#this sentence is overused but where is the nuance

[leaving-fragments]

reallyy good, short article about how the balance between business and art in film seems to have shifted toward business nowadays

[fairyhaos]

How To Fucking Write: a guide by fairyhaos

[masterlist]

this post details:

DIALOGUING INTERESTINGLY

hi gays and gals! the first post on starting and pacing a story did really well, so "how to fucking write" is back, with yet more advice and tips for everyone ^^ please feel free to let me know if there's something you want me talk about, because i'll be more than willing to see if i can help. also a reminder that i have a taglist for this series as well, and please reblog if you find this helpful :)

# - HOW TO DIALOGUE.

.. bullet point one : grammar

okay guys, as a native english speaker, i'll be the first to tell you that this language fucking sucks in terms of its grammar, but when it comes to dialogue, understanding how it works even to some extent will help you branch out and vary the way you write dialogue, which makes it so much more interesting.

with dialogue tags (said, asked, etc) if the punctuation mark in the dialogue is not a ! or ? then it should be a comma.

example : [junhui + castle]

as you can see in the first line, a comma is used rather than a full stop, because the sentence hasn't been finished yet. there's a dialogue tag, ('you correct'), that comes after it. and since the pronoun 'you' isn't a proper noun (i.e. a name) then it shouldn't be capitalised, because, again, the sentence hasn't been finished.

with action tags however, (he smiled, he stood up, etc) then it should be a full stop.

example : [i just made one up bc i don't use this a lot lmao]

"I disagree." He stood up, and walked over to close the door. "This isn't safe. You shouldn't go alone."

and now, since there is a full stop, it indicates that the speech is a sentence all by itself. that means the next word ('He') ought to be capitalised.

but the key part when grammar-ing dialogue in order to make it interesting depends on where you put the action and grammar tags.

if you constantly have lines that are just:

"dialogue," he said.

"dialogue," she said.

"dialogue but a bit longer," he said.

... then it can get repetitive, and annoying. by varying your dialogue structure, it can create more interesting dialogue.

example : [minghao + password]

there's a variety of dialogue and action tags being used with each line of dialogue, preventing everything from sounding too repetitive.

the first line starts with a normal sentence, and an action tag. the second is a standalone line of dialogue with no tags. the second has the action tag in the middle of the dialogue. and the last has a dialogue tag in the middle of the dialogue.

by varying the ways in which you write your dialogue, it makes everything a lot more interesting.

.. bullet point two : verbs and adverbs

the easiest way to make dialogue interesting, though, is to use fancy words.

this can be by replacing 'said' with a range of other dialogue tags (see this really comprehensive list for a whole variety of different words), but i'd advise against overusing these. 'said' is your friend! it's the invisible dialogue tag, helps your reader read through your dialogue in comfort, but of course, if you wanna add a nuanced way of describing the dialogue, then replacing 'said' is the easiest way to make your dialogue interesting.

but don't overuse these. for me, i'd focus on action tags and adverbs.

use interesting adverbs that add description to how a character is saying something can go miles. and using action tags that break through what could have been a long section of characters just talking? it helps so much.

i'd recommend having onelook thesaurus open as you write. you don't have to type in just words: phrases, the overall vibes of the word you're thinking of, all of that can be typed into the thesaurus and they'll provide you with pretty good results each time.

it also really helps when you've forgotten a word and can only remember vague bits of what the word should feel like.

.. bullet point three : voices

the best way, however, is ultimately to create a character. write a personality for them, bring them to life, think about the way in which they would talk and then put that down onto paper.

it's difficult, perhaps the most difficult to do, because it's also so tricky to advise someone on how to do this. it's all about the character you want to create, the personality you envision for them, and the only person who can fully write that is you.

however, i would find a few 'ticks' of theirs and use them as indicators in your writing.

for example, in my seoksoo long fic, seokmin's tick is that he always "chirps" what he's saying. and beams. a lot. this identifies his character, makes him unique(ish), and establishes his personality and differs him to the other characters.

but ultimately, it comes down to word choices, when you're writing a character voice.

like, your character describing something with elegant, floral language vs them going "this is so pretty". or perhaps making them stumble over their words when they're panicked vs them simply just going silent when they're flustered.

it's about being specific. about making choices with your words that would have english teachers analyse and unpick your writing, hundreds of years later.

(even if it's fanfic. especially if it's fanfic: because who knows how many fans may join your fandom in the next few years?)

... and that's it ! if anyone has anything else they want advice on (how to structure, how to write dialogue, how to plan etc) then just shoot me an ask, because i'd love to help however i can :)

tagging (comment/send ask to be added!): @selenicives @stqrrgirle @weird-bookworm @eternalgyu @blue-jisungs (tough luck guys btw but youre gonna be tagged in this entire series ehehehe)

[schooldekho91]

Master Prepositions: Exercises and Answers for Fluent English Usage

Introduction to Prepositions

In the realm of English grammar, prepositions play a crucial role in connecting words and phrases, thereby indicating relationships such as time, place, direction, and more. Mastering prepositions is not just about memorization but understanding their contextual usage. This comprehensive guide aims to equip learners with practical exercises and answers to enhance their proficiency in using prepositions effectively.

Understanding Prepositions

What Are Prepositions?

Prepositions are words that link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words within a sentence. They provide crucial information about the relationship between elements in context.

Types of Prepositions

1. Simple Prepositions

Simple prepositions are single words like in, on, at, to, by, for, with, and about.

2. Compound Prepositions

Compound prepositions consist of two or more words, functioning as a single unit to denote relationships. Examples include because of, in front of, and in spite of.

3. Phrase Prepositions

Phrase prepositions are groups of words that function as single prepositions, such as in addition to, on behalf of, and according to.

4. Participle Prepositions

Participle prepositions end in -ing and often describe how something happens or is done, like during, concerning, and excluding.

Usage of Prepositions

Time

Prepositions such as at, on, in, and during indicate when something happens. For instance, "She arrived at noon."

Place

Prepositions like in, on, at, and under specify where something is located. For example, "The book is on the shelf."

Direction

Prepositions of direction like to, towards, into, and through denote movement towards or away from a place. E.g., "He walked to the park."

Agent/Instrument

Prepositions such as by and with describe how something is done or the means used. For example, "The letter was written by John."

Common Errors with Prepositions

Understanding and avoiding common mistakes is crucial for mastering prepositions:

Misplacement: Incorrect use of prepositions can lead to misunderstandings, such as saying "interested for" instead of "interested in".

Overuse: Using prepositions unnecessarily can clutter sentences and confuse the reader.

Incorrect Choice: Choosing the wrong preposition can alter the meaning of a sentence, e.g., using "on" instead of "at" in time-related contexts.

Preposition Exercises with Answers

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

She is sitting _ the chair.

The cat is hiding _ the bed.

Answers:

on

under

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice Questions

She is going _ the store.

a) to

b) in

c) on

The keys are _ the table.

a) in

b) on

c) at

Answers:

a) to

b) on

Exercise 3: Match the Prepositions

Match the following phrases with suitable prepositions:

_ the morning

_ the car

Answers:

in

in

Advanced Usage and Tips

Idiomatic Expressions

Idiomatic expressions involving prepositions add depth and nuance to language. Examples include at a loss, in the nick of time, and on the verge of.

Phrasal Verbs

Understanding phrasal verbs, which combine verbs with prepositions or adverbs, enhances fluency. Examples include look up to, break down, and run out of.

Tips for Improving Preposition Usage

Read Regularly: Expose yourself to varied texts to observe prepositions in context.

Practice Daily: Incorporate preposition exercises into your daily study routine.

Use Visual Aids: Create flashcards or diagrams to reinforce preposition usage.

Enhance your grammar skills with our Preposition Exercise with Answers for Students. These exercises are designed to help students understand and use prepositions correctly through practical examples and fill-in-the-blank sentences. With included answers, students can easily check their work and focus on areas needing improvement. This resource is perfect for both classroom learning and self-study, making mastering prepositions easy and effective.

Conclusion

Mastering prepositions is pivotal for achieving fluency and accuracy in English. By familiarizing yourself with their types, usages, and common errors, you can navigate language more effectively. Practicing with exercises and understanding nuanced applications will further strengthen your command of prepositions.

