What to Avoid in Your Writing

When the first full draft of your manuscript is complete and it’s time to enter the editing phase, consider avoiding the following. 

Subtle redundancies 

Example: The crowd clapped their hands. Correction: The crowd clapped.

Example: She had a smile on her face. Correction: She smiled.

Example: He shrugged his shoulders. Correction: He shrugged.

Example: They blinked their eyes. Correction: They blinked.

Example: Everyone heard the sound of bells. Correction: Everyone heard the bells. 

The words Up, Down

Example: He sat down on the couch  Correction: He sat on the couch.

Example: She rose up from the chair. Correction: She rose from the chair.

The word That

Example: They thought that it was true. Correction: They thought it was true.

Example: She said that the book was fantastic. Correction: She said the book was fantastic.

Adverbs (words ending in -ly) 

Example: Don't speak so loudly! Correction: Don't yell!

Example: She angrily slammed the door. Correction: She slammed the door. 

The words Very, Really, Actually, Just

Example: The group was very tired. Correction: The group was exhausted. 

Example: That was a really smart idea. Correction: That was a smart idea. 

Example: I can't believe it actually worked! Correction: I can't believe it worked!

Example: Dinner was just delicious. Correction: Dinner was delicious. 

The words Used to

Example: She used to write. Correction: She wrote.

Telling what’s not happening 

Example: He didn't respond. Correction: remove sentence

Too much stage direction for the mundane

Example: He entered the lunch room, walked to the table, sat on the chair, grabbed the fork, took a bite, and swallowed. Correction: He ate lunch.

To strengthen your writing with editing, you must learn to delete, rewrite, and refine. You must think through every sentence and every word. Ask yourself, is this necessary? Is there one word I can use to describe three words?

Editing requires attentiveness and above all, time. With practice, these editing tips will come to you naturally.  

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