. Cut them to sharpen your writing.
I’ve even read an argument that beginning your sentence with the word “so” can sound condescending. What do you think?
[h=2]Writing This Way Isn’t Easy[/h]It takes time. You have to think through each sentence, each word. You have to cut and rewrite and rewrite again.
You have to think.
This, of course, is how you become a better writer. You labor over words. You build up meaning one sentence at a time. And eventually you become so fast and competent that it’s easy, simple to write this way.
Just kidding. It’s never easy. It’s worth it, though.
http://thewritepractice.com/better-...al&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
