{"id":1740,"date":"2014-01-06T09:00:35","date_gmt":"2014-01-06T17:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/?p=1740"},"modified":"2019-04-14T10:41:22","modified_gmt":"2019-04-14T17:41:22","slug":"avoid-sticky-sentences-better-writer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/avoid-sticky-sentences-better-writer\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Avoid Sticky Sentences and Be a Better Writer"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you want to be a better writer, you should learn to avoid writing sticky sentences. Not sure what makes a sentence sticky? No worries, I’m about to tell you. This post breaks down six sticky sentences and shows you how to revise them. Next time you get stuck in your own sticky words, you can use these examples to set your words free.<\/p>\n

What Is a Sticky Sentence?<\/h2>\n

A sticky sentence contains any number of words that are unnecessary to the intended meaning of your writing. These words act as sticking points for readers, slowing them down and causing confusion. You can imagine these sentences as a spider web trapping readers like little flies in confusing stickiness.<\/p>\n

As a reader, you can usually recognize a sticky sentence when you have to go back and reread an unclear passage to understand it.<\/p>\n

As a writer, it’s hard to read your own work objectively<\/a>. You may not recognize when a sentence that you wrote is sticky. The best way to find sticky sentences in your work is to read it aloud (or, of course, ask someone to edit your work<\/a>). If you encounter a sentence that takes your breath away (not because it’s awesome, but because it’s too long), or a sentence that is awkward or confusing, it’s probably sticky.<\/p>\n

Sticky sentences often arise from the overuse of the most common words in the English language<\/a>, words such as so<\/i>, if<\/i>, than<\/i>, but<\/i>, and about<\/i>.  Sentences can also get sticky when you overuse adverbs.<\/p>\n

As a general rule, sentences should use verbs, adjectives, and nouns to convey your intended meaning. Adverbs and connector words, such as about,<\/i> should all be used with caution and only when essential.<\/p>\n

The best way for me to explain the problem of sticky sentences is to show you examples from work I’ve edited at Kibin<\/a>. I will give you some original sentences, point out the sticky words, show you a revision, and explain my thought process on the revision.<\/p>\n

Sticky Sentences Example #1<\/h2>\n

Original<\/strong>:

Original word count<\/strong>: 18 words<\/p>\n

Sticky words<\/strong>: what I went through, even more<\/i><\/p>\n

Edited sentence<\/strong>:

Edited word count<\/strong>: 14 words<\/p>\n

Explanation<\/strong>: In this sentence, I revised the phrase what I went through<\/i> with the simpler, and less sticky my experiences<\/i>. I exchanged the vague and sticky for being <\/i>with the more direct verb to work<\/i>. In addition, the phrase even more<\/i> is redundant with increased<\/i>, and I cut it without losing meaning. The revised sentence is clear and succinct.<\/p>\n

Sticky Sentences Example #2<\/h2>\n

Original<\/strong>:

Original word count<\/strong>: 17 words<\/p>\n

Sticky words<\/strong>: now, and, to go, for my second step<\/i><\/p>\n

Edited<\/strong>:

Edited word count<\/strong>: 10 words<\/p>\n

Explanation<\/strong>: The word now<\/i> is implied and can be deleted. I removed the infinitive verb to go<\/i> because it is repetitive with go to<\/i>. The phrase for my second step<\/i> is awkward and can be removed while retaining the meaning. In the end, we have a trim sentence that conveys the essential meaning without all the stickiness.<\/p>\n

Sticky Sentences Example #3<\/h2>\n

Original<\/b>:  

Original word count<\/b>: 28<\/p>\n

Sticky words<\/b>: that, another thing, about<\/i><\/p>\n