Rule 1. Use concrete rather than vague language.

Examples
Vague The weather was of an extreme nature on the West coast.
Concrete California had very cold weather last week.

Rule 2. Use active voice whenever possible. Active voice means the subject is doing the verb.

Examples
Active Barry hit the ball.
Passive The ball was hit. (Notice that the responsible party may not even appear when using passive voice.)

Rule 3. Avoid overusing there is, there are, it is, it was, etc.

Example There is a case of meningitis that was reported in the newspaper.

Correction A case of meningitis was reported in the newspaper.

Even Better The newspaper reported a case of meningitis. (Active voice)

 

Example It is important to signal before making a left turn.

Correction Signaling before making a left turn is important. OR Signaling before a left turn is important.

Even Better You should signal before making a left turn. (Active voice)

 

Example There are some revisions which must be made.

Correction Some revisions must be made.

Even Better Please make some revisions. (Active voice)

Rule 4. Avoid using two negatives to make a positive because they cause too much confusion.

Example He is not unwilling to help.

Correction He is willing to help.

Rule 5. Use similar grammatical form when offering several ideas. This is called parallel construction.

Correct You should check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Incorrect You should check your spelling, grammar, and punctuating.