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Why Use Active Verbs Instead of Passive?

December 2, 2019 by Barbara McNichol Leave a Comment

Active verbs motivate your reader to take action when the time is right
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
by Barbara McNichol

Active verbs.

Your English teacher begged, cajoled, implored, beseeched you to use them in your writing. 

And when you’re writing poetry or prose, playing with the English language is wonderful.

But when you’re writing non-fiction books or business reports, you want your reader to engage. You have to choose language that will hook them and keep them following along with your message.

That’s when active verbs come into play. Using them is critically important in book writing and daily business communication.

What do you mean by active – versus passive – verbs?

Here’s a quick summary. 

Active verbs:

  • Declare who or what is (or should be) performing the action you’re suggesting.
  • Help your reader “get to the point” more quickly.
  • Tend to eliminate extra words.

How can you identify passive verbs? Think, “To be, or not to be; that is the question.”

It’s a seminal phrase in Shakespeare’s prose and has its place in literature, but any use of the verb “to be” in business communication is passive and doesn’t inspire action.

Still confused? That’s okay, the rules of English grammar are a challenge, even for those of us who practice it for a living! 

So here are two examples of passive versus active verbs in a sentence:

Passive: The juicy watermelon was eaten by the boy.

Active: The boy chomped into the watermelon’s juicy belly.

Passive: Employees are seen by their managers as responsive and enthusiastic.

Active: Managers see their employees as responsive and enthusiastic.

When you want to place emphasis on the object of the sentence, passive verbs help. 

In these examples, do you see how the passive verb puts emphasis on the watermelon and the employees while the active verbs place the emphasis on the boy and the managers?

It changes the perspective for the reader. And as the writer, you have to ask what you want them to care about?

Own the problem.

In stripped-down terms, not owning the problem is called “passing the buck.”

Passive verbs can be used to hide the person – or people – responsible for a mistake or lack of action. Worse yet, they can be used to validate inaction. For example, when you sign a lease, you’ll likely see a clause along these lines:

“The rules for the homeowners will be enforced.”

Rules by whom?

Or you might have received a message like this during your workday:

“Mistakes were being made that resulted in a failure to comply with regulations.”

Mistakes by whom?

Do you see how the ambiguity of the passive verb lays a foundation for poor business relationships?

What active sentence structure works?

A general pattern for a sentence employs an active verb rather than a passive one. It’s typically “subject + verb + direct object.”

Here’s an example:

“The landlord (subject) will implement (verb) the new safety protocol (object) to ensure renter safety.”

This sentence makes it clear that the landlord is responsible for the actions detailed in the contract.

Now it’s your turn.

Here’s an example of a passive verb. Using the tips I’ve shared, change the sentence to one in which the verb is active and then send me your response.

Passive: “This policy is being implemented in an effort to streamline our process.”

Active: _________________________________________________________

I look forward to hearing from you!

If you found this article helpful, you might enjoy these:

How to Wake up 16 Boring Verbs

Mixing Singular with Plural: Keep the Old Rules With Some New Tricks

Better Word Choices For Better Writing

Filed Under: Writing Tips Tagged With: #betterwriting, #businesswriting, active sentence construction, active verbs vs. passive verbs, nonfiction book editor, professional business book editing, Word Trippers Tips

Mixing Singular with Plural: Keep the Old Rules with Some New Tricks

November 21, 2019 by Barbara McNichol Leave a Comment

by Barbara McNichol

English grammar matters – and it’s easy to follow the rules.When it comes to English grammar, disagreements show up in writing and editing all the time – and mainstream media has blurred the lines along the way. 

I can hear you saying, “Fine, but why does it matter?” 

Well, precision in language is important because an exception on one platform – a printed newspaper article or spoken news broadcast, for example – will have different repercussions than an exception in an academic paper, a technical manual, or a formal business document.

If you’re creating content on one platform that doesn’t adhere to basic English grammar rules and suddenly find yourself in a situation, at work or in university, where you’re expected to follow them to the letter you’ll be at a disadvantage. 

By following the basic rules of English grammar at all times you will establish yourself as an authoritative, clear, and precise communicator. And there are some simple ways to stay on the right side of grammar rules, but first…

What does the media have to do with it?

As I mentioned, mainstream media has influenced English grammar. 

The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook gave writers the green light to use one disagreement: the plural pronoun “they” as a singular noun. This change came about because of issues surrounding gender identity, and it’s a worthy endeavour to represent people more accurately. 

AP’s solution to this shift is to substitute:

  • He or she with “they”
  • His or hers with “theirs”
  • Him or her with “them”

The Stylebook suggests that writers use the person’s name wherever possible if they’ve asked to not be identified by gender. Further, when using the plural pronoun in place of the singular pronoun, to be sure the reader understands you’re talking about one person, not several. 

In theory, this leaves less room for ambiguity on the reader’s part when he or she is taking meaning away from a news item.

Grammar experts are asking themselves…

Why is this necessary?

It’s a fair question. 

Isn’t it more important to follow English grammar norms – especially when there are easy fixes?