Check our other Blogs :-

Master Prepositions: Exercises with Answers for Students

Boost Learning with Engaging GK Questions in Morning Assemblies

Effective Preposition Exercises for Students: Practice with Answers

[glassroo]

i love blue peep but why are they condemned to shock collar??? kinda fucked up to use ECT on a psychic without consent i’m sure there’s better stuff. or was it already there and the psychonauts are trying to figure out how to take it off??? or was it voluntary on their end like “i will fuck you all up if you don’t physically harm me?” not being judgy or anything! just trying to figure out how the psychonauts and stuff slot together in your world cause your ocs are so fucking cool

AIGHT so first off i wanna start by saying TY FOR ASKING ABT MY OCS THIS DOESNT HAPPEN ENOUGH 💝💝 this response will be layered, bc when it comes to any of my ocs, what ive written barely covers 1/50th of whats in my head. ill try and dot-point without rambling too long

the shock collar isnt as severe as it looks, i really leaned into the "exaggerated overblown Psychonauts™️ design" with it. the Psychonauts put the collar on them shortly after committing them to their psychic rehabilitation program. it generates enough of a zap to bother them, and stop their psychic power. nothing more. regular checkups are performed by Sasha to make sure the output treads the border of effective and safe

there is, as of the year our friend is 15, a psychic rehabilitation program within the Psychonauts. its mostly geared towards the youth, people with more pliable minds that tend to be more receptive to change, general age range being 13-19, and is headed by Oleander. Kylie (our pink muppet bestie) and a few others are also in this program :)

I also typecast the Psychonauts as being a bit more...antiquated with their methods. remember the psychoisolation chambers? i wouldnt put a goofy ahh psychic shock collar past them

our baffling friend has used their psychic suggestion so often throughout their life that it triggers in any question they ask or vague statement they make. the shock collar is part of their CBT, and was deemed necessary after they displayed a severe lack of control over this dangerous ability, plus their (admittedly small) rap sheet. anyone not actively shielding their mind WILL be influenced by their words

their overuse stemmed from the need to constantly use their power to survive their situation growing up. without going too much into it, they experienced severe emotional neglect, moderate physical neglect, among more nuanced stuff that comes from having emotionally immature parents

they committed crimes of their own accord. this only started a few months before the Psychonauts captured them. it's not a regular pattern of behaviour for them. they had come into contact with a psychic with similar, but much more pronounced abilities, which influenced them greatly. the Psychonauts (justifiably) fear that without harsh intervention this behaviour would escalate. this person is somewhat on the Psychonauts radar, but not much is known about them

with all said, our friend didnt consent to the shock collar. i dont think most 15y/o's would. but theyre aware of their issues with unintentional power usage...they just dont think its a big deal though. theyve never had an issue with their power hurting someone, so isnt everything being blown way out of proportion?

throughout their rehabilitation they do come to realise (much like Raz with Hollis) that tampering with the minds of others is not something done lightly. while at the start of their rehab their sentences are constantly interrupted by jolts and zaps, somewhat symbolic of their lack of understanding or care for how their words (powers) affect others, towards the end there's barely a spark when they speak. theyre even able to ask a few questions without triggering the collar, or their powers

in summary, this character has a lot of me in them, and tbh i couldve used some harsh psychic CBT instead of having to unlearn bad coping mechanisms the long, hard way. like me, they hate having a name, they love quiet public transit, they fear expectations, and they ponder where their somewhat aimless life will take them. im glad you like them, and i hope my 3am ramblings have grown your appreciation for them! i think the name J. (Jayden) Doe will work for them. for now. like me, theyll probably change it later :)

[sentencecount]

The Benefits of Using a Sentence Counter Tool for Writers

In the fast-paced world of content creation, precision is key. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just getting started, one of the most overlooked yet essential tools in your arsenal should be a sentence counter tool. This seemingly simple tool offers a host of benefits that can enhance your writing, improve readability, and ensure that your content resonates with your audience.

Sentence Counter Tool

A sentence counter tool is a digital application that counts the number of sentences in a text. While it may seem basic, this tool is incredibly useful for writers, editors, students, and professionals who need to keep track of sentence length and structure. Most sentence counter tools also offer additional features, such as word and character counts, which provide a comprehensive overview of your text's composition.

Why Sentence Length Matters

Sentence length plays a crucial role in the readability and clarity of your writing. Short sentences are often easier to read and understand, making them ideal for conveying straightforward information. On the other hand, longer sentences can add complexity and nuance to your writing but may also risk losing the reader's attention if overused.

Balancing sentence length is essential, and this is where a sentence counter tool comes into play. By providing an accurate count of your sentences, this tool helps you assess whether your writing is too choppy or overly convoluted. It allows you to maintain a rhythm that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Enhancing Readability and Flow

One of the primary benefits of using a sentence counter tool is its ability to enhance the readability of your content. Readability is a measure of how easily a reader can understand your text. It is influenced by several factors, including sentence length, word choice, and the complexity of ideas presented.

When you consistently monitor your sentence length with a sentence counter tool, you can make adjustments that improve the overall flow of your writing. For instance, if you notice that your sentences are consistently long, you might consider breaking them up into shorter, more digestible segments. This makes your content more accessible, especially for readers who may be skimming or reading on a mobile device.

Ideal for Academic Writing

For students and academics, a sentence counter tool can be particularly valuable. Academic writing often requires a balance between clarity and complexity. Professors and reviewers look for well-structured arguments that are clearly articulated. However, in the pursuit of thoroughness, students sometimes fall into the trap of writing overly long and complex sentences.

A sentence counter tool helps students maintain clarity in their writing. By providing a clear count of sentences, it encourages more concise expression of ideas. This tool can also aid in meeting word count requirements without sacrificing the quality of the content.

Streamlining the Editing Process

Editing is a critical part of the writing process, and a sentence counter tool can make this task much more efficient. When reviewing a draft, it can be easy to overlook sentence structure and length, especially when focused on grammar, punctuation, and content accuracy.

A sentence counter tool draws your attention to the number of sentences, allowing you to quickly identify areas where sentence length may need adjustment. For example, if a particular paragraph contains several long sentences, you might consider breaking them up to improve readability. Conversely, if a paragraph consists mainly of short, simple sentences, combining a few might enhance the flow and depth of the text.

Catering to SEO Requirements

For content creators focused on search engine optimization (SEO), a sentence counter tool can be invaluable. Search engines like Google prioritize content that is easy to read and understand. Long, complex sentences can negatively impact the readability score of your content, which in turn can affect your ranking in search engine results.

By using a sentence counter tool, you can ensure that your content is structured in a way that appeals to both readers and search engines. This tool helps you strike a balance between providing valuable information and maintaining an accessible writing style, ultimately boosting your content's visibility online.

Versatility Across Writing Styles

One of the most appealing aspects of a sentence counter tool is its versatility. Whether you're writing a blog post, an academic paper, a novel, or a business report, this tool can adapt to your needs. It provides a quick and easy way to monitor your sentence length, ensuring that your writing remains clear, concise, and engaging.

For creative writers, a sentence counter tool can also help in maintaining a desired tone or pace. For instance, short, punchy sentences might be more effective in action scenes or dialogue, while longer, more descriptive sentences can enhance the atmosphere in narrative passages.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a sentence counter tool is an essential resource for any writer looking to improve their craft. It offers a straightforward way to monitor sentence length, enhance readability, and ensure that your content is engaging and accessible. Whether you're crafting content for a blog, writing an academic paper, or working on your next novel, a sentence counter tool can help you achieve the perfect balance in your writing.

By integrating a sentence counter tool into your writing process, you can take a significant step towards producing clearer, more compelling content that resonates with your audience. So, the next time you're working on a piece of writing, don't overlook the power of this simple yet effective tool.

[jignashah]

Top 10 Idioms to Use in Academic Writing and Speeches

Want to know the best effective Idioms to use in your academic writing than look no further than this blog. Read till the end.

Idioms add a touch of sophistication and flair to your writing and speeches, making them more engaging and memorable. For advanced English learners, mastering idioms can significantly enhance the quality of their academic work.

Here are ten idioms that are particularly effective in academic contexts:

1. Break new ground

Meaning: To do something innovative that has never been done before.

Example: "The research paper breaks new ground in the field of neuroscience."

2. Cutting edge

Meaning: The most advanced and innovative part of a field or activity.

Example: "Her thesis on renewable energy is at the cutting edge of environmental science."

