Over the next few weeks, I'll be doing a series on my most common edits. There are a number of things consistently misused by people when they write and I think they are worth a look.
Are you making these mistakes when you write?
The first and most common edit is "that."
Here's a good example:
"I think that a good college education is important."
Here's a better way:
"I think a good college education is important."
Simply eliminating the word "that" removes clutter from this sentence, helping it flow better. Uncluttered writing is easier to read, has an effortless flow and keeps readers engaged. Readers grow weary quickly if they have to work too hard to read what you've written. If they grow weary, they will not remain engaged and they will quickly move on to the next thing drawing their attention.
When speaking, we often use the word "that" as it's used in the first sentence above. This is a way to give ourselves time to think of how we're going to word something...those few seconds to say "that" in the middle of a sentence are simply time-buyers. In writing, this isn't necessary. This goes to my point of not writing the same way you talk.
As you can see, there are better options than "that" and anytime you can use another option, do so.
Your writing will improve if you put a stop to "that."
Write often.
Write well.
Just write.
~Tricia
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