As the only writer in my house, I’m the first to be summoned for editing help. Writers aren’t the only ones who need to edit a paper. Students have school papers and research pieces riddled with informalities. Signage is poorly punctuated. Speeches and reports are complicated and wordy. There’s a reason it’s the “dreaded edit”; it’s everywhere and everyone needs a little editing help.
Knowing what to look for when editing can be difficult, especially after reading the same page two days in a row. With this dilemma in mind, I pulled out my top 10 list of common writing errors and editing methods that anyone can find/use to remedy their writing. These errors and methods are not in order of importance and they might not all apply to you.
I. Weak Introduction
The introduction paragraph is the first opportunity to grab a reader’s attention or lose it forever. Just because the instructor has to read your paper doesn’t mean a sub par intro is okay. A proper introduction has a hook (first sentence that “baits” reader), some explanation as to the purpose of the paper, and a thesis statement that tells the reader the main points and conclusion it will prove. A weak introduction will not entice a reader to keep reading and will poorly explain the main idea of the paper.
To build a strong introduction, I start with the body and conclusion and then end with the beginning. Writing the introduction paragraph last allows me to completely develop and understand the paper’s main purpose. Once there is a complete understanding, the introduction is easier to write and connects more strongly with the paper. That’s why author Eva Marie Everson wrote, “. . . the first line of your book [essay] may not be the first line you write.” (7). The first line written may not be the best to start with.
II. The Look Test
“The Look Test,” which I credit to literary agent and Serious Writer board member Cyle Young, is a way to find a common error. To conduct “The Look Test,” look at the first word of each paragraph and then the first word of each sentence. Starting two or more consecutive paragraphs or sentences with the same word can be seen as sloppy writing.
To fix the madness, use synonyms or change the sentence structure. The test may seem tedious, but looking for this repetition can help prevent it in the future and create a more diverse, interesting essay or chapter.
III. Echoes/Repeated Words
Since I talked about “The Look Test,” it makes sense to follow up with echoes. An echo is writer-speak for repeated words within a paragraph or sentence.
Let’s say I’m talking about a dog, and because my essay is about a dog, I’ll repeat the word dog, even when I can give the dog a name, or talk about the dog’s breed, or anything else that can describe the dog.
I just used “dog” six times (now seven). Three consecutive times within a sentence or adjacent sentences is the magic number for an echo. Six is a problem, as I’m sure the above sentence was dull, repetitive, and repulsive.
To avoid echoes, use synonyms. Make sure the new word has the desired meaning, but a simple switch fixes an echo. If there is no possible synonym for the word, leave it. Sometimes an echo is purposeful and can build an idea or greater resolve. Just make sure it’s on purpose.
IV. Too Vague. . . This, That, It
Vagueness kills writing. Being vague about the purpose of an essay or information that supports the main idea can confuse a reader or gain a bad grade. Vagueness in a book quickly loses a reader. The usual cop-out words are “this,” “that,” and “it.” They are not inherently bad (start reading from the top and you’ll find a few), but aren’t descriptive and add little to a sentence.
The way to destroy vagueness is by using descriptive words. Replacing “this,” “that,” and “it” with specific nouns builds the essay and your credibility with a reader. Adding a noun or adjective to these words can also give more meaning to the sentence. “It” is okay if earlier in the same sentence you established what “it” is. Be specific and descriptive; readers cannot read minds.
V. Irrelevant Information
“. . . rabbit trails will lose your audience . . .”
Everson, Eva Marie. Common Mistakes Writers Make. Raleigh: Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, 2014. Print
Just as vagueness is a problem, unimportant information is a problem. I’ve had a number of professors who emphasized doing good research that is pertinent to the subject. Getting lost in the details is easy, but readers want to get to the point (which is why my points are numbered).
Outlines are relevant, even for experienced writers. A simple outline with the thesis, main points, proof, and conclusion is sufficient. Writing the main components of an essay without the froo-froo builds a stronger and more concise idea and reasoning. Once the main idea is proved, relevant information is easy to find and add.
VI. Passiveness. . . -ing Verbs
Passive sentences are wishy-washy. When a stance is being taken, it is more of a question. An intense scene occurs, but the reader has no connection to the impact. When a sentence’s main verb ends with “-ing,” the passage is passive. Not always, but be on guard.
To remedy passiveness, change the structure of the sentence. Usually, the main noun is after the verb in a passive sentence. Flip the position and use an action verb. This simple change brings more intensity and engages readers.
VII. “Was”
The most popular and uninteresting verb award goes to “was.” It can go anywhere. Be anything. And tells readers nothing. And “was” coupled with an “-ing” verb fits in the passive category.
Sometimes, it’s necessary. Most times, “was” can be replaced. Use a descriptive, active verb in place of “was.” Action verbs give more purpose to a sentence and help describe an idea or prove a point.
VIII. Verb Tense
I mess up my tenses all the time. The most common tense for any paper is past (was, ran, -ed). Next would be present (is, run). Future is reserved for special occasions (will run). Depending on a sentence’s structure or what is being said, the verb tense can change unexpectedly.
Grab a highlighter and mark every verb. If on your computer, use the highlight function. Check for consistent tense. If some are different, figure out if the majority are present, past, or future and change the outliers to the predominant tense. Some effort is required, but consistency is everything.
IX. Hello, “You”
My mom is a high school teacher and one time asked me to grade her class’s persuasive papers. As a writer, I scrutinized every word. Number one problem in essays, especially persuasive papers, is using the word “you.” “You” points directly to the reader and, depending on the paper, can unintentionally criticize or command the reader. That’s why I’m rarely using “you” in this post and never when discussing the error. A reader can close off from the purpose of the essay because they feel attacked and berated.
Simple fix: do not use “you.” There are a lot of words in the English vocabulary. In some cases, it’s okay. I’m using “you” occasionally because we’re talking about ways to fix problems. I make the same mistakes, so we’re in the same boat. However, a professional paper shouldn’t put the reader in front of a jury. Avoid “you.”
X. Read Aloud/Step Away
Welcome to number 10! Similar to “The Look Test,” reading aloud and stepping away are methods for finding errors. Not always fun, and I try to work around them, but I always find more errors when I read aloud and step back for a while.
Print out the essay and read it aloud. Keep a pen handy and make notes. Think about the words. Does the sentence make sense? Is more information needed? Make the changes, then step away. Do something else. Get your mind off the paper and relax. Then, come back fresh. I bet more ideas will come to you after a short break.
Final Thoughts
Some fixes on this list might be second nature to you. Active verbs, stellar introductions, refreshed mind. That’s awesome!
The goal of this list is to get you thinking. What areas can you improve on? What NOT on this list needs to be on yours? I probably have thirty things on my personal edit list, but not everyone needs them. Editing lists are personal to you and your skill sets. Write your own list of edits you need to keep track of and use it whenever you sit down to undertake an edit.