Here are some common examples of noun/pronoun disagreement, and the simple solution: 

  • “We want the school board to do their job.”

Problem? It’s one school board, not several. Here are two potential fixes for this grammatical error:

“We want the school board to do its job.” 

“We want the school board members to do their job.”

  • “Your reader can peruse your book at their leisure.”

Problem? There’s only one reader, not several. Here are grammatically correct alternatives:

“Your readers can peruse your book at their leisure.”

“Your reader can peruse the book at his or her leisure.”

In order to keep agreements in place – to not switch between singular and plural – when dealing with gender identity, you can use these writing tips:

  • Use the person’s name instead of a pronoun.
  • If you don’t know the gender (or preference) of the person you’re citing, use “his or her”, “he or she” or even “s/he” – they’re all grammatically correct.
  • Alternate between masculine and feminine pronouns – I edited a book for an author writing about raising a baby who did this seamlessly.

Just because it’s old…

You could argue that it’s not relevant to hang on to the “old” English grammar rules and it’s true that they have flexed and changed slightly over time. But it’s wise to hang onto those basic rules, and there are ways to adapt your message to current communication standards without abandoning the basics.

I’ve got a handy Pronoun Chart you can use if you’re in doubt – request one here.

Finally, I’d like to know what you think. Given our ever-changing language, would you side with the exceptions the AP Stylebook offers, or do you prefer to put accuracy above all in your writing?

Did you enjoy this article? Here are three more you might find useful:

Better Word Choices For Better Writing

Does Word Order Matter? Think Short to Long

The Pros and Cons of Using the Oxford Comma

 

Filed Under: Grammar Tips Tagged With: #grammar mistakes, Associated Press (AP) Stylebook, English grammar, grammar rules, nonfiction book editor, professional book editing, singular vs. plural, Word Trippers Tips

Don’t Let the Wrong Words Step on Your Success

November 8, 2016 by Barbara McNichol Leave a Comment

by Barbara McNichol

Words make it possible to say what you mean in writing. But they can step on your success, too.

In your communications, what happens if you use the wrong word in the wrong way—such as ending that important message “with my complements” instead “with my compliments”?

Definitely, you risk raising doubt in the minds of those you want to impress.

Don’t Get Egg on Your Face

You risk embarrassment and a lot more. You can:

  • Cause confusion, even delays, by sending unclear messages
  • Waste precious time revising and rewriting to clarify your meaning
  • Smudge your reputation among co-workers, colleagues, and customers who wonder, “Does she know the difference between ‘compliments’ and ‘complements’—really?”

When pesky pairings (is it “adopt” or “adapt”?) trip you up, you need to know!

Word Trippers Example

Adopt, adapt – “Adopt” means to take as one’s own (e.g., someone else’s child), to choose (e.g., a lifestyle), or to formally accept (e.g., a position or principle). “Adapt” is to adjust to various conditions. “When you adopt a young girl, make it easy for her to adapt to your living environment.”

Turn to Your Ultimate Source for Choosing the Perfect Word When It Really Matters!

Yes, you can find lots of free resources online. But why spend your precious time when you can have a word choice guide at your fingertips—instantly?

No drawn-out searches or wild goose chases. You expedite your time and avoid unknowing mistakes with a subscription to Word Trippers Tips.

Bring a reliable resource into your in-box every week

By knowing the right word to use in the right place, your professionalism moves up a notch. And by receiving a new Word Tripper each week, you can isolate the latest and learn it well.

With Word Trippers Tips, you’ll get a Word Tripper of the Week (text plus graphic plus audio) in your in-box every week for a full year. Plus the minute you register for Word Trippers Tips, you’ll receive an ebook compilation of 390+ Word Trippers.

Plus once a quarter, you’ll receive practical bonuses—tools to improve your punctuation, grammar, and word use—plus a webinar and crossword puzzle.

Make sure you know it’s the right word!

American English language resource

Filed Under: Compelling Special Tagged With: #words, Barbara McNichol, embarrassing, ESL, grammar, nonfiction book editing, professional business book editor, punctuation, word choice guideiness book editor, Word Trippers, Word Trippers Tips, word use

Refresh Your English Language Knowledge Every Week

September 16, 2016 by Barbara McNichol Leave a Comment

American English language resourceImagine having a resource at your fingertips that allows you to quickly find the right word when it matters most. Then imagine refreshing your knowledge in the English language every week so you can confidently use confusing words correctly.

Having the right word at your fingertips hasn’t always been easy—until now. Here’s a solution that enhances your excellence every day (not everyday).

Your Word Trippers Tips subscription offers:

  • An ebook featuring 390+ pesky pairings of words that can trip you up (except vs. accept, advise vs. advice, further vs. farther, to name a few)
  • A Word Tripper of the Week arriving in your in-box for 52 weeks (see sample on this page) and includes audio
  • Bonus PDFs on grammar and punctuation tips every quarter
  • A 38-minute webinar
  • A crossword puzzle that review previous Word Trippers

Sample of Word Tripper of the Week

ongoing word resource

Word Tripper of the Week

Build Credibility, Confidence, Competence in the English Language

Finding the right word to use that matters most—

  • Allows you to be seen as a credible professional
  • Ensures you’re using the right word properly—a confidence builder
  • Boosts your reputation for competence and excellence in your world

Your Word Tripper of the Week hones your English language knowledge and keeps the learning alive. And its usefulness has been time-tested for more than a decade.

