Summary

1.

Style in writing consists largely of word choices and arrangement.

2.

Writers choose their words based on their subject, their attitude toward it, and their sense of what the audience wants or needs to know.

3.

General and abstract words are necessary for framing larger ideas, particularly in thesis and topic sentences, but specific and concrete terms are essential to develop the more general sentences.

4.

Writing concisely requires eliminating words that serve little purpose in a sentence. Sentences, paragraphs, and essays may be concise and still long.

5.

We can improve concision by controlling these elements:

Redundant expressions: each and every one, true facts
Padded phrases: very, thing, in terms of
Excessive qualifiers and emphasizers: sometimes, maybe/certainly, obviously
Unnecessary detail: ...postage stamp that is rectangular and placed in the corner
Inflated clauses and phrases: in an eager way = eagerly

6.

Writers vary their tone based on how they feel about their topic and how they regard their audience.

7.

Multisyllable words can easily be overused. Generally, rely on the more common word: numerous = many; terminate = end; edifice = house.

8.

Eliminate slang from relatively formal writing and use colloquial expressions judiciously: bummed = depressed; psyched up = excited; kid = child.

9.

The connotation of words often affects tone: child = innocence, happiness, freedom.

10.

Avoid biased language, including sexual bias, in writing: all men = everyone.

11.

Contractions should be used sparingly in relatively formal writing.

12.

Figures of speech can enrich writing, helping in concision, color and emphasis.

13.

Avoid cliches and worn expressions: sent chills up my spine.

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