paragraphs
In summaries
keep to one tense
Which one is correct? (active voice)
1. I shall always remember my first visit to Boston.
2. My first visit to Boston will always be remembered by me.
1. I shall always remember my first visit to Boston.
Explanation: The active voice is usually more direct and vigorous than the passive.
Which one is correct?
1. A period of unfavorable weather set in.
2. It rained every day for a week.
2. It rained every day for a week.
Explanation: Number 2 is preferred because it is specific and not vague.
A common error is a succession of _ sentences.
Loose
can take away from the author's style but can also be used to represent thought
Which one is correct?
1. He noticed a large stain right in the center of the rug.
2. He noticed a large stain in the rug that was right in the center.
1. He noticed a large stain right in the center of the rug
Explanation: Number 2 gives the reader no way of knowing whether the stain was in the center of the rug or the rug was in the center of the room; therefore, it must be number 1 because it tells the reader exactly where the stain was.
Writing must
closely follow the thoughts of the reader
Which one is correct? (positive form)
1. She thought the study of Latin a waste of time.
2. She did not think that studying Latin was a sensible way to use one's time
1. She thought the study of Latin a waste of time.
Explanation: A negative sentence has the word not in it, but positive sentences have definite assertions
Which one is correct?
1. A time not for words but for action.
2. A time not for words but action.
1. A time not for words but for action.
Explanation: Correlative expressions (for) should be followed by the same grammatical construction.
A common error of a succession of loose sentences can also prevent the style from becoming too _.
formal
can take away the author's intended style or can also be used in their favor.
Which one is correct?
1. Humanity has hardly advanced in fortitude since that time, though it has advanced in many other ways.
2. Since that time, humanity has advanced in many ways, but it has hardly advanced in fortitude.
2. Since that time, humanity has advanced in many ways, but it has hardly advanced in fortitude.
Explanation: The proper place in the sentence for the word or group of words that the writer desires to make most prominent is usually at the end; therefore, number 2 is correct.
Single sentences
should not be written or printed as paragraphs
Which one is correct? (active)
1. The whole suburb was destroyed by a forest fire.
2. A forest fire destroyed the whole suburb.
2. A forest fire destroyed the whole suburb.
Explanation: The word "was" is a keyword used in passive voice
Which one is correct?
1. Formerly, science was taught by the textbook method, while now the laboratory method is employed.
2. Formerly, science was taught by the textbook method; now it is taught by the laboratory method.
2. Formerly, science was taught by the textbook method; now it is taught by the laboratory method.
Explanation: Number 1 gives the impression that the writer is undecided or timid, apparently unable or afraid to choose one form of expression and hold to it. Number 2 shows that the writer has at least made a choice and abided by it.
When writing a sentence to create emphasis they should _ in form.
Vary
A common error is repeating a statement to create emphasis, without altering the sentence, creating a sense of repetition.
Which one is correct?
1. Major R. E. Joyce will give a lecture on Tuesday evening in Bailey Hall, to which the public is invited on “My Experiences in Mesopotamia” at 8:00 P.M.
2. On Tuesday evening at eight, Major R. E. Joyce will give a lecture in Bailey Hall on “My Experiences in Mesopotamia.” The public is invited.
2. On Tuesday evening at eight, Major R. E. Joyce will give a lecture in Bailey Hall on “My Experiences in Mesopotamia.” The public is invited.
Explanation: Number 2 is correct because modifiers should come next to the words they modify.
If the subject being written on is of small degree
there may be no need to divide it into topics
1. At each concert, the soprano sang at least one tune from a well-known opera.
2. At each concert, at least one tune from a well-known opera was sung by the soprano.
1. At each concert, the soprano sang at least one tune from a well-known opera.
Explanation: Sang vs. sung gives you a clue between passive and active. Most active voice sentences have the subject perform the action denoted by the verb
Soprano- doer of action, sang-action, tune-receiver of the action
Which one is correct?
1. His speech was marked by disagreement and scorn for his opponent's position.
2. His speech was marked by disagreement with and scorn for his opponent's position.
1. His speech was marked by disagreement and scorn for his opponent's position.
Similar _ and _ should be kept together in sentences. (parallel structure)
words, ideas / ideas, words
a common error, taking away from the parallel structure. Allowing the content and function to work together.
Which one is correct?
1. The director said he hoped all members would give generously to the Fund at a meeting of the committee yesterday.
2. At a meeting of the committee yesterday, the director said he hoped all members would give generously to the Fund.
2. At a meeting of the committee yesterday, the director said he hoped all members would give generously to the Fund.
The first principle of composition
to determine the shape of what is to come and pursue that shape
Which one is correct? (positive form)
1. The women in The Taming of the Shrew are unattractive. Katherine is disagreeable, Bianca insignificant.
2. The Taming of the Shrew is rather weak in spots. Shakespeare does not portray Katharine as a very admirable character, nor does Bianca remain long in memory as an important character in Shakespeare's work.
1. The women in The Taming of the Shrew are unattractive. Katherine is disagreeable, Bianca insignificant.
Explanation: Negative sentences use words like "not"
Which one uses more specific, concrete language?
1. In proportion as the manners, customs, and amusements of a nation are cruel and barbarous, the regulations of its penal code will be severe.
2. In proportion as men delight in battles, bullfights, and combats of gladiators, will they punish by hanging, burning, and the rack.
2. In proportion as men delight in battles, bullfights, and combats of gladiators, will they punish by hanging, burning, and the rack.
Explanation: Number 1 illustrates a vague and general description; whereas, number 2 is vivid and particular.
_ words should be placed at the end of a sentence.
emphatic
a common error is not using them at the end of a sentence, while they should be used at the end allowing them to be more prominent.
Which one is correct?
1. This steel is principally used for making razors, because of its hardness.
2. Because of its hardness, this steel is used principally for making razors.
2. Because of its hardness, this steel is used principally for making razors.