To get a better grasp of the English language with ease, invest in Word Trippers Tips—only $99/year.

Questions? Click here for FAQs.

“My time is incredibly limited, and the last thing I need is useless email clogging up my in-box. I’ve been running my company for close to 20 years. Truth be told, I was highly skeptical that Word Trippers would be of any benefit. WRONG! In less than 30 seconds, I learned I was using an incorrect word to describe something. As a new subscriber, I’m looking forward to all the Word Trippers.”

– Michael Spremulli, Corporate Entertainer & Speaker, www.Spremulli.com

 

Filed Under: Writing Tips Tagged With: #business book editing, #LearnEnglish, #words, nonfiction book editor, professional editing, Word Trippers Tips, writing

Get In on the Word Trippers Tips Action

August 12, 2016 by Barbara McNichol Leave a Comment

By Barbara McNichol

Who in your circle values precise, intelligent, accurate communication?

Imagine their gratitude when you introduce them to an ongoing word resource that lets them quickly find the right word when it matters most—one that refreshes every week?

That’s where the golden opportunity comes in for you—promoting Word Trippers Tips as an affiliate.

What is Word Trippers Tips?

American English language resource

It’s a subscription program that includes:

  • An ebook featuring 390+ pesky pairings of words that can trip you up (except vs. accept, advise vs. advice, further vs. farther)
  • A Word Tripper of the Week arriving in their in-box for 52 weeks and includes audio
  • Bonus PDFs on grammar and punctuation tips every quarter
  • Fabulous surprise bonuses on better writing along the way!

Who would benefit most as a Word Trippers Tips subscriber?

  • Business professionals
  • English language students
  • VAs and admin assistants
  • Entrepreneurs and leaders
  • Authors, bloggers, speakers
  • Court reporters, grant writings, journalists

How will this ongoing word resource help you as an affiliate?

  • Broadens your marketing reach through a highly credible offer
  • Allows you to put extra money in your pocket every month
  • Pays you a 25% commission for all $99 subscriptions sold through your link AND for their renewals, too!

By attracting 100 subscribers, you put $2,475 in your pocket. For 1,000 subscribers, it’s 10 times that amount. Turn your list into cash by promoting the gift of accuracy.

This “extra money” could add up quickly—at no risk to you!

Interested? Go to WordTrippers.com and sign up at the affiliate link. Click here for affiliate FAQs.

 

Filed Under: Compelling Special Tagged With: #business book editing, #LearnEnglish, #words, business professionals, English language learners, grammar and punchtuation, nuances of English language, ongoing word resource, professional book editor, Word Trippers Tips, writing

How Can You Quickly Find the Right Word When It Matters Most?

August 9, 2016 by Barbara McNichol Leave a Comment

By Barbara McNichol

Imagine having a resource at your fingertips that allows you to quickly find the right word when it matters most. Then imagine refreshing your knowledge every week so you can confidently use confusing English words correctly.

As a professional, you know people pay attention to your ability to communicate accurately. Others rely on you for that! But having the right word at your fingertips hasn’t always been easy—until now.

Here’s a solution that enhances your excellence every day (not everyday). American English language resource

Your Word Trippers Tips subscription offers:

  • An ebook featuring 390+ pesky pairings of words that can trip you up (except vs. accept, advise vs. advice, further vs. farther, to name a few)
  • A Word Tripper of the Week arriving in your in-box for 52 weeks (see sample on this page) and includes audio
  • Bonus PDFs on grammar and punctuation tips every quarter
  • Surprise bonuses on better writing along the way!

Sample of Word Tripper of the Week

ongoing word resource

Word Tripper of the Week

Build Credibility, Confidence, Competence in the Nuances of English

Finding the right word to use that matters most—

  • Allows you to be seen as a credible professional
  • Ensures you’re using the right word properly—a confidence builder
  • Boosts your reputation for competence and excellence in your world

Your Word Tripper of the Week hones your knowledge and keeps the learning alive. And its usefulness has been time-tested for more than a decade.

How Did Word Trippers Tips Come About?

As an expert editor of nonfiction books and articles, I’ve been on a crusade to curb the misuse of words through Word Trippers. I keep creating Word Tripper of the Week because I know we’ll never run out of words that trip us up.

To get a better grasp of the English language with ease, invest in Word Trippers Tips—only $99/year.

Questions? Click here for FAQs.

“You can easily find the words, all listed in alphabetical order, without digging through heavy tomes or clicking around the Web for hours. Choosing the right word for the right circumstance can make all the difference in presenting yourself as a credible writer. Barbara has made it easy with this easy to use reference tool.” – Janie Sullivan

Filed Under: Compelling Special Tagged With: #business book editing, American English learning, ESL, find the right word, language learning, nonfiction book editing, ongoing word resource, Word Trippers Tips

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