10 Techniques for More Precise Writing

10 Techniques for More Precise Writing 10 Techniques for More Precise Writing 10 Techniques for More Precise Writing By Mark Nichol Here are ten ways to produce more vivid, direct, concise prose by replacing wordy phrases with fewer words and reorganizing sentences. It is not advisable to employ these strategies indiscriminately, but prose will usually be improved by following the recommendations below. 1. Use Active Voice When a sentence includes be or any other copulative verb, such as is or are, recast the sentence to omit the verb. Before: â€Å"The meeting was seen by us as a ploy to delay the project.† After: â€Å"We saw the meeting as a ploy to delay the project.† 2. Avoid Vague Nouns Phrases formed around general nouns such as aspect, degree, and situation clutter sentences. Before: â€Å"She is an expert in the area of international relations.† After: â€Å"She is an expert in international relations.† 3. Use Words, Not Their Definitions Replace explanatory phrases with a single word that encapsulates that explanation. Before: â€Å"The crops also needed to be marketable so that families would be able to sell any yields that exceeded what they personally required.† After: â€Å"The crops also needed to be marketable so that families would be able to sell any surplus.† 4. Avoid Noun Strings Reorganize sentences to eliminate series of nouns used as adjectives. Before: â€Å"The lack of a secure transfer may hamper computer security incident response efforts.† After: â€Å"The lack of a secure transfer may hamper responses to computer-security incidents.† 5. Convert Nouns to Verbs When a sentence includes a noun ending in -tion, change the noun to a verb to simplify the sentence. Before: â€Å"They will collaborate in the creation of new guidelines.† After: â€Å"They will collaborate to create new guidelines.† 6. Reduce Verb Phrases to Simple Verbs Identify the verb buried in a verb phrase and omit the rest of the phrase. Before: â€Å"The results are suggestive of the fact that tampering has occurred.† After: â€Å"The results suggest that tampering has occurred.† 7. Replace Complex Words with Simple Ones Choose simpler synonyms for multisyllabic words. Before: â€Å"The department will disseminate the forms soon.† After: â€Å"The department will pass out the forms soon.† 8. Avoid Expletives Don’t start sentences with â€Å"There is,† â€Å"There are,† or â€Å"It is.† Before: â€Å"There are many factors in the product’s failure.† After: â€Å"Many factors contributed to the product’s failure.† 9. Eliminate Prepositional Phrases Replace â€Å"(noun1) of the (noun2)† phrasing with â€Å"(noun2)’s (noun1)† phrasing. Before: â€Å"The decision of the committee is final.† After: â€Å"The committee’s decision is final.† 10. Reduce Wordy Phrases to Single Words Replace phrases that signal a transition with simple conjunctions, verbs, or other linking words. Before: Due to the fact that the project is behind schedule, today’s meeting has been postponed. After: Because the project is behind schedule, today’s meeting has been postponed. 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 Business Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:100 Mostly Small But Expressive InterjectionsBest Websites to Learn EnglishComma After Introductory Phrases

5 Myths about an Essay Writer Who Does Model Papers for You

5 Myths about an Essay Writer Who Does Model Papers for You 5 Myths about an Essay Writer Who Does Model Papers for You Have you ever wondered what an essay writer has in terms of qualifications? Many students are curious about hiring an essay writer but they are hesitant because of the many myths out there relating to the services they provide. There are 5 myths which will be debunked for you about an essay writer who does model papers for you: All Writers Are from India While it is true that there are many writers from India who handle model papers on behalf of students, not all writers come from that area. In fact, many writing services allow students to choose between native speakers and non-native speakers. Native speakers are generally more expensive while non-native speakers are cheaper. Those who fall under the category of non-native writers do not come necessarily from India but might be from Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Kenya. These are all popular places for non-native speakers to work online. Essay Writers Have Bad English It is not fair to state that any writer you select online will have bad English. There are many who do, but you need to carefully choose a custom writing service with good reviews, good feedback, good experience, and writers who have an extensive resume as a part of the company. Writers, who have extensive experience in the academic field, and positive feedback from happy clients, will have good English skills and are typically native speakers. Writers Don’t Make Any Changes This is not necessarily true. It happens with bad services and companies which fail to offer comprehensive and experienced providers. But those companies which are good will make changes if you ask them, and, in fact, many services have substantial revision policies as a part of the original agreement which means that a custom writer is required to provide you with the revisions you want. Writers Give Pre-Written Essays If you select a good writing service as well as a great writer, they will make sure that you get a high quality essay which has been written from scratch. Essay Writers Take Little Money for Their Work If you really want an experienced writer, you will have to pay for the cost of high quality work. If you are paying a cheap price, it is probably for a pre-written essay. So be prepared to get high quality work at a price. That being said, there are many writing services which offer custom essay writers who are qualified, provide unique papers, and speak English as their native language. It is really up to you to search for the best companies available based on reputation and experience before you hand over your payment for a model paper.