Better Writing: William Safire’s Self-Violating Rules

I never intended to be a writer. I really don’t consider myself a writer. I’m a speaker, and there is a difference. As a speaker, I can muddle through bad grammar, odd word placement, and misuse of terms and phrases by modulating my voice, raising an eyebrow, or using a great hand gesture.

People speak differently from how they write. On this blog, I don’t try to “write” I simply type what I would probably say if you and I were sitting down to have a discussion about a topic.

That said, I found this great collection of writing tips from William Safire, the writer, columnist, and word snob. I love his stuff, even if I don’t always follow his conventions.

Here is his list of rules (see if you notice something about them….)

William Safire’s Rules for Writers

1. Remember to never split an infinitive.
2. The passive voice should never be used.
3. Do not put statements in the negative form.
4. Verbs have to agree with their subjects.
5. Proofread carefully to see if you words out.
6. If you reread your work, you can find on rereading a great deal of repetition can be by rereading and editing.
7. A writer must not shift your point of view.
8. And don’t start a sentence with a conjunction. (Remember, too, a preposition is a terrible word to end a sentence with.)
9. Don’t overuse exclamation marks!!
10. Place pronouns as close as possible, especially in long sentences, as of 10 or more words, to their antecedents.
11. Writing carefully, dangling participles must be avoided.
12. If any word is improper at the end of a sentence, a linking verb is.
13. Take the bull by the hand and avoid mixing metaphors.
14. Avoid trendy locutions that sound flaky.
15. Everyone should be careful to use a singular pronoun with singular nouns in their writing.
16. Always pick on the correct idiom.
17. The adverb always follows the verb.
18. Last but not least, avoid cliches like the plague; seek viable alternatives.

Good stuff.Chris Nichols
http:www.NicholsTrialLaw.com