English Composition 101: Grammar and Style - Style Considerations Clarity Conciseness Active vs. Passive Voice Word Choice Diction Formality Vivid Words Avoid Jargon Avoid Clichés Vary Sentence Length and Structure

What It Is

Style Considerations refer to the techniques writers use to convey their message effectively. Clarity, conciseness, and word choice are essential for academic and professional writing. For example, a student wrote: "The new policy will be implemented by the administration." This sentence is clear, but it could be more concise: "The administration will implement the new policy." Clarity and conciseness matter because they help readers understand the writer's message quickly and easily.

Core Principles

• Clarity: Write simply and directly. Avoid ambiguity and vagueness.
  • Definition: Clarity is the quality of being easy to understand.
  • Example: "The new policy will be implemented by the administration" (clear) vs. "The new policy will be implemented in a way that is not yet clear" (vague)
• Conciseness: Use few words to convey a lot of information.
  • Definition: Conciseness is the quality of being brief and to the point.
  • Example: "The administration will implement the new policy" (concise) vs. "The administration will implement the new policy, which is a very good thing" (wordy)
• Active vs. Passive Voice: Use active voice to make writing more engaging.
  • Definition: Active voice is when the subject performs the action (e.g., "The dog bites the man").
  • Example: "The ball was thrown by John" (passive) vs. "John threw the ball" (active)
• Word Choice (Diction): Use precise and formal language.
  • Definition: Diction is the choice of words.
  • Example: "The new policy is a great idea" (informal) vs. "The new policy is a commendable initiative" (formal)
• Formality: Use formal language in academic and professional writing.
  • Definition: Formality is the level of formality in language.
  • Example: "I'm going to the store" (informal) vs. "I will be visiting the store" (formal)
• Vivid Words: Use descriptive language to create vivid images.
  • Definition: Vivid words are words that create strong images.
  • Example: "The sun was shining brightly" (vivid) vs. "The sun was shining" (not vivid)
• Avoid Jargon: Use language that is accessible to all readers.
  • Definition: Jargon is specialized language that not everyone understands.
  • Example: "The new policy will be implemented by the administration" (no jargon) vs. "The new policy will be implemented by the bureaucratic apparatus" (jargon)
• Avoid Clichés: Use original language to avoid overused expressions.
  • Definition: Clichés are overused expressions.
  • Example: "It's raining cats and dogs" (cliché) vs. "The storm is pouring down rain" (original)
• Vary Sentence Length and Structure: Use a mix of short and long sentences to create interest.
  • Definition: Varying sentence length and structure refers to using a mix of short and long sentences.
  • Example: "The new policy will be implemented by the administration. It will be a great success." (varied) vs. "The new policy will be implemented by the administration. The administration will implement the policy. The policy will be a great success." (not varied)

Common Writing Errors

• Error: "The new policy will be implemented by the administration, which is a great thing."
• Why it fails: This sentence is wordy and uses informal language.
• Correction: "The administration will implement the new policy, a commendable initiative."
• Error: "The sun was shining brightly in the sky."
• Why it fails: This sentence is not concise.
• Correction: "The sun shone brightly."
• Error: "The new policy will be implemented by the administration, which is a very good idea."
• Why it fails: This sentence uses informal language and is wordy.
• Correction: "The administration will implement the new policy, a commendable initiative."

Quick Application

1. Scenario: You are arguing that college tuition should be free. Write a thesis statement.
   • Model answer: "College tuition should be free because it would increase access to higher education and reduce student debt."
   • Explanation: This thesis statement is clear and concise, and it provides a roadmap for the rest of the essay.
2. Scenario: You are writing a paragraph about the benefits of exercise. Write a sentence that uses vivid language.
   • Model answer: "Regular exercise can boost your mood and energy levels, leaving you feeling invigorated and refreshed."
   • Explanation: This sentence uses vivid language to create a strong image in the reader's mind.
3. Scenario: You are writing a paragraph about a new policy. Write a sentence that avoids jargon.
   • Model answer: "The new policy will be implemented by the administration, which will make it easier for students to access resources."
   • Explanation: This sentence avoids jargon and uses language that is accessible to all readers.

Last-Minute Revision

• Use a comma after an introductory phrase: "After the meeting, the team discussed the new policy."
• Use a semicolon to separate two independent clauses: "The new policy will be implemented by the administration; it will be a great success."
• Use a transition word to connect ideas: "However, the new policy has some drawbacks."
• Use a citation to credit a source: "According to Smith (2020), the new policy will be implemented by the administration."
• Use a formal closing sentence: "In conclusion, the new policy will be a great success."
• Use a variety of sentence structures: "The new policy will be implemented by the administration. It will be a great success. However, there are some drawbacks to the policy."
• Use active voice: "The administration will implement the new policy" (active) vs. "The new policy will be implemented by the administration" (passive)
• Use formal language: "The new policy is a commendable initiative" (formal) vs. "The new policy is a great idea" (informal)
• Use vivid language: "The sun shone brightly" (vivid) vs. "The sun was shining" (not vivid)
• Avoid jargon: "The new policy will be implemented by the administration" (no jargon) vs. "The new policy will be implemented by the bureaucratic apparatus" (jargon)
• Avoid clichés: "The storm is pouring down rain" (original) vs. "It's raining cats and dogs" (cliché)
• Use a variety of sentence lengths: "The new policy will be implemented by the administration. It will be a great success." (varied) vs. "The new policy will be implemented by the administration. The administration will implement the policy. The policy will be a great success." (not varied)