3. Raise the bar

Meaning: To set a higher standard.

Example: "This ground-breaking study raises the bar for future research in cognitive psychology."

4. Hit the nail on the head

Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.

Example: "In his analysis, Dr. Smith hit the nail on the head regarding the economic implications of climate change."

5. In the same boat

Meaning: To be in the same difficult situation as others.

Example: "Many developing countries are in the same boat when it comes to dealing with the challenges of rapid urbanization."

6. Play devil's advocate

Meaning: To argue against something for the sake of argument, to test the validity of the point.

Example: "While presenting her dissertation, she played devil's advocate to anticipate possible counterarguments."

7. On the same wavelength

Meaning: To share similar opinions and ideas.

Example: "The research team was on the same wavelength, which made the project progress smoothly."

8. The elephant in the room

Meaning: An obvious problem that no one wants to discuss.

Example: "The paper addresses the elephant in the room regarding the lack of diversity in clinical trials."

9. A double-edged sword

Meaning: Something that has both positive and negative effects.

Example: "Technology in education is a double-edged sword; it offers great benefits but also poses significant challenges."

10. To put it in a nutshell

Meaning: To summarize briefly.

Example: "To put it in a nutshell, the study concludes that early childhood education has a lasting impact on cognitive development."

How to Effectively Incorporate Idioms in Academic Writing

Using idioms in academic writing can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you use them appropriately and effectively:

Understand the Meaning: Make sure you fully understand the idiom's meaning and nuances. Misusing idioms can confuse readers and weaken your argument.

Relevance is Key: Use idioms that are relevant to your topic and add value to your writing. They should help clarify or emphasize your point, not distract from it.

Balance and Moderation: While idioms can enhance your writing, overusing them can make your work seem less serious. Aim for a balance where the idioms complement your academic tone.

Context Matters: Ensure that the idiom fits well within the context of your sentence and overall argument. It should flow naturally with your writing style.

Audience Awareness: Consider your audience's familiarity with the idioms. Use idioms that are widely understood in academic circles to avoid confusion.

Conclusion

Incorporating idioms into your academic writing and speeches can make your work more engaging and impactful. By using idioms like "break new ground," "cutting edge," and "raise the bar," you can convey complex ideas succinctly and memorably. Remember to use idioms appropriately and in moderation to enhance, not overshadow, your scholarly work. Happy writing!

For more on enhancing your English conversations, check out Top 10 Idioms to Enhance Your English Conversations.

Please follow me on my Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/elitespeak_english/ to start your journey in mastering advanced English and up your game to make an impact in the conversations in any settings. It's your handy page to adopt a celebrity styled English flair.

#english #englishlanguagelearning #advancedenglish #speakenglishwithstyle #speakenglishfluently #blogstolearnenglishlanguage

[chhayaai]

How to Detect AI-Written Articles

Learn how to detect AI-written articles with tools like Chhaya AI. Discover key indicators and techniques to identify AI-generated content.

In a world where AI is taking over content creation, how can we tell if our favorite blogs are written by humans or robots?

The AI Revolution in Content Creation

Gone are the days when writers had to slave away over their keyboards for hours. Enter the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), where tools like OpenAI’s GPT-4, Google’s BERT, Chhaya AI, and Writesonic can churn out articles faster than you can say “Skynet.” But with great power comes great responsibility — or in this case, a great challenge: identifying whether content is human-crafted or AI-generated.

Why Bother? The Importance of Detecting AI-Written Content

Ethical Transparency: Readers deserve to know if their information is coming from a human perspective or a machine.

Trust and Credibility: Human writers bring unique insights and emotions, which AI might lack, impacting reader trust.

Misinformation Mitigation: AI can sometimes produce misleading information if not properly monitored.

What’s AI-Written Content Anyway?

AI-written content is created by algorithms and machine learning models. These tools analyze vast amounts of data to mimic human writing styles and generate text based on prompts.

Common AI Writing Tools:

OpenAI’s GPT-4

Google’s BERT

Chhaya AI

Writesonic

Spotting AI Content: The Telltale Signs

Consistency in Style and Tone: AI tends to maintain a uniform writing style throughout an article, which can sometimes feel unnatural.

Repetitive Phrasing: You’ll notice AI loves using the same phrases over and over, like a broken record.

Lack of Personal Touch: No personal anecdotes or unique experiences here — just plain, impersonal text.

Keyword Overkill: AI often overuses certain keywords to optimize for SEO, leading to a robotic feel.

Technical Indicators of AI Content

AI-Generated Metadata: Some AI tools leave behind detectable metadata.

Sentence Structure and Syntax: AI-generated text often follows predictable syntactic patterns.

Word Choice and Frequency: Analyzing word frequency can reveal AI’s preference for certain terms.

Behavioral Clues in AI Content

Consistent Tone and Style: Feels monotonous due to uniformity.

Repetitive Language: Limited vocabulary set.

Overly Formal or Informal: Struggles with context-appropriate language.

Lack of Deep Insights: Surface-level information without nuanced analysis.

Predictable Structure: Clear but rigid paragraph divisions.

No Personal Stories: Absence of personal anecdotes.

Forced Emotions: Emotional tone may seem superficial.

Awkward Humor: Struggles with humor and sarcasm.

Clichés Galore: Overuses common phrases.

Inconsistent Pronouns: Occasional mix-ups with references.

Tools and Techniques to Identify AI Content

AI Detection Software: Tools like AI Dungeon and Chhaya AI can analyze text for AI-generated patterns.

Manual Analysis

Comparative Reading: Compare with known human-written content.

Spotting Repetitive Patterns: Look for repeated phrases.

Generic Language: AI tends to use general statements without specific details.

3. Reverse Image Search: Use tools like Google Reverse Image Search or TinEye to detect AI-generated images.

Real Examples: AI vs. Human Writing

AI-Written Paragraph on Healthy Eating

“Healthy eating is essential for maintaining good health. It involves consuming a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from all food groups…”

Human-Written Paragraph on Healthy Eating

“Embracing a healthy eating lifestyle has transformed my life in unexpected ways. By incorporating more fruits and vegetables into my meals, I’ve noticed a significant boost in my energy levels and overall mood…”

The Future of AI in Content Creation

Advances in AI Writing Technology

Improved NLP: More human-like text generation.

Contextual Understanding: Personalized and targeted writing.

Creative Writing: Enhanced storytelling capabilities.

Human-AI Collaboration

Augmenting Creativity: AI as a tool for idea generation.

Efficiency: AI handling repetitive tasks.

Co-Creation: Human refinement of AI drafts.

Ethical Considerations

Transparency: Clear disclosure of AI-generated content.

Content Authenticity: Tools to verify originality.

Responsible Use: Ethical standards and regulations.

Educational and Skill Development

Training for Writers: Effective use of AI tools.

New Skill Sets: Data literacy and technical proficiency.

Conclusion

AI is here to stay in the realm of content creation. While it offers incredible efficiency and capabilities, it’s crucial to maintain ethical standards and transparency. By learning to distinguish AI-written content, we can ensure the authenticity and quality of the information we consume.

“Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master.” — Christian Lous Lange

For a more in-depth exploration of this topic, I have a detailed article explaining the same on ChhayaAI.

[deliasamed]

Independent Elements

  Independent Elements in a Sentence: 

Grammatically independent elements in a sentence are components that can stand alone as complete thoughts but are incorporated into a larger sentence to provide additional information, emphasis, or clarity. These elements are often set off by punctuation marks to signal their independence. Grammatically independent elements include:   Direct Address:   Example: John, please pass the salt. Explanation: John is a direct address, where the speaker directly communicates with someone. It is set off by a comma (,) and does not affect the grammatical structure of the main sentence.     Parenthetical Words/Phrases:   Example: The weather, surprisingly, turned warm. Explanation: Surprisingly is a parenthetical word that provides additional information. It is set off by commas (,) and can be removed without affecting the sentence's core meaning.       Parenthetical Clauses:   Example: The movie, in my opinion, was not as good as the book. Explanation: In my opinion is a parenthetical clause providing the speaker's viewpoint. It is set off by commas (,) and is not crucial to the sentence's structure.       Interjections:   Example: Wow, that was an amazing performance! Explanation: Wow is an interjection expressing strong emotion. Interjections are often set off by commas (,) and exist independently of the sentence's structure.       Appositive Phrases:   Example: My best friend, Sarah, just got engaged. Explanation: Sarah is an appositive set off by commas (,). It provides additional information about my best friend but is not essential to the sentence's core meaning.   These elements are grammatically independent because they can be removed from the sentence without affecting its basic structure or core meaning. However, they add nuance, emotion, or clarification to the overall message. Punctuation, such as commas or dashes, is often used to set off these elements and signal their independence from the main structure of the sentence.        

