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Ways to avoid using the word 'very'

writerswrite.co.za

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Re: Ways to avoid using the word 'very'

#151

Post by habosa »

gweinberg wrote: post #131
habosa wrote: post #100

When I was in high school we couldn't use the verb "to be" in assignments for English class. No is, am, are, was, were, has been, will be, etc. Of course this is overly restrictive, but 80-90% of the time there was a better way to phrase the sentence if you thought about removing the "be" verb. 10% of the time it was awkward, which sucked. Aside: also taught me that MS Word has a very advanced find feature where I co…

If you believe that, why did you use forms of "to be" just now? "when Im was in high school", "this is overly restrictive", "there was a better way", pretty much the only part of your post which would find favor with your English teacher was "it sucked".

I've fallen out of the habit, also hacker news comments don't call for all of the style rules I use for formal writing.

Re: Ways to avoid using the word 'very'

#152

Post by vacri »

igorgue wrote: post #128
notlisted wrote: post #110

Let me disagree. Many words in the "rather say" column hinder clear communication. * If a dictionary visit is required, you've failed the audience. * If multiple interpretations are possible, you've failed yourself. Ex: - Sagacious is out of favor since 1920 (google ngram). - Solemn vs 'very serious' (implies religious aspects where there were none) - Accomplished vs 'very capable (implies having attained something,…

Thanks for this comment, I'm tired of smartasses that try to use every new word they "discover".

I'm tired of anti-intellectuals who shame people for trying to improve their vocabulary.

Re: Ways to avoid using the word 'very'

#153

Post by vacri »

notlisted wrote: post #147
thirsteh wrote: post #144

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You missed both of my points: No matter your intended audience, there is always somebody who will need a dictionary. It's not shameful to look up words, and it's easier than ever to do so. You've shifted to arguing about conversion rates for non-English speakers, which is a fair, but separate point. (I'm also curious if small words and simple sentences really do translate to higher conversion rates.) I am talking abo…

There's a difference between "somebody" needing a dictionary, and "20% of your audience". If you write a book, go ahead and insert "fluffy" words, if they are more precise. If you write a blog post or create site copy, assume the worst and keep it simple. (PS Neither am I, and so do I, but I admire writers like Steinbeck and Hemingway. Simple and powerful. It's actually harder, not easier.)

The problem is that you perceive them as 'fluffy' words. When you're used to them, they increase precision in communication.

I agree that you should write to your audience, but at the same time, don't aim for the lowest common denominator. That's a race to the bottom. Site copy for a commercial site should be pitched at your customer's level. A personal blog post should be written the way you want to write - it's your voice. It's okay to expect your audience to be of a given quality, or for them to stretch themselves a little to understand you fluently. The other thing is that the more detailed your language, the better you can write between the lines. Not every concept needs to be explained directly when writing.

Keep in mind also that the article is talking about creative writing, something people read to enjoy. Striking out tired common terms like 'very' makes your writing more unique and interesting. The article isn't about how to do copywriting, though you still wouldn't want to use 'very' all that much there, either - repetitive phrases make for bad copy.

Re: Ways to avoid using the word 'very'

#154

Post by teh_klev »

notlisted wrote: post #110

Let me disagree. Many words in the "rather say" column hinder clear communication. * If a dictionary visit is required, you've failed the audience. * If multiple interpretations are possible, you've failed yourself. Ex: - Sagacious is out of favor since 1920 (google ngram). - Solemn vs 'very serious' (implies religious aspects where there were none) - Accomplished vs 'very capable (implies having attained something,…

"If a dictionary visit is required, you've failed the audience."

I disagree, I very much enjoy having my vocabulary enriched by having to visit a dictionary now and again. If you are an english speaker and reader (regardless of whether it's your first, second or third language) visits to the dictionary are a good thing.

Re: Ways to avoid using the word 'very'

#155

Post by jimmaswell »

RogerL wrote: post #142
jimmaswell wrote: post #124

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That is just completely absurd. How would I even say that without using "is"? That .. is, no .. Complete absurdity is , no.. Complete absurdity dwells in that concept? That sounds like I'm trying to write some kind of poetry. The verb "to be" is one of the most important verbs of the entire language. Of any language, even in cases like Latin where it's not said but implied to be there. It is a fundamental tool of com…

If you intend to emphasize the object in that first sentence, the passive voice is correct (as in this sentence). However, we usually do not want to do that. Consider: The chair leg has been chewed by my bored dog. vs My bored dog chewed the chair leg. The former, being passive, emphasizes the chair leg rather than the subject. Anyway, a non-passive rewrite of your first sentence is: "I find that completely absurd".…

I guess I mostly prefer to emphasize the object when the actor isn't necessary. I've known the deal with the passive voice. It's better used when it makes the sentence shorter rather than longer.

Re: Ways to avoid using the word 'very'

#156

Post by dpcan »

sabbatic13 wrote: post #38
dpcan wrote: post #27

This is a good list and lesson. I remember learning about this in my creative writing classes in college, and the other great tip we got at about the same time was to do something similar when writing in past tense by ditching the "ings" and changing references like "he was running home" with "he ran home" or "she was burning the papers" with "she burned the papers". It turns out that too many "ings" can make a story…

There's a difference in meaning between "he ran home" and "he was running home." Most people aren't aware enough of the language they use to avoid overusing certain things, but mechanical transformations aren't the answer. One should aspire to learn how language works, and then use it appropriately.

Yeah, bad example. I was referring more to removing "was" and "ing" if you are overusing it too much, particularly when writing scenes that include action.

It really does work though. Through peer review, I found that making some changes along these lines vastly improved some of my stories.

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