Say NO to Vagueness

[Ed]

Hi Writers,

Please avoid using vague words like "things," "something," "someone" (as well as descriptors that aren't at all descriptive: good, bad, etc.).

When you travel, you don't "do things" - you see sights, go on tours, visit museums, participate in outdoor activities, and dine, relax, sleep in.

If you're shopping, you don't shop for, "things like . . . " You shop for items specifically. Shoes. Clothing. A new ladder.

Someone isn't only someone - she may be a coworker, friend, acquaintance, individual, relative, homebuyer.

Using words like "good" or "bad" to describe stress, disease treatments, trip planning, how a wedding dress will look, the importance of getting a home inspection doesn't add anything to the writing. These are poor placemarkers for words that will work better.

Thanks,
Ed

[grouchy]

Ed - thanks for this tip. It's a good thing to remind everyone of this because vagueness is, well, you know, bad because it can interfere with someone's understanding of the things you're trying to tell them.


TGIF!!!

[cgardener]

Thanks, Ed. I'm guilty of this sometimes, when I just can't get the right word to come to my brain.