Punctuation for Independent Elements:

  Commas: (,) Independent elements are often set off by commas to distinguish them from the main sentence. Example: John, please pass the salt.     Parentheses: ( )  Parentheses can also be used to enclose independent elements. Example: The weather (surprisingly) turned warm.     Dashes: (--) Em dash can be used for a more emphatic separation of independent elements. Example: She—the one with the red hat—arrived first."     Maintaining Clarity: Independent elements contribute to clarity but should not disrupt the overall flow of the sentence. Ensure that the sentence remains coherent even if the independent element is removed.   Variety in Sentence Structure: Using independent elements allows for a variety of sentence structures, making writing more engaging. However, it's important not to overuse them to maintain balance and readability.   Expressive Writing: Independent elements are often employed in expressive writing to convey the speaker's tone, emotions, or unique style. They add a personal touch to the language.   Editing for Precision: During the editing process, pay attention to the placement and punctuation of independent elements. Ensure they are appropriately integrated into the sentence for precision and impact.             Independent Elements Parallelism in English Grammar What is Adverbial Modifier of a Sentence What is the Attribute of a Sentence? What is The Object of a Sentence? What is a predicate? Predicate Types Subject of a Sentence. Types for definition Read the full article

[futureailist]

LanguageTool: Elevate Your Writing with Grammar and Style Excellence In the world of written communication, precision and clarity reign supreme. The power of language lies not only in the message it conveys, but also in how effectively it does so. Whether you're composing an email, crafting a blog post, or penning a formal document, ensuring your text is free from grammar errors and possesses impeccable style can make all the difference. This is where LanguageTool steps in, an ingenious tool that promises to elevate your writing to new heights of excellence. Unveiling LanguageTool LanguageTool is more than just a grammar checker; it's your personal writing assistant, poised to transform your text into a masterpiece of linguistic finesse. Designed to accommodate a diverse array of languages, including English, Spanish, and over 30 others, LanguageTool offers a comprehensive approach to text refinement. A Multilingual Marvel With the ability to analyze and enhance texts in a multitude of languages, LanguageTool proves itself as a truly international writing tool. From English to German, Portuguese to Dutch, this tool bridges linguistic barriers, making it an indispensable ally for global communicators. The Power of Precision LanguageTool's suite of features is built to address every facet of language perfection, ensuring your text shines with correctness and clarity. Checker spelling Bid farewell to the tyranny of typos and misspellings. LanguageTool's red underlines swiftly identify every error, guaranteeing every name, phrase, and word is spelled correctly. Check for grammar online free Navigating the labyrinth of grammar rules has never been simpler. Whether it's subject-verb agreement, plural forms, or nuanced grammatical structures, LanguageTool's prowess ensures your writing remains unblemished. Punctuation Perfected Commas, dashes, and hyphens can confound even the most seasoned writers. LanguageTool stands as your punctuation guardian, guiding you towards the correct usage of these vital elements. Casing Confidence Capitalization and lowercase intricacies can often trip up even the most meticulous authors. LanguageTool's discerning eye ensures that your text adheres to proper casing rules, be it names, months, places, or national identities. Elevate Your Style Stylish writing leaves a lasting impression. LanguageTool identifies overused phrases, foreign terms, redundant words, and improper choices. A blue underline guides you toward enhancing your style and refining your prose. Paraphrasing Prowess In search of the ideal expression? LanguageTool harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to paraphrase your sentences. It streamlines your text, making it more formal, fluent, concise, or sophisticated. Seamless Integration LanguageTool seamlessly integrates into your preferred office programs, amplifying your productivity and minimizing errors. Google Docs Mastery Whether crafting a collaborative masterpiece or penning a solo project, LanguageTool's Google Docs Add-on ensures grammar and spelling mistakes are eradicated, allowing your content to shine. Microsoft Word Excellence With compatibility spanning Windows, Mac, and the online version, LanguageTool's Microsoft Word Add-in emerges as a trusty companion for error-free writing. No more overlooking grammar and style nuances. LibreOffice & OpenOffice Elegance For users of LibreOffice and OpenOffice, LanguageTool delivers text checking capabilities. Seamlessly integrate it into your workflow for refined and polished writing. Trustworthy Endorsements Prominent organizations worldwide place their trust in LanguageTool, attesting to its reliability and effectiveness: BMW Group European Union Spiegel Magazine Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa) Blinkist Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen (SRF) JetBrains IP Australia Unleash Your Inner Professional LanguageTool's free version opens the door to error-free writing by rectifying spelling, simple punctuation, and some style mistakes.

Should you strive for perfection, the Premium version unveils a treasure trove of enhancements, transforming your text into a testament of linguistic mastery. Frequently Asked Questions A Comprehensive Solution LanguageTool not only corrects spelling errors, but it also offers a comprehensive analysis of your writing, addressing grammar, word choice, and even style. Punctuation Precision The tool's error detection is impeccable, encompassing all forms of punctuation, including the nuanced world of comma errors. Complex sentence structures are effortlessly proofread. Real-time Correction With automatic suggestions displayed as you type, LanguageTool ensures rapid, on-the-fly text correction. Double-clicking on a word reveals synonyms, offering an extra layer of enhancement. Multilingual Dominance LanguageTool's language mastery spans over 30 languages and dialects. Its core languages—English, Spanish, German, French, Dutch, and Portuguese—offer variant choices, catering to diverse linguistic needs. The Power of Premium While LanguageTool's free version addresses the essentials, the Premium iteration unlocks the full spectrum of corrections, guaranteeing an unparalleled level of text refinement. Team accounts cater to corporate needs. Tailored for Excellence In a digital world saturated with text, LanguageTool emerges as a beacon of precision and clarity. With its arsenal of features, seamless integrations, and a commitment to elevating your writing, this tool empowers you to communicate with finesse and grace. Discover the world of LanguageTool and embark on a journey toward unparalleled linguistic excellence.

[enquerys]

[ BRUCE WAYNE ] : ' you keep on talking with nothing to say. ' / @loneheir

ㅤnothing to say? NOTHING TO SAY? poor, sweet batman, always one infuriating step behind. every word that comes from edward's mouth is carefully planned, each meticulously constructed sentence carrying some important weight, some clue to one of the many diabolical traps he'd set up around the city. as for which trap he was referring to — well, it's batman's job to figure that out. for him to outright tell would be cheating, and where's the fun in that?

ㅤhe glances away from the two - way video comm he's established between them long enough to let out an exaggerated yawn, hand held lazily before his widening mouth. a rueful shake of his head is then given in the bat's direction, the corners of his mouth curling into a trademark smirk. ❛  oh, i can assure you that's not the case,  ❜ he murmurs playfully, lips parting to bare a self - assured grin. ❛  but i can see why you'd think so. see, your mind simply isn't wired the way mine is, i'm afraid. subtle nuances are just... lost on you.  ❜

ㅤa sigh, lean shoulders deflating. ❛  i could be persuaded to give you an actual hint, of course. that is, if you're willing to ask nicely.  ❜ the camera pans rather jerkily to show a man in a now dirtied suit, hooked up to what looks like an electrical transformer. exhaustion gives way to immediate panic as the camera — and by extension, the riddler — grow closer to the captive man, who whines and moans into a makeshift gag, his voice hoarse from overuse.

ㅤit swivels once more to return to the caller himself, only the camera is much closer this time, enough to show the deep bags encircling his eyes, the sleepless pallor of his skin. despite whatever treatment he's supposed to have been getting, his instability and mania have only grown worse.

ㅤ❛  ask me very nicely. or his goose is cooked. ❜

[irrespub]

The Ultimate List of Top 10 Free Online Proofreading Tools

In today's fast-paced digital age, where communication happens at the speed of light, the importance of clear and error-free writing cannot be overstated. Whether you're crafting an important email, a blog post, a research paper, or any other written document, it's crucial to ensure that your words are polished, accurate, and convey your intended message effectively. Thankfully, there is an array of free online proofreading tools available that can help you catch those pesky typos, grammatical errors, and inconsistencies before you hit that "send" button.

