3 Words to Avoid in Writing

If you've ever been in an English class, you've certainly had a professor or teacher who said something like "don't say 'things'" "Find a better word!"

It's annoying, but it's true. Written language has to be much more precise than spoken language. When we're talking to someone, a lot of the communication that's happening has nothing to do with the words that we're actually using. Instead, the person we're talking to is relying on our tone, pitch, context, facial expressions, and body language. All of that goes away when language is written. That's why there are some words you just need to avoid when you write. The following list isn't by any means comprehensive, but it's a good start.

1. Thing, and its cousins something, and anything

The problem with these words is that literally anything can be a thing or a something. You could be talking about communism, mitochondrial DNA, your bank account, the state of the world, the food on your plate, your dog's collar, the presidential election, existential dread, your fear of spiders, a broken iPhone, a giraffe's spots, etc. All of these are things. If you can find a more precise word, your writing will sound more intelligent and your meaning will be much clearer. Another way to think about it is the more vague your vocabulary, the harder the reader has to work to follow your meaning.

Example: The next president needs to fix the things that constituents are concerned about.

Better: The next president needs to fix the healthcare system and decrease the national debt, which constituents are concerned about.

Sometimes replacing thing means you will have to reword the sentence a little bit, but that's okay. In the end, it's going to be a stronger sentence, and your reader will be happier (especially important if your reader is a teacher giving you a grade)!

2. I

This one really depends on what kind of paper you are writing. If it's a cover letter, or any kind of letter, or a first-person narrative, you may very well need to use I because you're talking about yourself. If you are writing a research paper or other kind of academic paper in which you are arguing a point, it's best to avoid first person (I and we). There are several reasons for this. First of all, it detracts from your argument by making you part of the argument. For example, consider this sentence: "I suggest we invest more resources in solar energy in order to reduce our dependence on oil."

If you agree with that statement, you might just continue reading. But if you are inclined to disagree, I've now given you an opportunity to deconstruct my argument before I've even made it. How? By saying I.

Someone who disagrees with me can immediately say, "Well who are you and why should I listen to you? Do you have a degree in environmental science? Have you read such-and-such book? Do you have any idea about how the oil industry works? How can you be so sure that solar energy can replace oil?" I may have continued my essay with a brilliant argument full of examples, charts, and really strong sources, but because I said I, before I could even make the argument, someone who disagreed with me has discredited my argument based on my qualifications to make it. Getting rid of first person doesn't mean that that reader will agree with me in the end, but whatever criticism he or she has after reading my paper will be with the effectiveness of my argument, not with my right to make it.

3. You

You might be thinking, "hey, you're using you a lot in this blog post! Why can't I use it, too?" The reason I'm using the second person in this post while telling you not to use it is because of the type of writing this is. A blog post is much more informal, and even though I may not know you personally, I'm addressing you. Blog posts often have a more conversational feel. In writing in general, you should not be used unless you are addressing a specific person, such as in a letter.

Here's an example from an argumentative paper: The police should be more vigilant in order to make sure that you do not use your cell phone while driving.

And here's the problem: First of all, what makes the writer think that I use my cell phone while driving? And why do I require special policing? What problem does the writer have with me? I haven't done anything. I never got in a wreck because I used my cell phone while driving! So maybe the writer should do some research and learn who he's talking to before he starts telling me what to do!

That's a bit of an exaggerated reaction, but the idea behind it is what's important. When a writer says you it seems as if he or she is addressing the reader. Depending on what is being argued or what point is being made in the paper, it can seem really preachy. You don't want your reader to feel defensive or offended. Nobody likes another person in their face, wagging a finger. Using you in an academic paper can make the reader feel like that is what's happening.

Here's that sentence rewritten, without you: The police should be more vigilant in order to make sure that drivers do not use their cell phones while driving.

Reaction? I've calmed down. It's not about me anymore. It's just in general. This writer just wants all of us to be more careful and share the responsibility for keeping our roads safe.

#writing #essays #write #esl