The Precise Edit Training Manual covers the 23 most common issues that we address when editing. The document is 18,333 words in length. Each topic is fully explained with examples and strategies for editing.
You may purchase the entire manual or each individual article below as a .PDF file.
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(all 23 articles)
INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES
Each article listed below may be purchased separately.
Cost per article: $0.54
Articles On Writing Well (Editing):
"Keeping It Simple: The Subject-Object-Verb Structure"
The most important strategy for writing clearly is to use the S V O sentence structure. This article discusses this strategy and provides 5 related tips for clear writing. (2,053 words)
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Where is There? (Starting sentences with "there")
Starting sentences with "there" results in weak writing. Using simple strategies to revise these sentences can make your writing more direct and more powerful. This article shows you how. (748 words)
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When Verbs Go Bad (Nominalizations)
The great thing about verbs is that they are interesting. However, many writers attempt to make their writing seem more professional by changing their verbs into nouns. This results in poor writing. (567 words)
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Adverbial Pollution
Just like industrial pollution can sap the life out of rivers, adverbial pollution can sap the life out of your writing. Two techniques clean up this problem and make your writing more lively. (1,381 words)
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It Is What It Is (Starting sentences with "it")
Starting sentences with "it" is a bad habit. We discuss problems caused by starting sentences with "it" and provide solutions. (1,328 words)
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It’s not you. It’s me. (Using "you" inappropriately)
Many writers refer to "you" when attempting to make a general statement. This is not good writing, but it can be fixed. (728 words)
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Obama Is Selling Drugs? (Placing phrases correctly)
Where you place phrases can make a big difference in the meaning of a sentence. One simple strategy can prevent some unexpected meanings. (477 words)
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The Power of Three
Understanding the "power of three" will help you write with greater impact. When used well, series of three will make your writing stronger. (420 words)
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10 Words to Avoid When Writing
These 10 words result in unclear and unprofessional writing. However, using the 10 techniques in this article can instantly improve your writing. (862 words)
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Writing Effective Paragraphs
No matter what type of writing you do, you must pay attention to paragraph structure. This is the writing structure for expressing an idea. Good paragraphs make great writing. (1,722 words)
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Writing Effective Essays
An essay should lead a reader through a logical progression of ideas. How the ideas are organized and how the paragraphs are connected determines your credibility as a writer and the effectiveness of the manuscript. (757 words)
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Articles On Writing Correctly (Mechanics):
9 Common Usage Errors
Words have specific meanings. Using words correctly will help you communicate clearly. (431 words)
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"That" vs. "Which"
Mistakes using "that" and "which" are probably the most common usage errors we have to fix at Precise Edit, and you will find examples of them in many texts. Knowing which word to use is important. (547 words)
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"Effect" vs. "Affect"
"Effect" and "Affect" may sound similar, but they have very different meanings. This article will help you to use these two words correctly. (392 words)
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"Who" vs. "Whom"
Knowing the difference between "Who" and "Whom" is as important as knowing the difference between "he" and "him." This isn't about style. It's about writing correctly. (711 words)
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Aligning the Pieces
Problems with introductory phrases can give readers some very strange interpretations. Following this simple advice will help your writing be more direct and will help you communicate what you intend. (393 words)
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Sentence Fragments with Conjunctions
We really like sentences that start with the conjunctions "and," "but," and "or." But we don't like the way most writers do it. (1,052 words)
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Correct Comma Usage: Three Pesky Errors
Commas are confusing, and many writers are insecure about using them. This article explains their most common uses to help you write more professionally. (1,292 words)
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Not Only Pesky, But Also Annoying
The "not only...but also" pair is often used incorrectly, leading to faulty and listless writing. Using these correctly improves your professionalism and the impact of your writing. (481 words)
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End Apostrophe Abuse
Let's end apostrophe abuse and restore its dignity as a powerful and important member of your punctuation arsenal. (537 words)
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Sexist Language and Bad Grammar
In their attempts to remove sexist language from their writing, many writers use bad grammar or produce poor writing. We show you how to fix this. (457 words)
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Ending Sentences with Prepositions
Ending sentences with prepositions: should you or shouldn’t you? The answer is "maybe." This article explains why. (486 words)
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Everyone Loves Being Single
Everyone is single. In the same way that married people try to "hook up" their single friends, many writers try to make "everyone" plural. It's single and should stay that way. (389 words)
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