Elements of Style Archives - Writing Commons

Coherence – How to Achieve Coherence in Writing

Joe Moxley — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 14:48:34 +0000

What is Coherence? Coherence in writing refers to the logical connections and consistency that hold a text together, making it understandable and meaningful to the reader. Writers create coherence in three ways: What is Logical Consistency? What is Conceptual Consistency? What is Linguistic Consistency? Synonyms Related Concepts: Flow; Given to New Contract; Grammar; Organization; Organizational ... Read more

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The Ultimate Blueprint: A Research-Driven Deep Dive into The 13 Steps of the Writing Process

Joe Moxley — Wed, 10 May 2023 11:36:15 +0000

Like water cascading to the sea, flow feels inevitable, natural, purposeful. Yet achieving flow is a state of mind that can be difficult to achieve. It requires full commitment to the believing game (as opposed to the doubting game). What are the Steps of the Writing Process? Since the 1960s, it has been popular to ... Read more

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Ableist Language – Disability Metaphors – Disability Studies

Joe Moxley — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 19:34:14 +0000

What is Ableist Language? Every time you write, whether it is an email, an argument for class, or a social media post, you shape the culture around disability, for better or for worse. Your language reflects your perspectives on disability. One way that our culture marginalizes and excludes those with disabilities is by defining “normal” ... Read more

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Wrong Word

Joe Moxley — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 13:39:23 +0000

What Does it Mean to Use the Wrong Word? English is a tricky language. Words can be easily confused for similar sounding words (homonyms). When in doubt, research the word you are using to make sure that it means what you think it means. Related Concepts: Audience; Diction; Editing; Rhetorical Analysis; Rhetorical Reasoning Examples Accede—verb—to agree or consent Ex. I ... Read more

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Abstract Language

Joe Moxley — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 11:29:01 +0000

What is Abstract Language? Abstract language is Related Concepts Concrete, Sensory Writing; Description; Code Switching; Figurative Language; Given to New Contract; Register; Vague Language; Writer-Based Prose Style Why Does Abstract Language Matter? Abstract language empowers writers, speakers, knowledge makers . . . to Abstract language is widely employed in peer-reviewed journals and publications. It is ... Read more

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Homonym

Joe Moxley — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 15:06:58 +0000

Homonyms are words that are pronounced similarly but mean different things words that are spelled the same words that are pronounced similarly. Accede—verb—to agree or consentEx: I accede to your request for help. Exceed—verb—to go over an expected limitEx: If you exceed the speed limit, you may get a speeding ticket. Accept—verb—to receiveEx: I would ... Read more

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Simile

Joe Moxley — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 14:52:17 +0000

A simile is a particular type of metaphor that compares two objects that are essentially not like one another. A simile, unlike a metaphor, introduces this comparison with the words “like” or “as.” My essay’s introduction is like the first sip of a fine wine—that is a simile; My essay’s introduction is the first sip ... Read more

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Personification

Joe Moxley — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 14:47:58 +0000

Personification is the act of giving animals, inanimate objects, and ideas human form, personality, or emotion. Though you would not want to employ personification too much in an essay (just as you also have to be careful about the frequency of your similes and metaphors—too many can make your writing tedious or pretentious), one or ... Read more

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Metaphor

Joe Moxley — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 14:43:55 +0000

Metaphor is a figure of speech that identifies one thing with another. Metaphors do not use “like” or “as” but equate the two terms you are comparing. Effective metaphors capture your reader’s attention, and by creating strong, clear, interesting images, help the reader better understand and remember your point. Examples: The financial crisis in America ... Read more

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Unity

Joe Moxley — Sun, 22 Nov 2020 00:11:08 +0000

What is Unity (in Writing)? Unity refers to Related Concepts: Felt Sense; Gestalt; Organization; Thesis. FAQs What’s the difference between unity and coherence? Unity refers to a writer’s effort to make sure every bit of discourse — every word, phrase, clause, sentence, and paragraph — directly contributes to the main narrative or thesis. For instance, ... Read more

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