Filler Words §
- Most words do not add anything new to the sentence. Avoid filler words.
- Most adverbs are superfluous and make writing seem amateurish. Use with discretion.
- adverbs are better if you have:
do X in a Y way. Simply say do X Y-ily.
- prefer not to start a sentence with an adverb.
very / really - avoid using this!that - most of the time it is another filler word!essentially / basically / just/ simply / clearly / pretty much - gives off either a pretentious or reductionist tone.obviously / everyone knows - also gives off a pretentious tone. Avoid using.more / less / most / least / also -these should only be used with respect to another statement, not on their own.be -use only when pertaining to the act of being in a certain state. Otherwise, replace with an appropriate adverb or verb.able to <verb> - use can <verb> instead.x of y - check if it is possible to say y x or y's x.something / sort of / kind of - check if it is possible to be more specific.in general - use generally. Use only when generalizing.
Brevity and Tone §
- Write short. Cut unnecessary words.
- Run-on sentences. If the sentence has
which, or conjunctions such as and / or / but, see if it can be broken into two sentences.
- Write in a natural (usually conversational) tone. Write Like You Talk.
- Use the active voice over the passive voice.
- Exception: use passive voice if the subject is less important than the action.
- Exception: use passive voice when there is uncertainty.
Clarity §
- Beware of
it/they, this/these/that, and other pronouns. Make sure that what the pronoun is referencing is unambiguous, and the choice of pronoun makes sense.
- Place adverbs close to their corresponding verb. This makes the writing clearer.
Others §
- The word
data is plural
- When the phrase inside the parenthesis is actually a sentence, prefer to remove the parentheses and use commas instead.