Four Ways to Effectivly Improve Your Writing

Conscientiously Correct and Avoid Common Writing Mistakes

Jun 26, 2009

The use of passive voice, poor word choice, and the presence of non-varied sentence structure are easily corrected mistakes many writers make.

As competition for jobs and acceptance into college become more competitive, maintaining effective writing skills is practically necessary. An intellectual writer sets him or herself apart from those competitors who simply do not possess the skill.

There are several common mistakes that inexperienced writers often make. These mistakes are easily corrected if they are understood and avoided. The following list explains three of the most common writing mistakes and instructions to correct them.

Passive Voice

Passive voice is technically defined by the use of a form of “to be” followed by a past principal. For the average person, this definition is an inadequate explanation. Passive voice is best understood through the analysis of sentences which use passive voice then gain an understanding of how to correct the problem.

Example One:

Example Two:

Example Three:

Passive voice is identified by the presence of phrases like “has been,” “is being,” “are made,” “was written” and “will be.” Passive voice lacks clarity and is considered a juvenile mistake by critical editors.

Poor Word Choice

Exceptional writers can not inefficiently choose their words or repeat the same word several times throughout a piece. If one wishes to improve his or her word choice, it is helpful for him or her to utilize a thesaurus while writing. If you read over your work and notice that you use the word “assume” four times in the past three sentences then your word choice needs to be improved. Use a thesaurus to find synonyms that effectively deliver the same meaning as the over-used word.

Exceptional word choice is slowly obtained through practice and/or reading the work of excellent authors. The more material that one reads, the greater his or her communication skills become.

Non-varied Sentence Structure

Amateur writers chronically make the mistake of repeating the same sentence structure too often. It is important to vary the length of and punctuation within the sentences you write. It is more attractive to the reader. Try using semicolons to attach two sentences; when properly used they are impressive additions to writing. The goal in this instance is moderation; don’t overuse the same sentence structure because you will bore your readers.

When properly implemented and understood, incorporating the preceding three elements into one’s writing will undoubtedly make it stronger and easier to read.

The copyright of the article Four Ways to Effectivly Improve Your Writing in Copyediting/Grammar & Style is owned by Sarah Smith. Permission to republish Four Ways to Effectivly Improve Your Writing in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.