Editing Tip: Adverbs & Adjectives

The English language is blessed with more words than any other (probably). This being the case, it is often tempting to flex our vocabulary muscles and include as many descriptors as we can. But don't!

Do your readers a favor and trim the time they have to spend poring over your work. Lessen the word count by taking full advantage of the English vocabulary.

Rules of thumb:

Try to incorporate the adverb in the verb.

• "She talked loudly" could be "she shouted," "she harangued," "she complained," "she cursed."
• "He left quickly" could be "he fled," "he vaulted," "he vamoosed," "he skedaddled."
• (I'd skedaddle too, after a harangue like that.)

Only include an adjective if it makes a difference to the noun.

• "The red cardinal" is redundant. If you saw a blue cardinal, it would warrant the adjective. (Of course, up here in Boston, it's "the winning Cardinal" that we never see. And the Sox are always Red.)

As most people agree Blaise Pascal said first, "I have made this letter longer than usual, because I lack the time to make it short."

Take the time, and make an impression.

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Editing Tip: Active vs. Passive Voice

In active voice, you always know who's doing the action. In passive voice, the "actor" is in doubt. Use active voice for lively, engaging content in which you're trying to paint a picture. Use passive voice in instances when you want to avoid placing blame.

Examples:

P -- The plant has been shredded.
A -- The cat shredded the plant.
(I always knew it was the cat.)

P -- The homework was lost.
A -- The dog ate my homework.
(Blaming someone else is still active voice, as long as you can tell who's taking the hit.)

P -- Honey, the budget for electronic equipment has been exceeded.
A -- Honey, I bought a new car stereo.
(Correct approach depends on your spouse.)

Got an active/passive question? Send it in!

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LBM Editing

For expert help with the written word, contact Laura.

Phone: 508 / 788-0433

Email: lbmatthews@aol.com

Location: Framingham, Massachusetts