1. Grammarly: As one of the most widely recognized proofreading tools, Grammarly offers both free and premium versions. Its robust algorithm checks for grammatical errors, punctuation mistakes, spelling errors, and even suggests improvements in sentence structure and word choice.

2. ProWritingAid: ProWritingAid not only identifies grammar and spelling issues, but it also provides in-depth style and readability suggestions. It analyzes your writing for overused words, sentence length variations, and more, helping you refine your writing style.

3. Hemingway Editor: Named after the renowned author Ernest Hemingway, this tool focuses on enhancing readability. It highlights complex sentences, excessive use of adverbs, and passive voice, ensuring your writing is concise and impactful.

4. PaperRater: PaperRater offers grammar and plagiarism checking, making it an ideal choice for students and writers who need to ensure their work is original and well-written.

5. LanguageTool: LanguageTool supports over 20 languages and provides grammar and style suggestions. It can identify errors in context and offer alternatives to improve your writing.

6. Slick Write: Slick Write offers real-time grammar checking and analysis. It helps you identify potential pitfalls in your writing, such as repetitiveness and filler words, making your content more engaging.

7. Reverso: Reverso is not just a proofreading tool; it's also a language translation and learning platform. It corrects spelling and grammar mistakes while offering suggestions for idiomatic expressions and synonyms.

8. Ginger: Ginger not only checks for spelling and grammar errors but also offers text-to-speech functionality, making it an inclusive tool for both proofreading and accessibility.

9. WhiteSmoke: WhiteSmoke not only offers grammar and spell checking but also provides style suggestions to improve the overall quality of your writing. It even offers a translator and dictionary for various languages.

10. Virtual Writing Tutor: Ideal for students and ESL learners, Virtual Writing Tutor helps improve sentence structure, vocabulary, and grammar. It also offers specialized feedback for academic writing and essays.

While these tools are immensely valuable in enhancing your writing, it's important to remember that they are not infallible. They may not catch every subtle nuance or context-specific error, so it's always a good practice to review your work manually as well. Additionally, these tools won't replace the need for a human proofreader in more critical or professional contexts.

Incorporating free online proofreading tools into your writing routine can significantly elevate the quality of your content. They not only catch errors but also offer valuable insights into your writing patterns, allowing you to learn and improve over time. As language evolves and digital communication becomes increasingly prevalent, the role of these tools becomes even more pronounced.

The availability of free online proofreading tools has revolutionized the way we approach writing. From grammar checks to readability enhancements, these tools offer a range of features that can transform your writing from mundane to magnificent. Whether you're a student striving for academic excellence, a blogger looking to engage your audience, or a professional aiming for error-free communication, these top 10 free online proofreading tools are your companions in the journey toward polished and compelling content. Remember, clear and precise writing is not just a skill; it's a powerful tool that can open doors and forge connections in today's interconnected world.

For More Info:-

Top 10 Free Online Proofreading Tools

[thekriitpatel]

Past Perfect Tense

Unlocking the Power of Past Perfect Tense: Mastering Verb Tenses for Clear and Impactful Writing

Welcome to a language journey where we unravel the secrets of effective writing through the exploration of verb tenses.  Today, we embark on an exhilarating quest to unlock the power of the past perfect tense. As writers, we strive to paint vivid pictures with our words, to evoke emotions, and to transport our readers to different times and places.  The past perfect tense is a valuable tool in our arsenal, enabling us to convey precise sequences of events and emphasize the relationships between past actions. Join us as we delve into the depths of this grammatical gem, mastering its usage to elevate our writing to new heights of clarity and impact.  Get ready to embark on a linguistic adventure that will transform your storytelling prowess forever.

Table of Contents Introduction To The Past Perfect Tense The past perfect tense, often regarded as a hidden gem of grammar, possesses the remarkable ability to add depth and precision to our narratives.  It is a verb tense that allows us to convey a specific order of events in the past, emphasizing which action occurred before another.  By using the past perfect tense, we can illuminate the temporal relationship between two past actions, creating a seamless flow and enhancing the clarity of our writing.  Whether we want to recount a series of events leading up to a significant moment or provide background information to contextualize a story, the past perfect tense serves as our trustworthy companion.  In this exploration of the past perfect tense, we will unravel its intricacies, demystify its usage, and equip ourselves with the tools needed to wield it effectively in our writing. Prepare to unlock the power of the past perfect tense and unleash the true potential of your storytelling abilities. Common Misconceptions And Clarify When To Use The Past Perfect Tense Versus Other Verb Tenses. As writers, we navigate the intricate world of verb tenses to effectively communicate our thoughts and stories.  Among these tenses, the past perfect tense often poses a challenge, leading to common misconceptions and uncertainty about its appropriate usage.  In our quest to unlock the power of the past perfect tense, it is essential to dispel these misconceptions and gain a clear understanding of when to employ this tense compared to others.  By exploring its nuances and distinguishing it from other verb tenses, we will equip ourselves with the necessary knowledge to wield the past perfect tense with confidence and finesse. Understanding the Past Perfect Tense To lay a solid foundation, let's start by defining the past perfect tense. This unique verb tense allows us to express an action that occurred before another action in the past. It adds depth and context to our narratives, painting a more comprehensive picture of the chronological sequence of events. However, a few misconceptions often cloud our perception of the past perfect tense, leading to its incorrect or overuse. Mythbusting Misconceptions - a) "The past perfect tense is interchangeable with the simple past tense."  b) "I can use the past perfect tense whenever I want to refer to any past action."  c) "The past perfect tense is only used in complex, lengthy sentences." Distinguishing Past Perfect from Other Verb Tenses To truly harness the power of the past perfect tense, we must understand its differences from other verb tenses. We will explore how it contrasts with the simple past tense, the present perfect tense, and the past continuous tense.  By delving into examples and examining the subtle nuances of each tense, we will learn to identify the precise moments when the past perfect tense is the ideal choice. Practical Application and Examples To solidify our understanding, we will delve into practical examples that showcase the correct usage of the past perfect tense.  From highlighting clear sequences of past events to indicating cause and effect relationships, we will explore diverse scenarios where the past perfect tense excels.  Additionally, we will address cases where other verb tenses might be more suitable, further refining our understanding of this powerful tool. Tips and Techniques for Seamless Integration Mastering verb tenses, including the past perfect tense, requires practice and a keen eye for detail. We will provide useful tips and techniques to seamlessly integrate the past perfect tense into our writing, ensuring our narratives flow smoothly while conveying precise temporal relationships. Usage Of Past Perfect Tense The present perfect tense is a verb tense used to express actions or events that happened in the past but have a connection to the present.  It is formed by using the auxiliary verb "have" or "has" in the present tense, followed by the past participle of the main verb. Completed Actions with Relevance to the Present It is used to describe past actions or experiences that have an impact on the present or are still relevant. For example: - "I have visited Paris twice." (The action of visiting Paris in the past is connected to the present, indicating the experience.) - "She has written a book." (The action of writing a book is completed, but the fact that she has written a book is still relevant in the present.) Unspecified Time in the Past The present perfect tense is used when the specific time of the action or event is not mentioned or is not important. It emphasizes the result or consequences of the action. For example: - "They have already eaten dinner." (The focus is on the fact that they have finished eating, rather than the exact time when they did so.) Recent Actions or Events It is used to talk about actions or events that have just happened, often with time expressions such as "just," "recently," or "lately." For example: - "I have just finished my homework." - "He has recently started a new job." Multiple Actions or Events The present perfect tense is used to express multiple actions or events that have occurred over a period of time or at different points in the past. For example: - "She has traveled to several countries." - "We have seen that movie multiple times." Indefinite Past Actions It is used to describe past actions where the exact time is not known or not important. For example: - "Have you ever tried sushi?" (The question refers to any time in the past when the person tried sushi.) Avoiding common pitfalls : Past Perfect Tense Using the past perfect tense can enhance our writing by providing clarity and conveying the sequence of events effectively. However, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for when using the past perfect tense. By being mindful of these pitfalls, we can avoid potential errors and maintain the integrity of our writing. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid : Unnecessary Use of the Past Perfect One common mistake is overusing the past perfect tense when it is not required. The past perfect tense should only be used to indicate an action that occurred before another past action.  If the sequence of events is clear without the past perfect, using simpler verb tenses like the simple past can make the writing more concise and easier to read. Incorrect Time References Another pitfall is using the past perfect tense with time expressions that are inappropriate or inconsistent.  The past perfect tense is used to establish the sequence of two past actions, so it should be followed by a simple past tense or another past perfect tense.  Avoid using time expressions that conflict with this sequence or create confusion. Mixing Past Perfect with Simple Past Be cautious about mixing the past perfect tense and the simple past tense in the same sentence or paragraph without a clear reason. While occasional shifts between verb tenses can be used stylistically, it is important to maintain consistency and avoid unnecessary changes that may confuse the reader. Failure to Provide Context When using the past perfect tense, it is essential to provide sufficient context for the reader to understand the sequence of events.  Without clear context, the use of the past perfect tense can lead to confusion or ambiguity.  Make sure to establish the relevant past actions and their chronological order to avoid any misunderstandings. Examples and exercises for Past perfect tense Certainly! Here are some examples and exercises to practice using the past perfect tense. I'll provide the answers as well. Example 1: Sentence: Sarah ______________ (finish) her work before she left the office.  Answer: Sarah had finished her work before she left the office. Example 2: Sentence: By the time we arrived, the movie ______________ (already/start).  Answer: By the time we arrived, the movie had already started. Example 3: Sentence: They ______________ (live) in that house for ten years before they moved.  Answer: They had lived in that house for ten years before they moved. Exercise 1: Instructions: Rewrite the following sentences using the past perfect tense. - She left the party after she ______________ (eat) dinner. Answer: She left the party after she had eaten dinner. - The train departed before he ______________ (arrive) at the station. Answer: The train departed before he had arrived at the station. - They had already bought tickets when the concert ______________ (start). Answer: They had already bought tickets when the concert started. Exercise 2: Instructions: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in the past perfect tense. - By the time I ______________ (get) home, my family had already gone to bed. - The team ______________ (practice) for hours before the big game. - He couldn't find his keys because he ______________ (misplace) them earlier. Answers: - By the time I got home, my family had already gone to bed. - The team had practiced for hours before the big game. - He couldn't find his keys because he had misplaced them earlier. These examples and exercises should help you practice and reinforce your understanding of the past perfect tense. Remember to pay attention to the sequence of events and use the past perfect tense when an action occurred before another past action.

