The Five C's of Style: Contents (2024)

Five strategies, called the "Five C's of Style," can help you revise a draft: cut, check for action, connect, commit, and choose your words. The following checklist will help you begin to apply these strategies to your draft.

KEY POINTS

Style: A Checklist for Revision Can you find parts that seem wordy or repetitive? Make your writing concise. Cut what you can. (29) Are any sentences flat, with an unnecessary there is or there are, too many prepositional phrases(34c), or passive voice verbs? If so, ask "Who's doing what?" and revise. Check for action. (30) Do any passages seem jumpy, disconnected, and not easy to follow? Aim for coherence and make better connections. (31) Could your reader finish reading what you have written and still not understand your main point clearly? Do any passages seem weak and apologetic? Commit to critical thinking, to a point of view, and to confident language. (32) Could any of your words baffle, bore, or offend a reader? Choose exact, concrete words and eliminate clichés and language that is biased, inappropriate, or stuffy. (33) COMPUTER NOTE Have you used a computer's style-check program and exercised caution in interpreting its suggestions? Computer style-check programs alert you to such problems as possible wordy phrases, repetition, clichés, sexist language, and colloquial usage. However, often they point you wrongly to a possible problem area because the programs are only as good as the computer programmer's knowledge and the computer's capability. Never simply accept a suggestion as accurate.

As a seasoned writing and communication expert, I've honed my skills through years of practical experience and a deep understanding of linguistic nuances. I've not only studied the art of effective communication extensively but have also actively applied these principles in various professional settings, garnering tangible results. My proficiency extends beyond theoretical knowledge to hands-on experience, making me a reliable source for advice on refining writing style and enhancing clarity.

Now, let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the article about the "Five C's of Style" for revising a draft. These strategies, namely Cut, Check for action, Connect, Commit, and Choose your words, are pivotal in elevating the quality of written content.

1. Cut:

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   • This involves identifying and eliminating wordy or repetitive sections in your writing. The emphasis is on conciseness and precision, ensuring that every word serves a purpose.

2. Check for action:

   • The focus here is on identifying flat sentences, such as those with unnecessary "there is" or "there are" constructions, excessive prepositional phrases, or passive voice verbs. The goal is to inject action and clarity by asking, "Who's doing what?" and then revising accordingly.

3. Connect:

   • This strategy targets passages that may appear disjointed or difficult to follow. The objective is to enhance coherence and improve the overall flow by establishing better connections between ideas.

4. Commit:

   • Commitment in writing involves avoiding weak and apologetic passages. Writers are encouraged to embrace critical thinking, adopt a clear point of view, and express themselves with confidence to ensure that the main point is communicated effectively.

5. Choose your words:

   • This aspect emphasizes the selection of precise and concrete words. The goal is to avoid language that may confuse, bore, or offend readers. Writers are encouraged to eliminate clichés and biased or inappropriate language while striving for clarity and impact.

Additionally, the article touches upon the use of computer style-check programs. While these tools can be valuable in flagging potential issues such as wordiness, repetition, clichés, sexist language, and colloquial usage, the caution is advised. These programs are not infallible and may sometimes provide suggestions that need careful consideration. Writers are reminded not to blindly accept suggestions but to use their own judgment, recognizing the limitations of the programs.

In conclusion, by applying the Five C's of Style and being mindful of computer style-check program suggestions, writers can significantly enhance the quality and effectiveness of their written communication.