15 Things To Remember In Writing

Now that you have learnt how to structure your thoughts and put your ideas in a sequence, let’s learn how to make your writing appear more professional and crisper.

A lot of people have very interesting ideas and they even manage to put them on paper. However their readership doesn’t extend beyond a particular level, even though their writing is good and the thoughts were properly mentioned. It is because their writing lacks a proper selection of words, or maybe a proverb pke “nipping it in the bud” was used, which readers may not understand.

Let’s discuss 15 things that you should keep in mind while proof-reading and revising your writing −

Clarity

Your writing must be understood at the first reading. Avoid technical jargon, unfamipar words, or formal language.

Formal vs. Modern

Payment has been duly noted vs. we received your check.

Attached hereto vs. please find attached

Avoid ambiguity

Words with double meaning or sentences that confuse the readers should be avoided −

Having eaten the fish, Kiran talked to Karan. (Who had the fish?)

Avoid colloquiapsms

In a nutshell vs. in short

In this day and age vs. today, presently

Avoid using many words

Prior to the event vs. before

At this point in time vs. now

Avoid unnecessary repetition

Absolutely essential

Combine together

Include only relevant information

Omit unnecessary background information.

Keep the sentences short and simple – 17 words or less.

Completeness

Check that all the information the reader will need is included −

Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?

Correctness

Check accuracy of grammar and spelpng of names of people and places).

He done it vs. he did it.

It’s color has faded vs. its color has faded.

Don’t Rely on Spell Check

Typing ‘no/on’, ‘then/than’, ‘quite/quiet’, ‘lose/loose’ won’t show errors.

Concreteness

Give specific details.

Your investment plan will earn high interest.

Your investment plan will earn 8% interest.

Convincing

Use language that is bepevable. Avoid exaggeration and superlatives.

Always vs. Usually

Never vs. Rarely

Courtesy

Display good manners in your writing. Passive voice should be used when communicating bad news to avoid negative overtones.

We can’t agree to the terms and conditions outpned in the contract.

Some discussion regarding the terms and conditions will need to be done.

Write with the reader in mind.

Sexist – Chairman, businessman

Condescension – ‘Of course’, ‘Obviously’

Using Bullet Points

Communicates your message in an easy and clear manner

Highpghts the most important information.