Prompt Proofing Blog Post: How to Improve Your Writing: Part 5
This is the fifth of a six-part series on improving your writing style. Whether you write for business or academic purposes, there are a few golden rules that will help you sharpen up your prose.

VANCOUVER, BC, May 06, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- This is the fifth of a six-part series on improving your writing style. Whether you write for business or academic purposes, there are a few golden rules that will help you sharpen up your prose.

Part 5: Have the courage of your convictions

Whether you are writing a research paper, a business report, web copy or a news article - don't be wishy-washy, have the courage of your convictions and refrain from overuse of qualifiers in your writing.

Consider the following:

I really believe that perhaps the biggest obstacle is that employees may sometimes fail to see the big picture.

Compare this:

I believe the biggest obstacle is that employees fail to see the big picture.

The first sentence has so many qualifiers that it lacks any conviction - if you believe something, say so; don't avoid commitment with endless qualifiers. The word really is particularly overused; ask yourself if you 'really' need it - chances are you don't. Consider the following:

I really feel we need to change this. / I feel we need to change this.

That was a really terrifying experience. / That was a terrifying experience.

I really enjoyed the show. / I enjoyed the show.

It's really embarrassing when that happens. / It's embarrassing when that happens.

If you do need to place a stress on your verb, then choose a better word e.g.:

I feel strongly that we need to change this.

After really, very and quite are perhaps the next offenders:

Our company is very active in the community. / Our company is active in the community.

I feel quite strongly on this matter. / I feel strongly on this matter.

Remember: over qualifying suggests a reluctance to commit, or a lack of confidence. Neither enhances your writing. Read through your work and delete all incidences of 'really', 'very' and 'quite' - I guarantee it will be a stronger piece of writing and that nothing will be lost.

Check back next Friday for another Prompt Proofing blog post!

About the Author

Pat Wootton is originally from England and is a former high school English teacher. Having spent many years in the Caribbean, where she raised her family, she now lives in Vancouver, BC. In addition, she has taught English as a Second Language (ESL) for several years after earning a diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of British Columbia. She now owns and runs Prompt Proofing, a copy editing and writing service that caters to both individuals and businesses.

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