Revising and polishing your writing/ENGA104/Using the right words/Matching

Using the right words and nothing but the right words

Not quite how it should be

In this section, you are going to test your editing and proofreading ability. Here is a list of sentences. Decide for each one if the sentence is correct or incorrect.

• I used a very heavy pot made of cast iron to cook an extra juicy roastbeef.
  • Correct.
    • The sentence uses many repetitive ideas and needs to be revised to eliminate wordiness. Suggested revision: I used a cast iron pot to cook a very juicy roastbeef.
  • Incorrect.
    • The sentence uses many repetitive ideas and needs to be revised to eliminate wordiness. Revision: I used a cast iron pot to cook a very juicy roastbeef.
• Hanging out with you is like eatign watermelon on a sumer day.
  • Correct.
    • The sentence contains two typos. Revision: Hanging out with you is like eating watermelon on a summer day.
  • Incorrect.
    • The sentence contains two typos. Revision: Hanging out with you is like eating watermelon on a summer day.
• Andy has the ability to make the most fabulous twice-baked potatoes.
  • Correct.
    • The sentence uses unnecessary words that can be eliminated. Revision: Andy makes the most fabulous twice-baked potatoes.
  • Incorrect.
    • The sentence uses unnecessary words that can be eliminated. Revision: Andy makes the most fabulous twice-baked potatoes.
• The animals got out and ruined the garden produce.
  • Correct.
    • The sentence uses vague words. Using specific words provides clearer information to the reader. Revision: The animals got out and ruined the tomatoes and cucumbers.
  • Incorrect.
    • The sentence uses vague words. Using specific words provides clearer information to the reader. Revision: The animals got out and ruined the tomatoes and cucumbers.
• Linda is so photographic! She always looks good in pictures.
  • Correct.
    • If you're uncertain about the meaning of a word, look it up before using it. Revision: Linda is so photogenic! She always looks good in pictures.
  • Incorrect.
    • If you're uncertain about the meaning of a word, look it up before using it. Revision: Linda is so photogenic! She always looks good in pictures.
• Its very difficult to find frech tomatos as it is winter.
  • Correct.
    • There are many words in the English language that get confused such as its/it's. The sentence also contains two typos. Revision: It's very difficult to find fresh tomatoes as it is winter.
  • Incorrect.
    • There are many words in the English language that get confused such as its/it's. The sentence also contains two typos. Revision: It's very difficult to find fresh tomatoes as it is winter.
• They used the fireworks to great affect.
  • Correct.
    • There are many words in the English language that get confused such as affect/effect. Revision: They used the fireworks to great effect.
  • Incorrect.
    • There are many words in the English language that get confused such as affect/effect. Revision: They used the fireworks to great effect.
• My father is follicly challenged.
  • Correct.
    • The use of euphemisms can make your sentence incomprehensible. It's always best to use direct language. Revision: My father is bald.
  • Incorrect.
    • The use of euphemisms can make your sentence incomprehensible. It's always best to use direct language. Revision: My father is bald.
• The horses got out and ruined the tomatoes and cucumbers.
  • Correct.
    • While the sentence is correct, it would greatly benefit from more concrete and evocative words. Revision: The horses stampeded out and squished and squirted the tomatoes and cucumbers.
  • Incorrect.
    • While the sentence is correct, it would greatly benefit from more concrete and evocative words. Revision: The horses stampeded out and squished and squirted the tomatoes and cucumbers.
• I'm loose as a goose today.
  • Correct.
    • Clichés should be used with caution and replaced whenever possible. Revision: I'm very relaxed today.
  • Incorrect.
    • Clichés should be used with caution and replaced whenever possible. Revision: I'm very relaxed today.

For more example, read Chapter 17 from the Handbook for writers (2012).