Five Writing Tics to Delete in Revision

Five Writing Tics to Delete in Revision Five Writing Tics to Delete in Revision Five Writing Tics to Delete in Revision By Maeve Maddox All writers strew less-than-perfect turns of phrase in their first drafts, unnecessary words and phrases that slow down writing. Here are five stylistic flaws that can be eliminated in revision. 1. Unnecessary prepositional phrases EXAMPLE: After all my hard work, the superintendents compliment was gratifying to me. BETTER: After all my hard work, the superintendents compliment was gratifying. The â€Å"to me† can be inferred by the reader. 2. Adverbs that are weak substitutes for a vivid verb EXAMPLE: The stranger walked threateningly toward us. BETTER: The stranger stalked toward us. I do not share the universal contempt for the -ly adverb, but I do take the time to examine -ly adverbs when I revise, replacing them with an evocative verb if I can think of one. For example: spoke softly = whispered crawled stealthily = crept spoke loudly = shouted 3. Stalling phrases like tried to, seemed to, began to, started to EXAMPLE: The suns reflection seemed to glisten and waver on the water. BETTER: The suns reflection glistened and wavered on the water. EXAMPLE: I took a detour down two short flights of stone stairs and started looking for the Last Chance Saloon. BETTER: I took a detour down two short flights of stone stairs and looked for the Last Chance Saloon. In most cases, these expressions merely stall the narrative. 4. Meaningless just EXAMPLE: He just climbed  to the top and fell asleep. BETTER: He climbed  to the top and fell asleep. EXAMPLE: She just wished the lift would move. BETTER: She wished the lift would move. When the adverb just conveys the meaning at that moment or merely, it has a function: I had just opened the letter when the phone rang. I have just enough flour to make this recipe. When just adds neither of these meanings, leave it out. 5. It as a sentence opener EXAMPLE: It was the comment about the dog that enabled the detective to solve the case. BETTER: The comment about the dog enabled the detective to solve the case. EXAMPLE: It was her lack of skill with small talk that held her back. BETTER: Lack of skill with small talk held her back. Replacing the vague sentence opener it with a noun strengthens a sentence. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Writing Basics category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:12 Greek Words You Should KnowHomogeneous vs. HeterogeneousThe Uses of â€Å"The†

Add These Trucker Blogs to Your Reading List

Add These Trucker Blogs to Your Reading List This is a bit of a meta-concept- The RJ Trucker Blog has a great bunch of recommendations for blogs by and for truckers you should be reading! Trucking Truth by driver Brett Aquila is a resource for aspiring and rookie drivers with an honest and informative take on how to become and succeed as a driver.Trucker Dump, authored by Todd McCann, is an insider’s look at the issues and opportunities for solo and team truckers alike.Real Truck Driver Blog, run by Robert Allen (one of the hosts of The RJ blog), has a specialized approach to blogging about trucking, sorting his posts by category and recommending headsets and software as well as advice and guidance for new and old drivers.AutoFleet Market Trends Blog, from writer and trucker Mike Antich, reflects the author’s 20 years of management and driving experience. If you’re interested in moving up the ladder into management, definitely check out his blog.One Girl Trucking is written by the semi-anonymous Bethany, an d I’m not even a little sheepish about declaring it my favorite- Bethany’s focus in empowering women behind the wheel (and raising awareness of her extremely cute dog, Poppy Rose).The Daily Rant  by driver Salena is an ongoing series of snapshots of life on the road as she drives all over the U.S. and Canada, documenting her experiences with great photos and entertaining posts.Ask the Trucker, written by Truck Driver Advocate Allen Smith (of TruthAboutTrucking.com), offers  information for drivers and students to raise the standards of the industry and help drivers connect with one another.Daniel S Bridger’s Trucking Blog  is run by a driver and trainer with more than 30 years of experience- he accepts guests posts and contributors, if you’re interested in joining the ranks of trucker-writers!Wheel Beauties is run by Laila, who channels her passion for trucking and big rigs (and toys, racing, photos and specialty vehicles) into this blog and welcome s all enthusiasts to share her excitement for these massive trucks, and support for those who drive them.I feel more informed already!