Prof. Wozencraft ENG227

1. Use these seven techniques
for structuring effective sentences:
• Use lists.
• Emphasize new and important information.
• Choose an appropriate sentence length.
• Focus on the “real” subject.
• Focus on the “real” verb.
• Use parallel structure.
• Use modifiers effectively.
Chapter 10. Writing Effective Sentences © 2012 by Bedford/St. Martin's 1

2. Use these five guidelines
for creating effective lists:
• Set off each listed item with a number, a
letter, or a symbol (usually a bullet).
• Break up long lists.
• Present the items in a parallel structure.
• Structure and punctuate the lead-in correctly.
• Punctuate the list correctly.
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3. Use parallel structure:
• Use the same grammatical form for coordinate
elements in a sentence.
– all clauses either active or passive
– all verbs either indicative or imperative
– all nouns preceded by the same article
• Parallel structure creates a recognizable pattern
and makes a sentence easier to follow.
Chapter 10. Writing Effective Sentences © 2012 by Bedford/St. Martin's 3

4. Use modifiers effectively:
• Distinguish between restrictive and
nonrestrictive modifiers.
• Avoid misplaced modifiers.
• Avoid dangling modifiers.
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5. Choose the right words and phrases:
• Select an appropriate level of formality.
• Be clear and specific.
• Be concise.
• Use inoffensive language.
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6. Select an appropriate level of formality:
There are three levels of formality:
• informal
• moderately formal
• highly formal
Use a level and tone appropriate for your
• audience
• subject
• purpose
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7. Informal writing can cause two problems:
• It tends to be imprecise.
• It can be embarrassing.
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8. Use these seven techniques
for writing clearly and specifically:
• Use the active and passive voice appropriately.
• Be specific.
• Avoid unnecessary jargon.
• Use positive constructions.
• Avoid long noun strings.
• Avoid clichés.
• Avoid euphemisms.
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9. Use the active and
passive voice appropriately:
Use the active voice unless
• the agent is clear from the context
• the agent is unknown
• the agent is less important than the action
• a reference to the agent is embarrassing,
dangerous, or in some other way
inappropriate
Chapter 10. Writing Effective Sentences © 2012 by Bedford/St. Martin's 9

10. Use these three techniques
for writing specifically:
• Use precise words.
• Provide adequate detail.
• Avoid ambiguity.
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11. Avoid unnecessary jargon for four reasons:
• It can be imprecise.
• It can be confusing.
• It is often seen as condescending.
• It is often intimidating.
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12. Be concise:
• Avoid obvious statements.
• Avoid filler.
• Avoid unnecessary prepositional phrases.
• Avoid wordy phrases.
• Avoid fancy words.
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13. Follow these six guidelines
for avoiding sexist language:
• Replace the male-gender words with non-gender-
specific words.
• Switch to a different form of the verb.
• Switch to the plural.
• Switch to he or she, he/she, s/he, or his or her.
• Address the reader directly.
• Alternate he and she.
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14. Follow these five guidelines
for using the people-first approach:
• Refer to the person first, the disability second.
• Don’t confuse handicap with disability.
• Don’t refer to victimization.
• Don’t refer to a person as “wheelchair bound” or
“confined to a wheelchair.”
• Don’t refer to people with disabilities as abnormal.
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15. Use these seven techniques
in preparing text for translation:
• Use short sentences.
• Use the active voice.
• Use simple words.
• Include a glossary.
• Use words that have only one meaning.
• Use pronouns carefully.
• Avoid jokes, puns, and culture-bound
references.
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