Clarity, Part 1

Downing, Jenny. "Clarity and Brightness of Chablis Wine" 6/21/2008 via wikimedia.
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The following are short discussions on four topics from the 'clarity' section in Rules for Writers.

Needed words, page 119

Everybody leaves out words, but it's important to remember that grammar still applies to those words. I know that sometimes I have trouble following which words need to be conjugated with which others, and it makes everything confusing. However, I know that I need to pay more attention to it, and I should be fine.

Emphasis, page 141

I didn't realize that emphasis could be achieved by putting less important information in subordinate clauses. I think I've put a lot of important information in dependent clauses and as a result, maybe I've undercut the true importance of what I was trying to say. This is also something I need to pay attention to.

Exact word, page 171

I've never really given a second thought to all those times I could think of a word, and went with just any one that was close enough. It's embarrassing, but I don't think I ever stopped to think, " you know, that doesn't really say what I mean..." But when it's important, I'll start doing that (like on the QRG).

Wordy sentences, page 156

I'm almost certain that I am guilty of writing long sentences. Maybe it's because I have such a long attention span and powerful short term memory that all the information doesn't seem to be too much... But more likely, I have such a short attention span and weak short term memory that I forget how long the sentence has been going, so I think, "Oh, yeah I totally just started this sentence. I know I haven't said much yet..." But really, I'm going to have to revise some long sentences.


Reflection:
After peer-reviewing Chloe's QRG draft, I can see why exact wording might be useful firsthand. Though there is a problem. She uses the words optogenetic and chemogenetic. now these are the exact words to use, and their meanings are unique. The sentence becomes more concise. However, the problem I noticed is that sometimes, exact words are obscure, and need explanation, which takes up more time and writing than just ignoring the word and writing the meaning would. However, the word could have more importance than just a single use, so even taking the time to define the obscure ones can be well worth the effort. 

From Jessi's QRG draft, I noticed the emphasis of putting a point in an independent clause. She wrote, "In all likelihood, even with the life support, her heart will fail." This sentence uses an appositive, which dissipates the bluntness of the otherwise very clear and bold statement (the remaining independent clause): her heart will fail.