Clarity CHAPTER 2
HOW TO WRITE GREAT ESSAYS
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The pronoun that is too far away from its antecedent to be clear. It could refer to the paper,
or to the meeting. A better sentence is:
Bring the paper that discusses the detention policy with
you to the meeting tomorrow.
Example:
They always talk about the dangers of global warming.
This common pronoun error is also known as an expletive: they is useless, because it appears
to refer to no one. If the writer has that information, he or she can revise the sentence to
be more precise:
The newspaper frequently has articles about the dangers of global warming.
If there is truly no they, the sentence should be revised by eliminating it: There is much talk
about the dangers of global warming.
MORE EXAMPLES PRONOUN USAGE
Incorrect:
Both Fellini and Bergman edited his movie.
Correct:
Both Fellini and Berman edited Bergman’s movie.
Incorrect:
Leave all ingredients out of the recipes that do not belong in a healthy
diet.
Correct:
Leave all ingredients that do not belong in a healthy diet out of the
recipes.
Incorrect
: They banned parking in their lot so the snowplows could do their job.
Correct:
The owners of the parking lot banned parking in their lot so the

and wastes valuable time and space.
■
Pronouns should be used when the antecedent is obvious and meaningful.
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O
O
ne of the best ways to accurately convey your ideas in your essay is to choose the
right words. Doing so ensures that your audience understands what you are writ-
ing. Also, with the exception of essays on national exams such as the SAT or GED,
spelling counts. In fact, it is critical that your essay be mistake-free. If you are typing your
essay, you can use the spell check feature, but don’t rely on it alone. Knowledge of basic spelling
rules will help you to craft an essay that gives your reader a positive impression. To learn
about these topics, keep reading.
This sounds simple, and for the most part, it is. You already have a command of the Eng-
lish language that includes knowledge of the denotative (literal) meaning of thousands of
words. Therefore, all you need to do is choose the right ones to get your message across.
The first section of this chapter explains some of the pitfalls of word choice, including com-
monly confused and misused words.
However, saying what you mean takes more than just an understanding of the
denota-
tion
, or literal meaning, of a word. Many words also have a connotative meaning. The con-
notation
is a word’s implied meaning, which involves emotions, cultural assumptions, and
suggestions. Both meanings must be considered when making word choices.
Once you recognize denotative and connotative meaning, you must consider whether
CHAPTER
Word Choice
3

rectly. You may want to write them down, along with a couple of sentences in which you
use them correctly. In your essay writing, pay careful attention to the denotative meaning
of every word you use.
Confused Words Definition
a lot (noun): many
allot (verb): to give or share in arbitrary amounts
accept (verb): to recognize
except (prep.): excluding
access (noun, verb): means of approaching; to approach
excess (noun, adj.): extra
addition (noun): increase
edition (noun): an issue of a book or newspaper
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Word Choice CHAPTER 3
HOW TO WRITE GREAT ESSAYS
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23
advice (noun): a recommended opinion
advise (verb): to give advice; inform
affect (verb): to influence
effect (noun): result
effect (verb): to bring about
all ready (adj.): completely prepared
already (adv.): by or before a specified or implied time
all together (adj.): in a group; in unison
altogether (adv.): completely or thoroughly
allude (verb): to refer to something not specifically
mentioned
elude (verb): to escape notice or detection
ascent (noun): the act of climbing or rising