Clayton College & State University
Helpful Writing Tips
Use specific verbs
“being that” "due to the fact that" ??? because
Spelling!!
Imagery – writing that appeals to the senses
Transition is crucial
Fragments
Run-ons
Comma splices
Introduce the author
Introduce the title
Give characters last names
Develop your ideas fully with details
Use a title of 3 to 4 words
Verb agreement
Verb Tense
Pronoun / antecedent agreement
“that” – things / “who” – people
"who" -- subject "whom" -- object (to whom)
Conclusions need to reflect the main ideas
Avoid deep psychological phrasing
Avoid conversational phrasing “Well,” “You see,”
Avoid “you” – 2nd person
Get to the point!
Avoid long sections of quotations
Quote story & poem titles
“I will discuss some of . . .”
avoid parenthesis -- use commas
do not split infinitives! To + verb
ex. to quickly reply
Don’t use contractions – do not !