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Read the full article

[theliteraryarchitect]

Editing Tip: How to Speed Up or Slow Down Your Pacing

Hey friends. I’ve been thinking a lot about pacing lately, as I’m in the process of editing a few of my own stories, which tend to be too slow in the beginning and too fast in the end. Fortunately I have a ton of experience speeding up or slowing down pacing when I edit my clients’ manuscripts, and I wrote up a whole section about it in my book The Complete Guide to Self-Editing for Fiction Writers.

One important thing to keep in mind about pacing is that there’s no one “right” pace—each story and genre need something different. A crime thriller will usually have faster pacing than a character-driven literary novel; language-focused writers will usually create slower-paced stories than plot-focused writers. So when you’re revising your pacing, It’s about finding the right pace for your story.

At the same time, remember that stories generally build in tension, continually ramping up the conflict until it crests at the climax and falls at the resolution. While you’ll want some ebbs and flows in tension so the reader doesn’t get completely exhausted, the story shouldn’t feel resolved for too long without introducing another problem or further complicating the conflict.

A story’s pace is controlled by a number of factors but luckily, there are pretty much only two problems you can have with your pacing. A story can be too slow (which usually feels boring), too fast (which can produce a lot of anxiety), or a combination—too slow in some parts, too fast in others.

In either case, you’ll need to learn how to put the brakes on or apply the gas as needed to moderate your pacing.

Speeding Up Slow Pacing

If we feel the pacing is too slow, it’s usually either because a scene is too long, too wordy, or not enough is happening. The result is a sense that the story is dragging, and a lot of yawning on the part of the reader. When the pace feels slow, we will naturally start to skim or read ahead to find out “what happens.”

Let’s look at how to address each of the three main causes of slow pacing.

Too long. Sometimes the pace feels slow because your scene is simply too long. To remedy that, you might need to start the scene later, end it earlier, or cut slow transitions where not much is happening. Shorter sentences and more frequent paragraph or scene breaks can also help to break up a lengthy scene and make it feel like it’s moving faster.

Too wordy. The more words you use, the slower the pace. Long passages of description, excessive dialogue or inner monologue, info dumps, repetition, and filler words are often to blame. If you simply can’t bring yourself to cut excess words, you can also try breaking up long sentences or paragraphs to give the illusion of a quicker pace.

Nothing is happening. A lack of goals, conflict, or stakes can lead to the feeling that “nothing is happening” in a story. Has your character slipped into the bathtub to ruminate at length on an issue that she’s already mulled over a thousand times before? Have you used five pages to detail a long, boring traveling sequence that should’ve been summarized in a few sentences of transition? If your scene has scant conflict, and no change by the end of the scene, it may need to be rewritten or cut in order to improve your pacing.

Slowing Down Fast Pacing

On the other hand, if a story’s pace is too fast, an excess of action and dialogue are usually to blame, as well as short, choppy sentences, and a ceaseless maelstrom of conflict. In that case, you have the opposite problem: Your scenes are either too short, too shallow, or too much is happening.

Too short. Short sentences, paragraphs, scenes, and chapters pick up the pace of a story, but can leave readers exhausted when overused. Mix it up, using longer sentences or paragraphs slow the pacing where needed. You can also lengthen action- and dialogue heavy scenes by adding brief spurts of description, inner monologue, or narrative summary.

Too shallow. An action-paced scene often skims over the deeper, more nuanced aspects of the story like theme, emotional depth, and character development. If your too-fast pace is the fault of a flat character, take a moment to let readers know what’s driving her with a few sentences of interiority or narrative summary. The more readers feel like they’re inside your protagonist’s mind and heart, the deeper and slower your scene will feel. Description can also help give depth to a shallow scene—all that action and dialogue isn’t taking place in a vacuum, and writing it that way can shift your story into turbo speed in no time at all.

Too much happening. If your protagonist is fighting off a centaur in a crowded marketplace, resolving a longstanding resentment with her brother who works at the tomato stand, looking for a choice hiding place for a trunk of buried treasure, wooing the delivery boy, and realizing the true nature of love and war all in the same scene, you might need to dial it back to control your pacing. Decide which storyline is the most important to highlight, and push all the others into the background or save them for another scene.

No breathers. If the protagonist never gets a chance to catch her breath, readers won’t either. Look for places where she can pause and reflect, like right after a problem is resolved or a new one is discovered, when new information is revealed, or as your character undergoes an important internal change in her motivation or perspective.

Hope this helps!

[pebblysand]

[writing rant - on filler words]

[yes, i should be writing castles but here i am giving you unwarranted writing advice instead. sue me.]

this morning, you might have seen me reblog this post on filler words. it's a classic, very typical piece of writing advice where the author lists a number of filler words/sentences that you should scrape from your writing to appeal to publishers or make your prose seem more professional or whatever. i reblogged it saying: 'i disagree with most of these, don't listen to people who tell you how to write.' which a couple of you liked (cheers!) but upon reflection, i feel like this needs a bit more of a nuanced response, which is what i'm doing now. i'm not reblogging the post again because it's long and this is going to be long, and tumblr isn't necessarily text-friendly but do go read it first if you fancy.

now, as far as i'm concerned, the truth isn't that i think filler words are amazing and that you should keep them all, love them all equally like your precious children. of course, you should watch out for them. just like we do when we speak, we fill our written sentences with a lot of pointless fluff that brings nothing to our message. when used "wrongly," filler words slow down sentence pacing, hurt the rhythm of your prose, your ability to choose the correct lexicon for certain actions, etc. they're not always good, and you should definitely be aware of them in your prose.

however, what i dislike about these types of posts is the way people dispensing this "writing advice" make whatever they're saying sound like some sort of golden rule. like: if you don't do this, your story will be shit and never get published. i don't know much about the publishing world but i have written 300,000+ words of mildly successful fanfiction over the years, so i do know a thing or two about writing as a craft, if not a business. and, here's the raw, honest truth: believing that anything about this crazy art we're making is set in stone? that is the kind of thing that will make you a shit writer.

