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Improving writing one writer at a time

Tip #25: If only people used only properly

6/26/2014

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As we’ve discussed before, inexperienced writers typically fail to distinguish between spoken English and written English.  A very common signal of this failure is the common use of only.

Only is an adverb meaning solely, exclusively, merely, as recently as, or in the final outcome or decision.  But only is also an adjective meaning being the single one or relatively few of its kind as well as a conjunction which sometimes replaces but.  The adjective and conjunction uses don’t usually trip writers.  It’s the adverb use that’s the problem.

Check out the example sentence in the graphic above.  The writer of this sentence uses the word only much as it appears commonly in spoken English.  However, in written English the placement of only serves to modify awarded, which indicates that the only verb which can be associated with the subject of the sentence is awarded.  The M.S. degree is never earned or framed or anything other than awarded.

That’s not likely the intended meaning, but that is what follows from the placement of the adverb only directly before the verb.  What is likely meant is that a student can receive the M.S. degree only by starting with a B.S. degree and then proceeding to a Ph.D. degree.  In this case, the sentence should appear as follows:


The M.S. degree is normally awarded only to students who expect to pursue the Ph.D. degree in metallurgy and who do not already have an M.S. degree.

The adverb only indicates a restriction of some kind.  Notice how the placement of the word indicates what is restricted.  It’s not the action associated with the degree that is restricted.  It’s who can receive the degree.

Of course, only forms a part of phrase indicators such as if only and but only.  In these cases, the placement of only is determined by its participation in the phrase indicators.  But when using only otherwise, and especially when using it as an adverb, make sure you place the word only around the item or idea you intend to restrict.  More precise language makes for better writing, and that makes you look only better in the eyes of your readers.
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Tip #24: Affect your knowledge for greater effect

6/19/2014

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Because English is a borrowed language, sometimes what seems to be right really isn’t.  And when you combine that with writers who fail to distinguish between spoken English and written English, you’ve set the scene for less than effective writing.

For instance, take the words affect and effect.  Spoken quickly (or carelessly) enough the two words sound very much the same.  And yet the meanings of the words are quite different.

Affect is only a verb (to affect) which means to influence.  Effect is both a noun (effect) which means result and a verb (to effect) which means to bring about.  The best way to identify the proper word to use is to substitute the word with each of these three definitions.  Whichever one makes the most sense indicates the proper word to use.

Let’s examine the sample sentence in the graphic above.  If we replace the word affects with each of the three definitions we just entertained, we should spot the correct use rather easily.


Placing these two metals in physical contact creates a galvanic couple which in turn influences the corrosion rate of the anodic piece.

Placing these two metals in physical contact creates a galvanic couple which in turn results the corrosion rate of the anodic piece.

Placing these two metals in physical contact creates a galvanic couple which in turn brings about the corrosion rate of the anodic piece.

The correct choice is the final one.  Clearly the second choice is incorrect.  As for the first choice, certainly the type of metals forming the galvanic couple influence the corrosion rate.  But galvanic corrosion doesn’t even exist without a galvanic couple; thus, the galvanic couple brings about the corrosion of the anode, making effects the proper word.

If the word is used as a noun, obviously you should choose effect (singular) or effects (plural).  It’s the use of the verb that attends problems.  And in that case just substitute the definition and see which one fits better.  Affect your knowledge for greater effect, and you’ll see your writing and the representation that makes of you and your brands improve.
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Tip #23: Subjects and predicates should agree (even if you don't)

6/12/2014

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My love affair with Schoolhouse Rock began as a child and, particularly for the Grammar Rock segments, continues today.  So when I decided to write a post on subject-predicate agreement, I recognized that Schoolhouse Rock’s Mr. Morton could explain what the subject and predicate are quite well.  I could just tell you that the subject is the noun part of the sentence and the predicate is the verb part, but Schoolhouse Rock’s approach (which takes about three minutes) is just too classic to ignore.
Once you know what the subject and the predicate are, you need to ensure that they agree in number.  That means that a singular noun takes a singular verb and a plural noun takes a plural verb.  Most writers follow this rule rather well.  But occasionally you can see an example of a writer who didn’t.

Usually it happens when the main verb in the predicate is distanced from the noun in the subject and what immediately precedes the verb appears like the form opposite that of what the verb should take.
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Take for example the sentence in the graphic at left.  The insert attached to the locking positions is the subject and is singular since the main noun insert is singular.  The predicate is hold sufficiently well.  This is plural but should be singular to agree with the singular noun in the subject.

Likely the plural positions confused the writer who then wrote to hold in a plural form.  But the verb in the predicate should be singular just like the noun in the subject.  Thus, the writer should change the sentence thus:


The insert attached to the locking positions holds sufficiently.

Make sure that your subjects and predicates agree (even if you don’t)!  Better writing makes for a better presentation, and that’s always better than the alternative.
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Tip #22: Eliminate needless words

6/5/2014

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About a month ago we discussed how brevity characterizes good writing.  In that discussion we focused on the use of active voice instead of passive voice as a route to that brevity.  Today we will discuss eliminating needless words.

Take a look at the table below.  While not comprehensive, it contains many common uses of repetitive and needless words.
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I’m convinced that may of these less effective uses in writing come from writers who simply transcribe spoken English and do not think sufficiently about what they are writing.

For instance, take combined together.  This phrase is very common in spoken English.  Yet in written English the word together offers nothing to enhance the meaning of combined.  If two or more elements are combined, they are by definition together.  So more effective writing will eliminate together and simply have combined.

Again, this list is far from comprehensive.  However, it’s a pretty good sampling, including some combination that I should have caught myself using.  So if like me you feel the need to keep tabs on this table as a reference, by all means do so.  Sharper, more precise language very often makes for better writing.  And better writing makes a more effective presentation and representation of both you as a writer and the brands connected to you.
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    Author

    Howdy!  I'm Lance, Managing Editor of words by kurt.  I'm also an engineer and an educator.  With degrees in both engineering and English, I've been providing writing-related services since 1997, and I want to help my fellow engineers become better writers.  That's why in 2014 I started providing free writing tips via this blog.  Enjoy!

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