Five Words To Avoid

For tighter, brighter copy, look for redundancy. Losing these words brings you closer to that goal.

1) Being. This word encourages an inactive voice. "Being a happy man, John loved flowers, sunshine and cute puppies." This sentence can survive without the word "being."

2) Is. You've heard it, you know it, but you can't stay away from that darn word. With a little restructuring, you can create a sharper sentence. "John is happy to be alive. He relishes fine wine and kite flying" becomes: "Happy to be alive, John relishes..."

3) Very. Do you really need it? "John incorporated some very basic rules toward living a better life." Does it change the sentence to take "very" out?

4) Some. See above.

5) Of. "John Smith of Austin was full of life. Try this: "Austin's John Smith was full of life."