MODULE 1 STRATEGICALLY ELIMINATE PREPOSITIONS ADAPTED FROM PAINLESS

MODULE 1: STRATEGICALLY ELIMINATE PREPOSITIONS ADAPTED FROM PAINLESS WRITING BY JEFFREY STRAUSSER

WHAT IS ENGLISH 2010?

Like English 1010… English 2010 will expect you to understand use the following academic skills: create an MLA Bibliography correctly quote and cite research develop coherent, academic pieces of writing revise explore your ideas and grow them

Unlike English 1010… English 2010 expects a new level of writing. This includes: Understanding the difference between and uses of active vs. passive voice Work on persuasive types of writing Deeper research and revision More profound look at and expression of your ideas and growth as a student and person

WRITING TECHNIQUES STEP ONE: ELIMINATE COMPLEX PREPOSITIONS

Eliminate Unnecessary Prepositions Why eliminate? To cut down on wordy baggage To eliminate the passive voice Compound prepositional phrases start with a preposition and are followed by a phrase. Examples: In regards to, with concern for, of critical acclaim

Replace A Compound Prepositional Phrase with a Simple Preposition One word is often better than several. Go for simplicity! Examples of Compound Prepositional Phrases and their Simple Preposition Counterparts *p. 13 of Painless Writing Compound Simple at that point in time then, now by means of by by reason of because of by virtue of by, under during the course of during for the purpose of for, under from the point of view of from, for in accordance with by, under in a manner similar to like in excess of more than, over in favor of for in relation to about, concerning in terms of in on the basis of by, from with regard/respect to about, concerning

Make Prepositional Phrases into Participles (Where Possible) In an attempt to make the animal wild, she let it go free. Better: Attempting to make the animal wild, she let it go free. In regards to the proposition, I give a resounding, “Yes!” Better: Regarding the proposition, I give a resounding, “Yes!”

Activate Prepositional Phrases with Adverbs The baby’s symptoms were under close watch. Better: The baby’s symptoms were closely watched. The writer’s novels were of critical acclaim. Better: The writer’s novels were critically acclaimed.

Even Better: Make them into Adjectives The response of the audience was applause. Better: The audience’s response was applause. It is the nature of humans to admire symmetry. Better: It is human nature to admire symmetry.

Bring Your Sentences to Life Put the Subject BEFORE the Verb. This changes the Passive to Active. REVISE for this. Examples: The exam scores were tabulated by the teacher. Better: The teacher tabulated the exam scores. The witness’s remarks were recorded by the police officer. Better: The police officer recorded the witness’s remarks. Note: It is not always necessary, but it is usually preferable because it makes your statements stronger and clearer.

PROJECT DATE KEEP IT SIMPLE WE’RE BECOMING BETTER WRITERS CLIENT