Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Tuesday's Tips and Tidbits for Better Writing

Word Choice

Choosing the correct words for your content is one of the smartest things you can do for your writing career. Proper word choice will make your stories and articles entirely more persuasive. Conversely, putting the wrong words in the wrong place will only help you to lose your credibility, and unfortunately your readers too. So here are three common mistakes to watch out for when you write.

(1) All ready, and already: Use all ready when all refers to things or people:

The writers were all ready to write the best story ever!

Use already to refer to "by this time" or "by that time."

I could hardly believe her book already made the best seller list!

(2) Can hardly, can't hardly: Can hardly means virtually the same thing as cannot or can't:

My daughter can hardly wait until the end of the week, and the beginning of her summer vacation.

Can't hardly is improper grammar and should never be used in any context!

(3) Moral, morale: A moral is an adjective meaning ethical or virtuous.

The moral of the story is that if you use good grammar your writing will be more credible.

Morale is a noun meaning spirit or attitude.

The coach's positive attitude kept up his team's morale.

I hope you found these tips and tidbits useful. I will be back next week with some more!

Have a wonderful day!

4 comments:

Kathy@TheFlawlessWord said...

So good to see you back to regular posting again! And nice to see all three of your girls as well.

Lisa Vella said...

Thanks Kathy! I've been trying to post more regularly again. Sometimes it is hard with a new baby, but we're getting there! Thanks for not giving up on me!

Hope all is well with you! Have a great day!

Lisa

Anonymous said...

These are great tips, Lisa! Thanks for reminding us. ;-)

And, your girls are just beautiful! You are blessed!

*smiles*
Michele

Lisa Vella said...

Thank you, Michele! I am so in love with my girls and feel unbelievably blessed to have them!