July 23, 2009

How To Write "Good"

How To Write Good:
I don't completely know where this came from, but some of it is derived from William Safire's Rules for Writers. You can find the page that I got this from at the link below. Love how an example of what not to do is given in each.

1. Always avoid alliteration.
2. Prepositions are not words to end sentences with.
3. Avoid cliches like the plague--they're old hat.
4. Employ the vernacular.
5. Eschew ampersands & abbreviations, etc.
6. Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are unnecessary.
7. Parenthetical words however must be enclosed in commas.
8. It is wrong to ever split an infinitive.
9. Contractions aren't necessary.
10. Do not use a foreign word when there is an adequate English quid pro quo.
11. One should never generalize.
12. Eliminate quotations. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: "I hate quotations. Tell me what you know."
13. Comparisons are as bad as cliches.
14. Don't be redundant; don't use more words than necessary; it's highly superfluous.
15. It behooves you to avoid archaic expressions.
16. Avoid archaeic spellings too.
17. Understatement is always best.
18. Exaggeration is a billion times worse than understatement.
19. One-word sentences? Eliminate. Always!
20. Analogies in writing are like feathers on a snake.
21. The passive voice should not be used.
22. Go around the barn at high noon to avoid colloquialisms.
23. Don't repeat yourself, or say again what you have said before.
24. Who needs rhetorical questions?
25. Don't use commas, that, are not, necessary.
26. Do not use hyperbole; not one in a million can do it effectively.
27. Never use a big word when a diminutive alternative would suffice.
28. Subject and verb always has to agree.
29. Be more or less specific.
30. Placing a comma between subject and predicate, is not correct.
31. Use youre spell chekker to avoid mispeling and to catch typograhpical errers.
32. Don't repeat yourself, or say again what you have said before.
33. Don't be redundant.
34. Use the apostrophe in it's proper place and omit it when its not needed.
35. Don't never use no double negatives.
36. Poofread carefully to see if you any words out.
37. Hopefully, you will use words correctly, irregardless of how others use them.
38. Eschew obfuscation.
39. No sentence fragments.
40. Don't indulge in sesquipedalian lexicological constructions.
41. A writer must not shift your point of view.
42. Don't overuse exclamation marks!!
43. Place pronouns as close as possible, especially in long sentences, as of 10 or more words, to their antecedents.
44. Writing carefully, dangling participles must be avoided.
45. If any word is improper at the end of a sentence, a linking verb is.
46. Avoid trendy locutions that sound flaky.
47. Everyone should be careful to use a singular pronoun with singular nouns in their writing.
48. Always pick on the correct idiom.
49. The adverb always follows the verb.
50. Take the bull by the hand and avoid mixing metaphors.
51. If you reread your work, you cn find on rereading a great deal of repetition can be by rereading and editing.
52. And always be sure to finish what

Find the article at: http://www.plainlanguage.gov/examples/humor/writegood.cfm






Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

While starting research writing they must analyze, contrast and observe the views of other experts. They should develop their own judgement whatever they have read in the content for their paper.writing a bio about yourself

Unknown said...

If you've got expertise hiring others, or understand what employers square measure craving for, and square measure able to produce engaging, easy-to-read documents, you would possibly wish to think about providing a resume writing service. my blog

Unknown said...

In order for the building to be progressive, there's a requirement for you to form positive that your building workers is apt and square measure created from professionals. this can be why you have got to remember of the staffing choice techniques for unit of time in hotels. homepage

online dissertation writing service said...

I truly appreciate your efforts for making this blog. This is a very informational blog and help us writing. This can help a writer making his article must read article.

Thomas Venney said...

Good information.

Thomas Venney said...

Frequently pupils Attempt to Prevent Essay writing within their usual study program. But they overlook that article Writing could be the most significant part the program. Now because of Contest there's a higher expectation in students. essay research can help you to write your research papers with quality.

Unknown said...

Commenting on a blog is an art. You’re doing great work. Keep it up. I am also sharing with you the most useful Roblox Auto Clicker blog. Check out this blog. I hope this is helpful for you.

Varun Narula said...

Great article,thanks for sharing with us!

mayank said...

Great article,thanks for sharing with us!It was really interesting to read this articel, which is so simply written!

Digital Murgi said...

Welcome to Digital Murgi, your go-to destination for digital marketing and blogging.

Anonymous said...

Merci d'avoir fourni à cet article des informations aussi utiles. Avez-vous déjà lu cet article - cps test . J'ai réussi l'examen CPS comme un colibri alimenté par la caféine à grande vitesse !

Post a Comment