Fun with language
In my recent desperation to overcome a serious case of writer's block, I did a google search on "tips for writing". Somewhere amidst the flurry of clicks, I ran across this silly page about How to Write Good. While it didn't automatically cure my writer's block, it did give me a needed break from the somber post I was writing. Just "follow these tips, and you'll be writing gooder in no time!"
A few of my favorite are:
- Prepositions are not words to end sentences with.
- Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are unnecessary.
- Parenthentical words however must be enclosed in commas.
- It behooves you to avoid archaic expressions.
- Exaggeration is a billion times worse than understatement.
- Analogies in writing are like feathers on a snake
- Take the bull by the hand and avoid mixed metaphors - even if a mixed metaphor sings, it should be derailed.
- Hopefully, you will use words correctly, irregardless of how others use them.
Finally, in honor of my high school writing teacher, Mrs. Trow, who made us write excruciating papers without a single "to be" verb....
- The passive voice should not be used.
I love these things! Does that make me a total nerd? Oh well!