Beware of Adverbs

Beware of adverbs. They can dilute the meaning of the verb or repeat it.

Clark, Roy Peter. Poynter Online (2004). Articles>Writing>Diction>Rhetoric

Every Noun Can Be...

When is a noun not a noun? When it's been verbed. A lot of verbing is going on, as you've probably noticed. In fact, it's happening so frequently that I think we'd better come up with a name for the part of speech produced by verbing a noun.

Allison, Nancy. Boston Broadside (1989). Articles>Writing>Diction>Grammar

Fighting the Non-Sexist Language Battle

Sexist language consists of various words and terms that foster stereotypes of social roles based on gender. Professional writers must keep abreast of significant changes in our language, and the issue of sexism is an integral change. Sexist language has become offensive. Sexist language is confusing.

Bourns, Tracy. Boston Broadside (1991). Articles>Writing>Diction>Gender

It's All Relative

When it comes to relative pronouns, incomplete knowledge may lead to frustration and confusion. The pronouns that, which, who, and what serve as relative pronouns when they introduce a relative (or subordinate) clause.

Wenger, Andrea. Carolina Communique (2007). Articles>Writing>Diction>Grammar

Play with Words

Play with words, even in serious stories. Choose words the average writer avoids but the average reader understands.

Clark, Roy Peter. Poynter Online (2004). Articles>Writing>Diction>Rhetoric

Prefer Simple to Technical

Prefer the simple to the technical: shorter words and paragraphs at the points of greatest complexity.

Clark, Roy Peter. Poynter Online (2004). Articles>Writing>Diction>Rhetoric

Seek Original Images

Seek original images. Make word lists, free-associate, be surprised by language. Reject cliches and 'first-level creativity.'

Clark, Roy Peter. Poynter Online (2004). Articles>Writing>Diction>Rhetoric

Use Strong Verbs

Use verbs in their strongest form, the simple present or past. Strong verbs create action, save words, and reveal the players.

Clark, Roy Peter. Poynter Online (2004). Articles>Writing>Diction>Rhetoric

Words: The Last, Best Way to Differentiate Yourself Online

Writing is a subject that doesn't crop up too often at conferences. Why not? ecause writing is not one of the sexy things that happens online. Programming is sexy. Online design is sexy. The technology behind e-mail and e-commerce is sexy.

Usborne, Nick. ClickZ (2001). Articles>Writing>Diction>Web Design