now, if you're following this blog, i'm guessing you like my writing, are probably quite familiar with it. then, this will not be a surprise to you: while i don't pretend to hold any sort of truth on the matter, god knows, i use a shit ton of filler words. by which i mean: a SHIT TON. take any paragraph of any fic i've ever written and i'm sure i could point you to some random word "botox" in pretty much every sentence. this post itself, if you're paying close attention, is also filled with them. and, another surprise: i know that. it's by design.

and, that, my friends, is what matters most. you should watch out for filler words, be aware of them, but if they end up in your final draft, it has to be for a reason. in fairness, i think that's where most of those writing advice posts get it "wrong" and why they annoy me so much: they tell part of the story, but not all of it. they talk about words in a vacuum like our words only exist to be pretty on a page, rather than to share something with other human beings.

now, as a disclaimer, i should preface this by saying that: it depends what kind of writing you're into. this is all very related to personal taste. as a reader, i tend to prefer stories that are told from a very distinct pov, where the story is told by a character rather than by the author. this preference also informs my writing. to me, a story can be first person or third person, it doesn't really matter, but i like a good old restrictive, terribly biased and unreliable pov in a story. i'm someone who 100% favours character over plot (although plot is terribly important too, don't get me wrong) and i like a person to tell me a story, not a robot.

in that context, "filler words" aren't just sentence "botox," they tell a story, too. they tell you who your narrator is. in a post like this, they inform you that i probably speak quickly, that i'm somewhat bubbly but assertive, that my sentences are long and rhythmic, and when i write "in fairness" rather than "to be fair," or "to be honest," it even hints to the fact that my main dialect is hiberno-English. in a work of fiction, filler words can tell you mountains about where your character is from, what they think, feel, etc... are their sentences short and devoid of any filler words? perhaps, they are extremely poised and self-confident, or perhaps they are so detached from what is happening that they are actually on the verge of an emotional breakdown. are their sentences filled with "just"s and "you know"s and "slightly"s and "really"s? perhaps they are insecure, unsure of what their next move will be.

filler words are also where style and pet peeves happen. you'll notice that i use "and:" and "like:" as sentence openers relatively often. it depends on the work and how i feel about the character, but it is something i enjoy playing with. i use 'rather' and 'perhaps' frequently, too, frankly for no other reason than the fact that i like the sound of them. not everyone does, obviously, but since i'm the queen of my own fictional kingdom, i get to authoritatively decide to abuse them. that og post said to not use "that" as a conjunction (prefer: "he said he wouldn't," to: "he said that he wouldn't). man, aside from dialogue, i hate "he said he wouldn't" with a passion. i always use "that" as a conjunction and detest the way my sentences sound without it. i find the absence of "that" clunky and unclear. i don't know whether it is right or wrong, but that's how i roll. the people of the internet seem to like it but if they don't, they're more than welcome to read the work of another author who doesn't use "that" as a conjunction. i'm not holding a gun to their head.

however, as you've probably guessed from the above, this doesn't mean that you shouldn't be aware of your filler words. both yours and your characters'. know what you like, what you don't like, how your narrator narrates and how your characters speak. know how you speak and write, what your strengths and weaknesses as a writer are. edit your work critically. this being said, scraping all the words that make the work special is ludicrous. you would be scraping your work of so much personality that could actually be what makes it unique. writing is an art, not a game of exactitude. if the goal was to write everything perfectly, you could ask siri or alexa to write your short story for you. where you need to be careful with filler words is for them to serve your story, rather than hurt it. the filler words? they need to be carefully considered, questioned, and you need to make sure that they are intentional, not accidental.

and, of course, that's the hard part. that's the part of the writing advice these posts never get into because making blanket statements in the world is always easier than saying: it depends. creating a work of art out of thin air isn't as easy as cmd+f-ing all the "just"s and hitting "delete all." it's noticing which of those filler words you overuse, and keeping them in the back of your mind while you edit, taking a lot of them out. it's listening to your beta/editor when they tell you to take more out. it's also sitting for hours in front of your word document, contemplating every sentence and asking: should i use "just" here? does it show anything? does it have a purpose? does it sound right? let me read this out loud. and, what about the "eventually" there? does that sound natural? is that more of dialogue thing?

that's the line of critical thinking that will make you write better. and, don't get me wrong, posts like the above are useful as a guide in the way that they tend to list the most frequently used filler words, which you can then use as an inspiration to spot these idiosyncrasies in your writing, decide whether to scratch them or use them creatively. but: i'm sorry to say, there's no golden rule to it all. just hard work and practice. trust yourself.

i hope this helps.

[wondereads]

Personal Review (03/06/22)

Geekerella by Ashley Poston

Why am I reviewing this book?

This book was a part of my Cinderella retelling ranking, which you can check out for some better books because you probably don't want to read this one.

Plot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Super-fan Elle is horrified when the long-awaited reboot of her favorite show, Starfield, casts soap opera star Darien Freeman as the lead, Federation Prince Carmindor. However, that won't deter her from entering a cosplay contest where the prize, alongside meeting him, is two tickets to LA, which will take her away from her awful stepfamily.

Have you seen the movies A Cinderella Story and Starstruck? If you have, great! You don't need to read this book! I love my cliches, but there is a limit. This book (published in 2017, so there's really no excuse) takes all those overused teen movie tropes and shoves them into text format. It's honestly hard to read, and the portrayal of fan culture is severely outdated.

I will give it this: it is ultimately heartwarming and the lore for Starfield is way more in-depth than I would've expected. There's an actual script for the final episode at the back of the book, and there's even a fan-accepted viewing order for the episodes (different than airing order) that Elle gets fairly detailed about. However, I had to slog through a reused plot for a couple of okay bits, and it's really just not worth it.

Characters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Elle seems nice, but she's also "not like other girls". The way she puts down other girls whose interests are "lesser" compared to hers is extremely annoying and honestly unnecessary. She rips into Darien's fans as though liking a cute teenage boy who plays a love interest in a soap opera is morally reprehensible, and fears they will "corrupt" her precious, more elevated sci-fi show. That's not even getting into how the stepsisters are so silly for liking makeup and being beauty bloggers because only the worst type of people could like those sorts of things according to this book.

Darien is...alright. He doesn't have any outright annoying traits like Elle, but he also doesn't have anything that stands out at all. His development is cookie cutter and predictable.

The only characters I really liked as characters were Elle's stepmother and one of her stepsisters, Cal. They were the only two characters who seemed like they had any depth and nuance to them. There was even a point where I thought the stepmother would get a redemption, but it was kind of just left open-ended.

Writing Style 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

The actual writing style of this book is mediocre. But the constant pop culture references are awful. Something contemporary authors can't seem to grasp is that no one forces references into their speech in everyday life. Using quotes from your favorite TV show for a meaningful moment with your significant other? Ok. Shoving Star Wars and Harry Potter references into every other sentence when an adjective would've done just fine? Not ok. No one says stuff like "you're looking worse than a Nox with space sickness" or whatever in real life! Especially not to someone who isn't a fan! It's just so awkward.

Overall 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

If I hadn't been reading this book for my ranking, I would've put it down a third of the way in. It exuded 2012 Tumblr vibes, and not in a good way, especially when it was published in 2017. The plot was horribly cliche, the main character constantly put down the women around her, and it was packed with clunky, awkward pop culture references. Save yourself some time and go watch Starstruck.

The Reviewer

My name is Wonderose; I try to post a review every two weeks, sometimes once a week, usually over vacations. I take recommendations! Check out my about me post for more!

[pi-cat000]

MSA: Take Back The Future (part 3)

Summary: Vivi and Arthur travel back in time to the beginning of Hellbent. Neither of them are okay. 

(Part 1) (Part 2)

.

Mystery, instead of answering Vivi’s questions, leaps over the seat dividing the front and back areas of the van, exiting out the back doors.

“Wait, ” Vivi yells after Mystery, “get to back here and explain what happened to my memories.”

/It is not a tale that can be simply told. Not right now when we may be in danger/

Arthur thinks kitsune turned dog sounds slightly strained but it’s hard to really tell with Mystery’s weird telepathy. When the meaning of words are projected right into your brain some of the nuance is lost.

“Who is Shiromori? Why is she attacking us?” Vivi tries, following to glare at Mystery who circles the van, barely paying attention to the two of them. “Just answer one question!”

