Ten Writing Mistakes Writers Often Make
May 11, 2009
I recently came across this list on a blog titled “Holt Uncensored.” The author provides a helpful list of 10 frequent writing mistakes. Unlike other lists regarding this topic, this one provides unique advice which is actually helpful. Here’s an example:
6. THE “TO BE” WORDS
Once your eye is attuned to the frequent use of the “to be” words – “am,” “is,” “are,” “was,” “were,” “be,” “being,” “been” and others – you’ll be appalled at how quickly they flatten prose and slow your pace to a crawl…
Not so long ago, “it was” *defined* emphasis. Even now, if you want to say, “It was Margaret who found the gun,” meaning nobody else but Margaret, fine. But watch out – “it was” can be habitual: “It was Jack who joined the Million Man March. It was Bob who said he would go, too. But it was Bill who went with them.” Flat, flat, flat.
I’m a big fan of ditching “to be” verbs (although here I’ve used at least 2 or 3) as I feel like their absence significantly improves the quality and flow of the writing. Holt provides a bunch of other good advice, so go check it out. If you have any other similar tips, share them in the comments.
Link: The Ten Mistakes (Holt Uncensored)
HT: Scot McKnight
Photo Credit: Clappstar
Category Blogging | Tweet This Post
Leave a Reply