Zinsser_10

Active Verbs

Verbs that indicate a subject performing an action, enhancing clarity and vitality in writing.

Passive Verbs

Verbs that indicate an action being done to a subject, often resulting in unclear or weak sentences.

Adverbs

Words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, often deemed unnecessary when stronger verbs suffice.

Adjectives

Words that modify nouns, commonly used excessively and often without adding meaningful information.

Little Qualifiers

Small words that dilute writing, such as 'a bit,' 'kind of,' and 'very,' which weaken the author's authority.

Punctuation

A system of symbols that organize and clarify written language, with rules governing their appropriate use.

Credibility

The quality of being trusted and believed in; crucial for writers to maintain integrity in their writing.

Overstatement

Exaggerated claims that undermine the authenticity of writing; clarity is essential.

Concept Nouns

Nouns representing abstract ideas rather than actions, often leading to vague or lifeless writing.

Creeping Nounism

A tendency to string together multiple nouns when a more precise verb would suffice, leading to convoluted sentences.

Trust Your Material

A principle encouraging writers to rely on genuine facts and details in their narratives to engage readers.

Rewriting

The process of revising initial drafts to improve clarity, structure, and overall quality of written work.

Contractions

Shortened forms of words or phrases (e.g., 'can't' instead of 'cannot') that make writing feel more natural.

That and Which

Words used for clauses; 'that' is restrictive, and 'which' is non-restrictive, with specific comma rules.

Mood Changers

Words that signal a shift in tone or direction, helping to orient readers throughout the text.

Semicolon

A punctuation mark used to connect closely related independent clauses, used sparingly for clarity.

The Dash

A punctuation mark used to separate thoughts or to add emphasis, pushing sentences forward.

The Colon

A punctuation mark used to introduce lists or explanations, offering brief pauses in writing.

Short Paragraphs

Writing style choice that enhances readability by breaking text into digestible sections.

Sexism in Language

The problem of using language that discriminates or implies bias against one gender, often addressed in modern writing.

Go With Your Interests

Encouragement for writers to choose subjects they are passionate about to enhance authenticity in their writing.