Category · 395 articles
Writing
Vague Pronoun References
A vague pronoun does not clearly identify its antecedent. An antecedent is the noun or pronoun that the pronoun refers to or re-names. Vague pronouns usually…
Double Negatives
One form of Non-standard English is the double negative. In Non-standard English the double negative is used to emphasize the negative; however, in Standard English the…
Formulaic Phrases
In both formulaic phrases and idioms, the individual words may not mean exactly what they say. Both types of expressions often suggest, but do not state,…
Meaningless Sentence Starters
Avoid beginning sentences with There or Here + a “helping verb” or a “linking verb." Revise to eliminate these words. To delete the unnecessary There or…
Wordiness
Learning how to write concisely (briefly) and efficiently is important. When wording is added which does not contribute meaning, teachers call this padding. Padding includes needless…
Hyperbole
While hyperbole is used often in everyday speech, in literary dialogue and description, and in poems and songs, it may not be used in formal essays…
Rhetorical Questions in Essays
A rhetorical question is a statement formed as a question. Rhetorical questions can be manipulative because they are designed to appear objective and open-ended, but may…
How to Eliminate Passive Voice
In the passive voice the subject of the sentence is acted upon by the verb. For example, in “Her mistake was noticed by the students,” the…