Put Statements in Positive Form

Lesson from "The Elements of Style" by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White

To write effectively, your sentences have to be clear.

Readers should effortlessly understand your message without having to decipher vague or ambiguous language.

To achieve clarity, use definite words and put statements in the positive form.

Weak Statement: He was not very happy (negative form)

Strong Statement: He was furious (positive form)

Avoid tame, colorless, hesitating, noncommittal language.

Let’s explore some more examples…

1. Don’t tell readers what is not, tell them what is.

He was not very often on time.

He usually came late.

She did not think that studying Latin was a sensible way to use one’s time.

She thought the study of Latin a waste of time.

The Taming of the Shrew is rather weak in spots. Shakespeare does not portray Katharine as a very admirable character, nor does Bianca remain long in memory as an important character in Shakespeare’s works.

The women in The Taming of the Shrew are unattractive. Katharine is disagreeable, Bianca insignificant.

2. Express even a negative in positive form.

not honest

dishonest

did not remember

forgot

did not pay attention to

ignored

did not have much confidence in

distrusted

3. Save the auxiliaries would, should, could, may, might, and can for the situations involving real uncertainty:

If your every sentence admits a doubt, your writing will lack authority.

If you would let us know the time of your arrival, we would be happy to arrange your transportation from the airport.

If you will let us know the time of your arrival, we shall be happy to arrange your transportation from the airport.

Applicants can make a good impression by being neat and punctual.

Applicants will make a good impression if they are neat and punctual.

Plath may be rank among those modern poets who died young.

Plath was one of those modern poets who died young.

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This was a lesson from The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White

If you want to pick up your own copy of the book, click here.

Or explore the C.S.M. Fiction archive.

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