#Workshop - Helpful Tips on Grammar and Article Structure - Mon., Feb. 11th at 8 PM EST

The New Intimacy

#Workshop - Helpful Tips on Grammar and Article Structure - Mon., Feb. 11th at 8 PM EST

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Contributor: Ansley Ansley
Quote:
Originally posted by travelnurse
I have an issue with using and as my word.
Guilty of that at times.
02/11/2013
Contributor: Pandwhora Pandwhora
Quote:
Originally posted by SneakersAndPearls
Some words are overused and added as filler where they shouldn't be. One example of a much overused word is “that.” Let's look at an example.

She was much taller than the women that Jon usually dated.

-OR-

She was much ... more
Lately I have been finding myself questioning whether the word "that" belonged in my sentence or not.
02/11/2013
Contributor: *Ashley* *Ashley*
Quote:
Originally posted by SneakersAndPearls
Some words are overused and added as filler where they shouldn't be. One example of a much overused word is “that.” Let's look at an example.

She was much taller than the women that Jon usually dated.

-OR-

She was much ... more
I am guilty of this I'm sure....
noted. (I'm learning over here!)
02/11/2013
Contributor: SneakersAndPearls SneakersAndPearls
One of the major rules in writing is cutting words, sentences, and paragraphs that aren't necessary. As you write, and as you proofread, ask yourself if those words on the page are vital. You'd be surprised at how well writing flows when the extras are done away with. For instance, take the phrase “absolutely necessary.” If it's necessary, it's necessary. The word “absolutely” doesn't add anything and is redundant.

How about an example where a whole sentence can be removed?

Jon glared at the broccoli, then wrinkled his nose and turned away. He didn't like broccoli. He went to the fridge and pulled out Saturday's Chinese leftovers.

Do we really need the sentence, “He didn't like broccoli”? No, we don't since we can clearly gather that from the first sentence.
02/11/2013
Contributor: *Ashley* *Ashley*
Quote:
Originally posted by SneakersAndPearls
Actually, those are still two different thoughts. You could say:
I wasn't sure if there was supposed to be a link; there wasn't.
Better put. Thanks.
02/11/2013
Contributor: SneakersAndPearls SneakersAndPearls
Quote:
Originally posted by *Ashley*
I am guilty of this I'm sure....
noted. (I'm learning over here!)
I think this is something that everyone has been guilty of.
02/11/2013
Contributor: *Ashley* *Ashley*
This is a topic I will have to come back to. I'm so bad with my grammar and such... So much to remember!
02/11/2013
Contributor: theothers1 theothers1
Quote:
Originally posted by SneakersAndPearls
One of the major rules in writing is cutting words, sentences, and paragraphs that aren't necessary. As you write, and as you proofread, ask yourself if those words on the page are vital. You'd be surprised at how well writing flows when ... more
Wouldn't "He didn't like broccoli" be an example of 'telling' instead of 'showing'? The previous sentences show that he doesn't like it, making the telling of it unnecessary. I know show not tell is big in writing.
02/11/2013
Contributor: SneakersAndPearls SneakersAndPearls
Now you may feel ready to start putting together an article, but articles and essays, like sentences have structure. The good news is that the structure is very simple. There are only three parts: introduction, body, and conclusion, or, as the saying goes, “Tell 'em what your going to tell 'em, tell 'em, and tell 'em what you told 'em.”

In your introduction, you are beginning your topic and setting the tone for the rest of your article. By the end of your intro, the reader should have a good idea where you are going. If you are still meandering about after that first paragraph, it's time for a rewrite.

In the body, you will put the bulk of your information. Do not quote other sources without credit. That's plagarism. Also, do not copy and paste large blocks of text, even if you do credit the author. It's bad form.