His mechanical arm twitches of its own accord and he eyes it nervously.  To hell with it. Arthur frees his hand and begins to feel about for the quick release lever hidden under a panel on his upper arm. After the van crash and almost getting thrown to his death, the arm had been too banged up to safely remove, jamming in place.  Best to be rid of it now, before everything when to shit all over again.

The sound of his heavy metal arm hitting the ashfelt draws Vivi’s attention and she turns to give him a quizzical expression.

“Better off then on,” He explains, “Wasn’t really working that well anyway. Hopefully, that’ll get rid of the curse as well.” Honestly, this cruse is the least of his worries.

Vivi exhales and Arthur can see the stress pinching her mouth, pulling it down into an uncharacteristic frown, “If the curse is specifically attached to your arm then removing it might work. On the other hand, if it’s anything like the one that got my memories then who the hell knows what will work. I certainly don’t. Apparently, I don’t know a lot of things.”

The last sentence is louder, directed at Mystery. There is no response from the dog who is staring off into the middle distance, head to one side like he is listening intently for something.  Arthur offers Vivj an uneasy shrug. He has his own questions for Mystery regarding Vivi’s memories, his arm, and the night they both went missing. However, his most recent run-in with dead-Lewis has him quickly reordering his priorities. None of the answers are going to mean much if he’s dead. Again…

Speaking of which… On the horizon, a purple light flares, glowing brightly against the dark backdrop. Arthur’s mouth goes suddenly dry and limbs feel very cold. Yeah, that seamed about right…

/You called this spirit Lewis?/ Mystery turns his head to examine him, expression troubled. /Are you sure?/  

He gives a short nod, eyes darting from Mystery then back to the road. It looks like Mystery is planning something based on how his fur is glowing red. He’d seen a similar red glow on the night of Lewis’s disappearance and during the confrontation outside his Uncle’s workshop. How much did Mystery know about Lewis? The question sticks in his mind, painfully heavy.

“Lewis? You mean the purple fire ghost? The one that caused the van crash?” Vivi steps up next to him, eyes locked onto the truck which grows quickly larger, “How are we going to stop it from running us all over?”

It’s too late to try a drive or run away now. Even if he decides to run there is a steep rocky slope on one side and a sharp climb on the other. If he did make it down by some miracle there was just flat desert and no cover for miles. Arthur doesn’t voice this observation instead commenting in a voice several octaves higher than normal, “I don’t think you need to worry about the ghost running you over. I’m pretty sure he’s only after me. So…ah…maybe don’t stand near me?”

Why? Why was Lewis trying to hurt him? In his mind’s eye, Lewis and Mystery meld together into a nightmare inferno of fire, teeth and death.

“I don’t want you to get run over either.” Vivi’s voice sounds faint, coming to him like it has travelled a great distance. Too much fear packed into too short a timeframe is making it harder and harder to concentrate. The ice at her feet thickens into long sheets, which creep out over the road, freezing it solid. He is probably lucky his remaining arm hasn’t frozen off with how tight Vivi had been holding it. Maybe if he turns into a giant Arthur icicle and he can sit this whole thing out. The hysterical thought momentarily breaks through his mounting panic.  

/Wait./

Arthur can almost hear the crackle of fire and the hum of the truck's engine.

/ You should not be drawing on so much of this power at once! You’ll damage the seal further!/

“I’m not letting Arthur die again. Anything comes near us and I’ll make whoever it is, regret it… that includes you.”

Vivi steps out so she is positioned in the centre of the road.

/I can handle this confrontation. There are still many aspects to the situation that you remain unaware of./

“And how am I supposed to fix that if you won’t tell me anything.”

/ I swear I will explain when there is more time. I only ever wanted to protect you./

“I don’t believe you.”

Vivi snaps the final sentence and punctuates it with a sharp hand gesture aimed at the oncoming truck. Several lines of ice stretch out and down the road, racing away from Vivi to meet the oncoming vehicle. Shining an ethereal blue, the frost coats the road’s surface, smoothing it over. Arthur catches the briefest glimpse of skeletal Lewis before the truck hits the ice sheets and the wheels suddenly lose traction.  The sound of metal crunching is deafening, accompanied by the hiss of water abruptly vaporising. Heat and cold collide in a cacophony cracking ice and explosion of steam.

A flash of bright purple fire. Mystery disappears, obscured by the thick columns of steam. He finds himself being yanked to the side by Vivi just in time to watch the purple truck careen past in a shower of sparks and groaning metal. At such high speeds, it rams straight into and through the guardrails separating the road from the rocky slope. Stunned, Arthur watches it disappear over the edge. If Lewis hadn’t already been dead then Arthur might have been worried. The sound of banging and crashing, as the truck presumably roles several times, has him physically wincing. Scratch that, he was worried. Very worried. Worried enough that it overtakes his mental panic and replaces it with deep concern. How durable were ghosts? He doesn’t know and that scares him. 

“Vivi! What the hell,” He finally manages to spit out, breaking his panic-induced stupor. He tries to rush past her, intent on checking for any signs of Lewis. He promptly slips. The combination of ice and his lack of a second arm throws off his balance and he ends up falling backward. He is saved from a collision with the ground by Vivi who seemed to now have supernatural levels of balance and was unaffected by the slippery surface.

“I …wow. That was… something.” Vivi breaths, examining the road still covered in planes of ice as if not quite believing it.

“Help me to the edge,” He interrupts, trying and failing to stand straight collapsing back on her, “I need to see if he’s okay,”

“Who’s okay? The ghost?"

“Yes.”

"You want to see if the ghost is okay? You said it was trying to hurt you?”

Arthur can practically see the concern and confusion now hanging over Vivi as she looks down from where she's holding him up by his one good arm.

“It’s just…a misunderstanding or something. I…we…might know this ghost.”

“What?”

“Just help me check.” He motions with his remaining arm. Visible through the plums of steam are thicker lines of darkened smoke coming from the space where the truck had disappeared.

....

Note: I’m Sorry to everyone who’s showed interest in this AU but i’m not sure if i’ll continue this since i’ve lost motivation.  Here are some of the more coherent plot notes if people are interested in this AU. Feel free to ask questions if u have any :) . 

...

-   Shiromori shows up directly after Lewis’s crash, distracting Mystery. With all the steam obscuring their vision Arthur and Vivi don’t realise that Shiromori has arrived immediately, and there is enough time to briefly look for Lewis. 

- Lewis makes it out of the truck crash only slightly worse for wear and tries to attack Arthur. Vivi moves to defend Arthur, then Arthur has to defend Lewis and it’s all very awkward for everyone. 

- Lewis sees how scared Arthur is a reconsiders his revenge plot, hesitating long enough to get some dialogue in. 

 - Arthur finally gives Vivi a brief Lewis overview (sans the whole ‘he almost threw me off a fake cliff thing’). Vivi is suspicious and somewhat unconvinced. Lewis is slightly confused when Vivi starts referring to the alternate time line. 

- Not time for further discussion because Mystery is fighting Shiromori and, since he had warning this time, he’s winning. 

(fight scene stuff. Vivi rushes in to do something idk this part is not planned.) 

Vivi overused ice abilities. 

Lewis and Arthur have a moment alone. 

Vivi, slightly untrusting of Mystery, ends up stepping to stop the two from fighting. (Vivi ends up saving  Shiromori maybe??? a parallel  to the original timeline). A dramatic moment where Vivi rushes in ( maybe takes a blow for Shiromori idk would depend on Shiromori’s backstory) and ends up injured. 

- ??? makes an appearance, takes over Vivi instead of Mystery. 

Some background world building stuff

- Vivi’s ice powers might become unsealed and she is vulnerable to ??? (spiritual energy is damaging to humans if too much is used at once or if is not used correctly)

- Yukino family are spiritual channels making them both more powerful and more vulnerable. Mystery holds a seal to the ability and it eats up a tails worth of power to maintain. Same deal with Shiromori, Mystery holds a seal to keep her fully realised abilities in check which also eats up a lot of power.

- The seal is damaged when Mystery is hurt

- Arthur is unaffected by the ice because he’s got some odd time based supernatural power which has bonded to vivi spiritual signtaure as well. This is the reason ??? want to possess Arthur. One possible resolution was for Arthur to figure out how to rewind time to the seconds before Vivi gets possessed, giving her a chance to defeat ???. It takes a lot of power which Lewis ends up giving to him.