Tags
editing, editing tips, Overused Words, Overusing the Word So, Strong vs Weak Words, Strong Words, Weak Words, writers, writing, Writing Advice, writing tips
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Today’s word to think about is “so.” Not “so” as an intensifier as in, “Robin is soooooooo smart,” but when used as a transition. “So” isn’t altogether evil, but if used too often, “so” sounds like a crutch. Maybe a semicolon is better. Maybe an “and” irons out the wrinkles. Maybe the sentence needs to be two sentences.
I had 109 “so-s” and reduced the number today to 50. The result? Literary magic! Well, not magic exactly, but better writing. Let’s explore this idea.
Robin’s blog is humorous, so she must be a smart cookie.
Oh gosh! She makes me laugh too.
Robin’s blog is humorous; she must be a plagiarist.
~~~~~
Robin has many readers, so she can’t respond to all the comments.
She ignores me too.
Robin has few readers and appreciates the one comment she gets per day.
~~~~~
I read every word of Robin’s blog so I don’t make a fool of myself when I praise her profound writing advice.
Profound writing what………..?!?
Not wanting to make a fool of Robin, I refuse to comment on her blog.
~~~~~
Robin didn’t know I un-followed her, so please keep my secret to yourself.
Shhhhhh. I un-followed her too!
Robin doesn’t know I un-followed her. If you tell her, she is likely to hurt me.
~~~~~
Robin is testy, so commenting on her blog makes me uncomfortable.
She is scary!
Robin barked at me when she replied to my comment. I was afraid for my safety.
~~~~~
Robin leaned against the bar at the writer’s conference so I made my way across the room to say hello.
You can always find Robin at the bar.
I spotted Robin across the room and headed for the exit before she saw me.
~~~~~
If I could afford the extravagance to do so, I would send Robin flowers every week.
You do know her favorite flower is an expensive rare orchid from South America, right?
If I could afford the extravagance, I would hire a bodyguard to protect me from Robin’s wrath.
So . . . what say you?
Robin Coyle 