10 Keys to Achieving Better Style

Avoid Excess

Too many listsToo many bulletsToo many short paragraphsToo much enumeration…

Avoid Abstract or Unecessary Pronouns

This TheseThat WhichIt TheyThose

Avoid Starting Too Many Sentences With the Same Subject

Avoid “to be” and “to have” verb forms, especially when used with

passive voice

Avoid Stacking Prepositional Phrases

Behind the tree over the hill under the barn with the big door.

Avoid Ending Sentences with Prepositions or Verbs Requiring Objects

Seriously, I don’t know what his emotional defect is.

Keep Subjects and Verbs Close Together

Pay Attention to the Concrete Verb to Word

RatioIn plans for investment portfolios, a variety of investments is recommended by financial planners because of their resistance to economic changes. (1/21)

When they plan investment portfolios, financial planners recommend a variety of investments because they resist economic change. (3/17)

Watch Sentence Length

This appendix contains a brief discussion of certain economic and demographic characteristics of the area in which the county is located and does not constitute a part of this official statement, and this appendix has been obtained from the sources noted, which are believed to be reliable, although no investigation has been made to verify the accuracy of such information.

Don’t delay the subject so far that it becomes hard to find.

Avoid dangerous beginnings to sentences

• This …..without a clarifying noun to follow

• It …..

• By ….. followed by a participle (by following, by forgetting, etc.)

• Being as….Being that