Wednesday, September 21, 2011

I’ve been told my copy is too 'staccato.' I don’t even know what that means. What should I do? – signed “Short N. Choppy”


Dear Short:
Not to worry, a few well-placed transitions can fix your copy. Think of writing as a relay race: the runners are the sentences; the hand-offs are the transitions. Your job is to make them as smooth as possible.  Conjunctive adverbs and phrases can help.

A conjunctive adverb is an adverb that connects things. Use it as a transitional device between one main thought and another. Or to show relationships and sequence.  It can also be used to compare or contrast ideas. Most importantly [adverb], it can be used to shape the personality of your narrative voice. 

OK, enough grammar. Let’s look at an example of conjunctive adverbs in action:

Bennie’s cheese-steak sandwiches are delicious. In fact, they've been voted best in Philly six years in a row. What’s more, they’re made with 100% Angus beef. Even better, they’re on sale now. So, don’t waste your money elsewhere.  Instead, head down to Bennie’s, today.  




A Partial List of Conjunctive Adverbs and Phrases

accordingly
additionally
anyway
again
as a result
at last
at the same time
besides
certainly
comparatively
consequently
contrarily
conversely
finally
further
furthermore
elsewhere
equally
hence
henceforth

however
just as
identically
in addition
in comparison
in contrast
in fact
in the meantime
incidentally
indeed
instead
likewise
meanwhile
moreover
namely
nevertheless
next
nonetheless
naturally
notably
now
on the contrary
on the other hand
otherwise
rather
similarly
so
subsequently
still
that is
then
thereafter
therefore
to be sure
thus
undoubtedly
uniquely
without a doubt


Punctuation:

  • When a conjunctive adverb connects two independent clauses in one sentence, it is preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma.
  • If a conjunctive adverb is used in any other position in a sentence, it is set off by commas.

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