Printed Page 243

WRITER’S CHECKLIST

Click each checklist item to read more about it.

Grammar

Did you

avoid sentence fragments?

avoid comma splices?

avoid run-on sentences?

avoid ambiguous pronoun references?

compare items clearly?

use adjectives clearly?

maintain subject-verb agreement?

maintain pronoun-antecedent agreement?

use tenses correctly?

Sentences

Are the sentences structured with the new or important information near the end?

Are the sentences of the appropriate length: neither long and difficult to understand nor short and choppy?

Does each sentence focus on the “real” subject?

Have you limited the number of expletives used as sentence openers?

Does each sentence focus on the “real” verb, without weak nominalizations?

Have you used parallel structure in your sentences?

Have you used restrictive and nonrestrictive modifiers appropriately?

Have you eliminated misplaced modifiers, squinting modifiers, and dangling modifiers?

Words and Phrases

Did you

select an appropriate level of formality?

use active and passive voice appropriately?

use precise words?

provide adequate detail?

avoid ambiguity?

avoid unnecessary jargon?

use positive rather than negative constructions?

avoid long noun strings?

avoid clichés?

avoid euphemisms?

avoid stating the obvious?

avoid filler?

avoid unnecessary prepositional phrases?

use the most concise phrases?

avoid fancy words?

use nonsexist language?

use the people-first approach in referring to people with disabilities?

make your document easy to translate?