With the observation that the internet has made writers and publishers of us all, our dramatic friends at Copyblogger.com recently made a catchy-yet-creepy claim that modifiers and adverbs weaken writing so much that they’re the equivalent of “dangerous bloodsuckers” that deserve the same brutal treatment as vampires in the path of Abe Lincoln’s ax.
If you feel courageous and ready to take ’em on with the “blood-red ink of an editor’s pin,” a few bold moves will give your text a more confident tone — and keep you from being led astray by the prose-weakening modifiers that make you look as timid as a girl in a graveyard. (Modifiers are more monstrous than previously thought.)
It’s a catchy-yet-creepy metaphor to call adverbs ‘bloodsuckers,” but since they do minimize the power of your prose, the argument has teeth.
** Avoid “although,” “while” and “whereas,” especially at the beginning of sentences. Same with “whatsoever.” It serves no purpose whatsoever.**Nix “indeed,” “in fact” and “to be sure.” (Copyblogger calls them throat-clearing phrases, and no one appreciates the distraction.)** Check your text for noncommittal words like “somewhat” and “seems.” Then add purpose to your writing by slashing them from sentences.** Turn a harsh glare upon “techno-jargon and business-speak terms like “leverage” and “optimize,” and incinerate them.
And if you’re squirming with discomfort as you review this list of weak-writing offenses, call SplendidlySaid.
The sooner, the better.
214-717-4737.
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