Good writing style involves not only using proper punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure (syntax), but also writing in a way that is clear and concise.
Writing Clearly
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Choose the word that most clearly conveys your meaning
English words generally have two types of meanings: a denotative meaning (the descriptive dictionary definition of a word) and a connotative meaning (the emotional impact of a word). The connotation can be positive or negative. For example, the words slender, thin, and skinny have the same denotative meaning, but very different connotations. -
Always follow this, that, these, and those with a noun
- Unclear: I will take this. (This what?)
- Clear: I will take this dog.
- Unclear: I do not want that. (Want what?)
- Clear: I do not want that book.
Writing Concisely
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Eliminate unnecessary phrases and redundancies.
- Correct: We will be home in ten days.
- Incorrect: We will be home in a period of ten days.
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Use clear and straightforward language.
- Correct: I have noticed many weeds growing around the building.
- Incorrect: It has come to my attention that there is a vast proliferation of undesirable vegetation surrounding the periphery of this facility.
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Write in active voice.
- Correct: This week, the committee decided to vote on the issue.
- Incorrect: A decision to vote on the issue was made by the committee this week.
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Shorten wordy phrases.
- Correct: Jon will call me if he can go.
- Incorrect: Jon will let me know in the event that he can get away and make the trip.
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Avoid starting sentences with "there is", "there are", or "it is".
- Correct: Four officers report to the captain.
- Incorrect: There are four officers who report to the captain.
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Eliminate extra nouns.
- Correct: Luis was interested in data processing.
- Incorrect: Luis was interested in the data processing field.
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Eliminate filler words such as "that", "of", or "up".
- Correct: I said I was tired.
- Incorrect: I said that I was tired.
- Correct: I stepped off the curb.
- Incorrect: I stepped off of the curb.
- Correct: I got on the ladder.
- Incorrect: I got up on the ladder.