How to Write Better Essays

The following example presents no problem in understanding what

is meant, but it does sound slightly pompous:

Our constant demand for material possessions and a higher

standard of living has bestowed on politicians an effective way of

influencing the way we vote.

It would be simpler and more direct to say:

Our constant demand for material possessions and a higher

standard of living has given politicians an effective way of influenc-

ing the way we vote.

This example not only sounds pompous, but leaves you won-

dering whether you are clear about what the writer really meant

to say:

An advertiser will work to establish a close contiguity between

driving a certain car, or drinking a certain drink, and a full, active

social life.

Once you’ve substituted a more familiar word, the meaning is im-

mediately clearer.

An advertiser will work to establish a close association between

driving a certain car, or drinking a certain drink, and a full, active

social life.

Strong nouns and verbs

Enough has already been said about the importance of writing with

strong nouns and verbs, rather than shoring them up with adjectives

and adverbs. So, check that you have used strong nouns and verbs with

the minimum of modifiers. And constantly remind yourself that the

fewer verbs you have to modify with adverbs, and nouns with adjec-

tives, the better your writing will be.

You might argue,

A manufacturer of computer printers will be keen to tell you that

theirs is the most advanced printer on the market, but be really

nervous about revealing that their print cartridges cost on average

five times as much as any other printer.

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