Quick: What is a noun? No matter where you went to elementary school, your brain probably leapt into action, screaming, “I know that! I know that! A noun is a person, place, or thing.” And that’s true. A noun is a person, place, thing, or concept. And what is a verb? Your brain triumphs again: […]
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“Make every word tell.”Strunk and White, The Elements of Style In preparing for a recent writing training, I received 60 pages of sample documents. I found myself writing, “omit needless words” at least once on every page, as writers wrote sentences like “The company frequently from time to time receives discounts on its products.” and
Omit Needless Words: Limit Low-Information Phrases. Read More »
Which is more engaging?She said… or She shrieked, she whispered, she yelled, she lisped, she bellowedHe walked… or He hobbled, he strode, he strutted, he limped, he prancedThey did… or They eviscerated, they surpassed, they glorified, they overcame, they exulted Verbs enliven language. They are your single greatest weapon against dullness. By adding this one
Zoom! Roar! Pounce! Write with Verbs Read More »
Responding to a ComplaintHere is an email received by a short-term apartment rental agency:It is pretty amazing how inept your agency is. You promised me that the apartment would be clean before Mr. A came back. They came into an apartment that was not clean and called me to complain. They ordered a cleaner to
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Dear John!We are really excited to be taking this next step with your company!! I know that we are going to be experiencing incredible growth together! Please contact me if there is anything that you need from us!Looking forward to a great future together!Robert Quick: What is your opinion of Robert? Is he a cool-headed
The Exclamation Mark! Are you overusing it? Read More »
