1. Fix Those Really Bad Words!
Editing Your Word Choice for Sophistication

2. DELETE, DELETE, DELETE!!! REPLACE WITH 3RD PERSON!!!
No “I” or “You”
DELETE, DELETE, DELETE!!! REPLACE WITH 3RD PERSON!!!

3. Do Not address “the Reader”
Edit out anywhere you have addressed “the reader.” It is already implied.

4. Delete the word “Quote”
Delete the word “quote” OR replace it with “instance,” “moment,” “occurrence,” etc.

5. “losing his mind” “up the creek without a paddle” “going nuts”
Remove Clichés
“losing his mind” “up the creek without a paddle” “going nuts”

6. Contractions
Spell out contractions for formal, academic writing! Can’t = CANNOT Don’t = DO NOT Won’t = WILL NOT

7. Repetitive Words
Be mindful of repeating words. This can make your writing sound choppy. Vary your DICTION!

8. “Be” Verbs
None of these verbs should be in your writing: Am Is Are Was Were Be Being Been Replace them with strong action verbs– see the “strong verbs” list for examples!!