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Category Archives: Flair & Finesse
Priorities II
As promised, here is the continuation of last week’s post about the many writing goals that start with “P.” We have already noted that we want our writing to be precise in language choices and pointed in organization. We benefit from a patient … Continue reading
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Priorities
You may have noticed how many of our writing objectives start with “C,” such as clarity, correctness, conciseness, consistency, and creativity. We can even add credibility and confidence, the outgrowth of continual improvement in mastering those goals. But have you ever thought about … Continue reading
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Bringing Your “A” Game
On occasion, I’ve referred to the “alarm system” each of us should continually expand to catch writing errors. Or if you prefer a different metaphor, you may want to make sure your “antennae” are properly tuned. Here are a few … Continue reading
Mirror, Mirror …
When we look into the mirror, we see ourselves as others do, right? With that cryptic hint as your guide, find the clarity problems in the following sentences. 1. Having perused several evaluations of the latest vacuum cleaners, I think … Continue reading
The “Basics”
Watch out for these common slips when using words related to “basic”: 1. I was basically on hold for more than 20 minutes until a customer service rep solved my issue. What is “basically” doing in this sentence? If we’re saying … Continue reading
Posted in Brevity, Flair & Finesse
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All Ears
Our daily paper just ran two complementary pieces filled with advice for grads seeking jobs. I was gratified by the articles’ accent on “soft skills” and this statement: “Communication skills are ranked first among a job candidate’s ‘must have’ qualities, according … Continue reading
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Quiz Time
Correct weaknesses in each of these sentences. 1. We both went to the same high school for a period of time until Jack won a scholarship to a private school. 2. The meeting is set for 8:30 am tomorrow morning, … Continue reading
Getting It “Wright”
Here’s another chance to flex your editing muscles. See what refinements you might make in these two paragraphs from an article quoting a Wright brothers authority. The publication will remain anonymous, and we’ll call the authority Smith. Although neither Albert … Continue reading
Posted in Brevity, Common Grammar Errors, Flair & Finesse
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Hit Your Target
The December 2, 2015, post focused on the relative weakness of the verb “to be” and the recommendation to look for a livelier verb in the editing process. (For example, instead of Several of us were wondering who will be the new … Continue reading
Play Copy Editor
Several rough spots jumped out at me when I read Friday’s newspaper. What would you have caught as copy editor? 1. From an entertainment column: The other reason I’m fond of the jacket is because KSU was one of the … Continue reading
Posted in Brevity, Flair & Finesse
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