In the conclusion, you'll wrap it up. Highlight important ideas from your article and give your final thoughts on the subject. That's it.
02/11/2013
Contributor: SneakersAndPearls SneakersAndPearls
Quote:
Originally posted by *Ashley*
This is a topic I will have to come back to. I'm so bad with my grammar and such... So much to remember!
When I'm done with everything, I will be posting a list of all the rules we went over.
02/11/2013
Contributor: *Ashley* *Ashley*
Quote:
Originally posted by SneakersAndPearls
One of the major rules in writing is cutting words, sentences, and paragraphs that aren't necessary. As you write, and as you proofread, ask yourself if those words on the page are vital. You'd be surprised at how well writing flows when ... more
I find myself need to thoroughly explain in my writings. I can see how it is easy for me to do. Add unnecessary information. At the time of writing though, I feel as if I need to add all the details. So I tend to over explain. I'll try to catch myself from doing it so often.
02/11/2013
Contributor: Loriandhubby Loriandhubby
Quote:
Originally posted by SneakersAndPearls
When I'm done with everything, I will be posting a list of all the rules we went over.
thank you !!!
02/11/2013
Contributor: *Ashley* *Ashley*
Quote:
Originally posted by SneakersAndPearls
When I'm done with everything, I will be posting a list of all the rules we went over.
This will be helpful.
02/11/2013
Contributor: SneakersAndPearls SneakersAndPearls
Quote:
Originally posted by theothers1
Wouldn't "He didn't like broccoli" be an example of 'telling' instead of 'showing'? The previous sentences show that he doesn't like it, making the telling of it unnecessary. I know show not tell is big in writing.
Yes, it would violate the "show, don't tell" rule of writing if you left it in. That's why it's unnecessary. You've already showed that he doesn't. You don't need to say it.
02/11/2013
Contributor: travelnurse travelnurse
Quote:
Originally posted by Loriandhubby
thank you !!!
Good. I can print it out for future reference.
02/11/2013
Contributor: Pandwhora Pandwhora
Quote:
Originally posted by SneakersAndPearls
When I'm done with everything, I will be posting a list of all the rules we went over.
Sweet!
02/11/2013
Contributor: Pandwhora Pandwhora
Quote:
Originally posted by SneakersAndPearls
Yes, it would violate the "show, don't tell" rule of writing if you left it in. That's why it's unnecessary. You've already showed that he doesn't. You don't need to say it.
I've never heard of the "show don't tell" rule...good to know.
02/11/2013
Contributor: SneakersAndPearls SneakersAndPearls
Quote:
Originally posted by travelnurse
Good. I can print it out for future reference.
I didn't add the semicolon facts to it, but I will before posting.
02/11/2013
Contributor: Loriandhubby Loriandhubby
Quote:
Originally posted by *Ashley*
I find myself need to thoroughly explain in my writings. I can see how it is easy for me to do. Add unnecessary information. At the time of writing though, I feel as if I need to add all the details. So I tend to over explain. I'll try to catch ... more
i tend to do that too. but, i try to read over my stuff a few times before i turn it turn in.
02/11/2013
Contributor: *Ashley* *Ashley*
Quote:
Originally posted by *Ashley*
I find myself need to thoroughly explain in my writings. I can see how it is easy for me to do. Add unnecessary information. At the time of writing though, I feel as if I need to add all the details. So I tend to over explain. I'll try to catch ... more
I also need to reread, and reread again before I hit send!!
Sometimes I read and reread and still don't catch my mess-ups, until it is too late. I think when I review my own work, My mind knows what SHOULD be there and it just reads when I meant to put down instead of what is actually written down.

Am I making since here??
02/11/2013
Contributor: Airen Wolf Airen Wolf
(EF Review Program Mentor)
Amazing tips!
I am copying and pasting like a fiend.
02/11/2013
Contributor: SneakersAndPearls SneakersAndPearls
Quote:
Originally posted by *Ashley*
I also need to reread, and reread again before I hit send!!
Sometimes I read and reread and still don't catch my mess-ups, until it is too late. I think when I review my own work, My mind knows what SHOULD be there and it just reads when I ... more
Yes. It is extremely common.
02/11/2013
Contributor: Airen Wolf Airen Wolf
(EF Review Program Mentor)
Quote:
Originally posted by *Ashley*
I also need to reread, and reread again before I hit send!!
Sometimes I read and reread and still don't catch my mess-ups, until it is too late. I think when I review my own work, My mind knows what SHOULD be there and it just reads when I ... more
This is why we often suggest taking time away from the work or reading each sentence from the bottom of the page working backwards!
02/11/2013
Contributor: *Ashley* *Ashley*
Quote:
Originally posted by Pandwhora
I've never heard of the "show don't tell" rule...good to know.
New to me too.
02/11/2013
Contributor: SneakersAndPearls SneakersAndPearls
Now is time to write about your subject, but be careful! Before you start, know that there is a huge difference between your opinion and fact. You may be thinking to yourself that it's obvious that there's a difference, but sometimes the differences are subtle. For example, you could say, “Excessive face piercings look terrible.” You may truly believe that they look terrible, but that's your opinion, not a fact. A fact would be, “Some people are turned off by face piercings.” Subtle, but different.
02/11/2013
Contributor: *Ashley* *Ashley*
Quote:
Originally posted by Airen Wolf
This is why we often suggest taking time away from the work or reading each sentence from the bottom of the page working backwards!
I think working backwards would confuse me.. worth a try though!
02/11/2013
Contributor: Airen Wolf Airen Wolf
(EF Review Program Mentor)
Quote:
Originally posted by SneakersAndPearls
Now is time to write about your subject, but be careful! Before you start, know that there is a huge difference between your opinion and fact. You may be thinking to yourself that it's obvious that there's a difference, but sometimes the ... more
BIG issue for editors at SexIs! We love opinions but opinions stated as though they are fact will always force us to correct the article or outright reject it.
02/11/2013
Contributor: Airen Wolf Airen Wolf
(EF Review Program Mentor)
Quote:
Originally posted by *Ashley*
I think working backwards would confuse me.. worth a try though!
It really doesn't because it forces you to LOOK at each sentence individually. Rather than reading for content. It changes your focus.
02/11/2013
Contributor: Pandwhora Pandwhora
Quote:
Originally posted by *Ashley*
I think working backwards would confuse me.. worth a try though!
I'm guessing that would be a way to not allow our brain to trick us into thinking we are reading what we are supposed to be reading? If that makes sense..lol
02/11/2013
Contributor: *Ashley* *Ashley*
Quote:
Originally posted by Airen Wolf
It really doesn't because it forces you to LOOK at each sentence individually. Rather than reading for content. It changes your focus.
That makes since.
02/11/2013