I need a rant!

I need to rant about something that people might not have noticed, but once you have finished reading this post, you'll notice them EVERYWHERE!

Redundant sentences are everywhere in writing, usually concocted by writers who don't fully trust their writing skills. It can sometimes be a really big problem if you don't notice them. So as an example I am going to point out a huge redundancy in the media right at this moment!

So, cast your eyes on the new Dove advert, Stop future damage before it happens. If you don't notice what is wrong with that sentence, don't worry, it took me ages to understand and stop myself from writing them.

Stop future damage. If they had just left it at that, it would have been fine, but adding before it happens, suggests it is in the future as well. So basically they are saying in the future twice. I had seen the advert a couple of times before I noticed myself.

A redundant sentence is when the same thing is explained twice in different words. These are usually the sentences you can take out and whittle down your word count. They don't add anything to your writing, they don't do anything.

You see what I did there? Read that last sentence again. Do you notice? The only way of getting out of the habit is by seeing them and trusting your writing. Readers don't always pick up on them, but if you are wishing to be traditionally published or self-published then editors and publishers will notice and they will judge your writing on it.

For us, the world is very unforgiving, we have to be perfect, every word placed for a reason. Every full stop and comma in the right place at all times. If you are unsure of what I am talking about please don't hesitate to email me.

I struggled a lot with these when I first started, so don't worry too much, it will all make sense soon.

Thank you

#Writing #Edting #tips #advice