Quick Tip for Better Writing: Drop “There Is”
There is one simple change that can make your writing more dynamic. Wait, let’s try that again: One simple change can make your writing more dynamic. See the difference? Starting a sentence with “there is” or “there are” slows the pace of your writing. What’s more, this sentence structure buries the most important part of
Do you know the Jenga technique?
Which of the following sentences is easiest to read? 1. Start by writing all the information. The Jenga technique is an ingenious writing method that helps you make your longer sentences a little shorter so that they are casier for people to read. 2. Then take out anything that’s not needed to get the point
Fazed by “Phased”
Do you know what it’s called when two words sound alike, but have different spellings and meanings? One example is a particular pet peeve of mine. I often see this on social media: “She wasn’t phased at all by seeing the dog up in the tree.” Oops. (Also, argh!) That word should have been fazed.
Effect v. Affect
“The new law will affect schools throughout the county.” Wait. Should that have been “effect”? As a professional editor, I’ve learned to pause and scrutinize “affect” and “effect” every time I see them. The two words are easy to confuse: Not only do they look and sound similar, but each can be both nouns and
Intoxicated by Verbosity
“Don’t use a big word when a minuscule alternative will suffice.” It’s an old joke, but one that makes an important point: Big words are like fine jewels—you may take them out for special occasions, but they’re not for everyday use. No matter what you’re writing, you want your words to be read and understood.
You’re Smarter Than Spell-Check
Spell-checking features are often lifesavers, but they are not all-knowing. An editor learns quickly to read every there/their/they’re and you/your/you’re carefully to make sure the correct version of the word is used for the particular context. As you get to know your clients, you should also build a list of their most easily mistaken words.
Grammar Tips: When Do You Capitalize A Noun?
Chicago defines a common noun as: “the generic name of one item in a class or group,” noting it isn’t capitalized unless it appears in a title or starts a sentence.[1] Chicago defines a proper noun as: “the specific name of a person, place, or thing … or the title of a work.” It is
You’re Smarter Than Spell-Check
Spell-checking features are often lifesavers, but they are not all-knowing. An editor learns quickly to read every there/their/they’re and you/your/you’re carefully to make sure the correct version of the word is used for the particular context. As you get to know your clients, you should also build a list of their most easily mistaken words.
Ensure, assure, or insure
All three words can mean to make sure of something, but they are not fully interchangeable. Do you know which verb goes in which space? I ______ you, I will ______ my car to _____ I’m covered in case of an accident. a. ensure b. assure c. insure All three words can mean to make
To Err Is Human—It’s What Comes Next That Matters
“Look at this!” Everyone in the darkened room gasped. We were at an editing conference, and the keynote speaker, a noted journalism expert, had placed a scan of a magazine cover on the display screen. A large, red circle drew attention to the mistake: “February” had been misspelled as “Febraury,” and the typo had gone
