words before you write. This is why planning any piece of
work you do is essential.
Economising on words
Make your writing ‘tight’ by avoiding repetition and making
sure you don’t use several words if one will do. Delete
unnecessary adverbs of manner. Your verb should
frequently be sufficient to indicatehowsomething is done.
Sheran quickly out of the room.This would be more effective if you used the verb ‘rushed’.
Sherushed out of the room.Don’t use tautologies which are simply repetition or
malapropisms (words that sound similar to other words but
are used incorrectly)!
Varying your style
You will have to adapt your style of writing to the particular
work you are doing. A newspaper report will not be the
same as a short story. The report of a football match will
differ from a true account of an exciting incident. Read
widely to enlarge your vocabulary and notice how other
writers use language. Don’t copy them. Learn from them but
develop your own style. Write frequently and your style will
improve.
IMPPROVING YOUR STYLE / 133