LitWiki - User contributions [en]

What is wrong with “it”?

2004-11-08T02:12:53Z

Autumn:

Be careful when using pronouns, especially “it” and “[[Why is the pronoun “this” ambiguous?|this]].” Often these pronouns will be substituted for a real noun and can cause awkward sentences, vague references, passive construction, and wordiness. Compare:

: It is the time of year when the leaves change color.

“It” in the above example is vague reference that renames nothing. Try the sentence with a real noun:

: Autumn changes the color of the leaves.

Notice the economy of words, the active verb, and the actual noun. Anytime you use the word “it” in your sentence, ask yourself what is “it”? Chances are that you could use a real noun in place of the ambiguous pronoun to make your sentence more specific and much easier to read.

== Examples ==

Wordy and weak:

: It took Menaleus a long time to get home.

Cleaner and more precise using the subject and verb where they belong:

: Menaleus took a long time to get home.

Wordy and weak:

: Gorgias believed that it is impossible to objectively perceive anything because people cannot look past their opinions.

What does “it” tryly stand for? Use the real subject:

: Gorgias believed that objective perception is impossible because people cannot look past their opinions.

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[[Composition FAQ]]

What is wrong with “it”?

2004-11-08T02:12:30Z

Autumn:

Be careful when using pronouns, especially “it” and “[[Why is the pronoun “this” ambiguous? | this]].” Often these pronouns will be substituted for a real noun and can cause awkward sentences, vague references, passive construction, and wordiness. Compare:

: It is the time of year when the leaves change color.

“It” in the above example is vague reference that renames nothing. Try the sentence with a real noun:

: Autumn changes the color of the leaves.

Notice the economy of words, the active verb, and the actual noun. Anytime you use the word “it” in your sentence, ask yourself what is “it”? Chances are that you could use a real noun in place of the ambiguous pronoun to make your sentence more specific and much easier to read.

== Examples ==

Wordy and weak:

: It took Menaleus a long time to get home.

Cleaner and more precise using the subject and verb where they belong:

: Menaleus took a long time to get home.

Wordy and weak:

: Gorgias believed that it is impossible to objectively perceive anything because people cannot look past their opinions.

What does “it” tryly stand for? Use the real subject:

: Gorgias believed that objective perception is impossible because people cannot look past their opinions.

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[[Composition FAQ]]

Why is the pronoun “this” ambiguous?

2004-11-08T02:11:42Z

Autumn:

Only use the word “this” as an adjective, not as a pronoun. For example, in the following sentence, “this” does not rename a noun like a pronoun is supposed to do, but tries to stand by itself as if the meaning is clear:

: This causes many misunderstandings.

Of course, the context of “this,” you might say, would be understood from the previous sentence. Sure. However, as a developing writer, do not make that assumption. Only use “this” as an adjective preceeding a noun; e.g.:

: This attitude causes many misunderstandings.

Context is still needed for this example to be fully understood, but the subject is now clear to your reader, and she does not have to pause to figure out what in the world “this” is. Review a professional’s writing for “this” — chances are you will see very little of this stylistic ''faux pas''.

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[[Composition FAQ]]

What is wrong with “it”?

2004-11-08T02:10:11Z

Autumn:

Be careful when using pronouns, especially “it” and “this.” Often these pronouns will be substituted for a real noun and can cause awkward sentences, vague references, passive construction, and wordiness. Compare:

: It is the time of year when the leaves change color.

“It” in the above example is vague reference that renames nothing. Try the sentence with a real noun:

: Autumn changes the color of the leaves.

Notice the economy of words, the active verb, and the actual noun. Anytime you use the word “it” in your sentence, ask yourself what is “it”? Chances are that you could use a real noun in place of the ambiguous pronoun to make your sentence more specific and much easier to read.

== Examples ==

Wordy and weak:

: It took Menaleus a long time to get home.

Cleaner and more precise using the subject and verb where they belong:

: Menaleus took a long time to get home.

Wordy and weak:

: Gorgias believed that it is impossible to objectively perceive anything because people cannot look past their opinions.

What does “it” tryly stand for? Use the real subject:

: Gorgias believed that objective perception is impossible because people cannot look past their opinions.

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[[Composition FAQ]]

What is “tone”?

2004-11-08T02:07:57Z

Autumn:

Tone expresses emotion through word choice and sentence structure. An essay’s tone suggests the writer’s emotional involvement in the essay’s subject by projecting anger, enthusiasm, disinterest, outrage, and so on. Tone helps to develop and maintain your assertion throughout your essay and is integral in the writing process. Consider the following examples:

: Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly delivered a verdict that favored Microsoft’s position in the Justice Department’s anti-trust case.

: Judge Kollar-Kotelly’s verdict amounts to little more than a slap on the wrist for the monopolist Microsoft.

The former example maintains an objective, dispassionate view of a judge’s verdict by presenting only the information in a neutral way. The second example shows displeasure with the verdict by offering an opinion and choosing the word “monopolist” to underscore the writer’s feelings toward the verdict and Microsoft.

Words have both denotative and connotative meanings. The denotative meaning is a neutral dictionary definition while the connotative meaning carries contextual weight and delivers additional emotional associations. Denotatively, “monopolist” is a critique of Microsoft that delivers the writer’s negative position toward the company and the judge’s verdict.

Tone delivers the writer’s attitude about the subject to the reader. Think of tone carefully: what your words suggest to your audience about your attitude is as important as what they mean.

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[[Composition FAQ]]

How do I write a strong title?

2004-11-08T02:06:01Z

Autumn:

A strong title should do two things:

# Get the reader’s attention
# Accurately inform the reader of the essay’s topic, subject, and purpose

For example, consider this title:

: The Media: Free or Controlled?

This title is weak because it asks a question rather than take a position and makes the reader believe that the writer is indecisive. Does the writer have an opinion and will it be presented in the essay? No, there’s nothing wrong with an exploratory essay if that is what your professor assigned, but generally college-level essays will require you to make an argument and support that argument; see purpose. The above title suggests indecision.

A strong title will present the subject of the essay as well as the assertion, even if it is just a hint. Like an opening sentence, your title should get the reader’s attention, so it should nto be too long or too detailed as this may dissuade the reader from even continuing. Try to be succinct and interesting:

: Star Trek’s Positive Vision: The Future of Humanity

This title explicitly states the essay’s subject and offers a positive connotation about the subject to the reader. While it may not address the topic explicitly, it does provide a subject and a direction that the essay will develop.

Every noun and verb should be capitalized in your title. Do not enclose your title in quotation marks or italicize it.

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[[Composition FAQ]]