Notes from an editor: These things I hate

I’m an editor. It’s what I do. And today is that day on which I simply list some of the things that make me crazy as an editor and a reader. Ready?

Passive voice. OH. MY. WORD! If you want to write, learn what passive voice is. Then mostly AVOID using it. The thing about passive voice is that it’s not necessarily wrong in writing and I’d even argue that you can use it—but very sparingly and for emphasis. But the other thing about passive voice is that most of us don’t use it sparingly or for emphasis. We just write that way because it seems like the easier way to write. But if you write solely in passive voice, your writing will become so full of prepositional phrases that it will be hard to decipher what you were really trying to say. So, cut to the chase, use fewer words, and AVOID PASSIVE VOICE.

Impactful. I really have a thing about impact. I hate it when people write things like “That really impacted me” or “This will be an impactful movie.” I may be in the minority, but I still think the word impact shouldn’t be used in these ways or forms. Impact still carries the idea of things crashing into each other. Impactful, I would argue, isn’t even a word. So, for my sanity’s sake, let’s say things affect us, can have an impact on us, and will have a lot of impact. Because impactful just makes me want to throw things. (And while we’re on the topic, sort of, let’s not make verbs out of nouns. Preachers do not sermon. Office employees do not office. I feel better now.)

Phrases, not sentences. I am the world’s biggest fan of sometimes using phrases for emphasis in writing. I admit it; I’m guilty. But here’s the deal: I think there’s a way to use phrases to great effect . . . and then there’s a way to use them to no effect. Don’t just throw in a phrase for no reason; know why you’re doing it. If you’re going to use a phrase or a series of them to get your point across or convey a sense of emotion or excitement, fine. Do it. But do it sparingly, and do it well. When you just randomly throw phrases into a piece of writing and there’s no reason, it just looks like you don’t know what a sentence is. You’re the writer and you don’t want your readers to think you’re dumb, so craft your sentences well and use phrases for emphasis and effect, not the bulk of your writing.

Who v. That. I realize this is probably a minor matter. But who is for people (or pets with names) and that is for everything else. Here’s an example: She is the girl who writes angry posts about grammar. The ring is the one that her grandma gave her.

Commas. I know I have a comma problem. Sometimes, I put them where they shouldn’t be and neglect to put them where they should be. But I’m aware of this, and when I go back for a second edit, I look for these problems. I don’t think every writer needs to be a grammar expert, but I do think every writer needs to have a working knowledge of his or her tools. All that to say, if you want to be a writer or even a good blogger, take some time to learn a little about commas. They’re important, particularly after introductory phrases. Yes, it’s true that most professional writers have an editor—but your editor will like you much more if he or she gets to help you shape the content more than fix comma placements.

That’s enough grammar/editing talk for the day. Have a happy Thursday! (Notice I did not say Have an impactful Thursday—but do strive to make an impact!) 😉

#writing #impactasverb #grammar #passivevoice #impactful