Colloquial Qualifiers
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by: Guest |
Colloquial qualifiers should never be used in writing for emphasis. Strong words—nouns and adjectives—are available. Using qualifiers such as very, real, rather, and little in phrases such as “very good,” “real cold,” “rather clean,” and “little early,” or similar phrases indicate laziness on the part of the writer to choose a stronger noun, a stronger adjective, or strong adverb.
These and other common qualifier used in colloquial speech weaken writing, making it trite and commonplace. Although these words have a place in writing, they should not be used for emphasis. They should be used for their genuine meaning and not as a crutch in place of a more meaningful and stronger word.
Use the word ‘very’ sparingly and seldom. Its overuse, both in writing and speaking, should be avoided as much as possible. There are better words to use.
Strunk and White, in The Elements of Style, say that these mundane qualifiers are like leeches that suck the blood of words. They even say we are ‘pretty’ sure to violate that rule, and they do so with tongue in cheek.
Every writer should check his composition for these qualifiers and make the necessary changes. This is always a part of re-writing and revising. Remember that good writing is precise and exact, avoiding the trite and mundane.
Charles O. Goulet has a BA in history and a BEd in English literature so he writes historical novels, most based on Canadian history. He may be contacted at:
E-mail: go1c@telusplanet.net
Website: http://www.telusplanet.net/public/go1c
Blog: http://go1c.blogspot.com
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