Welcome to the Grammar Minute, where we’re saving the English language sixty seconds at a time! I’m Lauren Smyth and I’m here to talk about editing techniques for writing that doesn’t require multiple drafts, like emails or texts.
The best thing you can do is to write, do something else for a few minutes, and come back to it. This makes your brain less likely fill in the correct meaning where you’ve used the wrong words or punctuation mark. Try to read each word individually and consider whether, in context, it means exactly what you want it to say. Read sentences aloud. Are there comma pauses in awkward places? Is it too formal, or not formal enough?
Another helpful tip is to practice before you write. Sitting down and reading Stunk and White’s elements of Style straight through might not seem like the most entertaining way to spend an afternoon, but it might be one of the best things you can do to become a better writer – besides listening to Grammar Minute, of course.
That’s your Grammar Minute! Visit thegrammarminute.com for more tips and tricks.