SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Pastimes : Laughter is the Best Medicine - Tell us a joke
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  
To: Barney who wrote (16190)9/19/2000 1:29:44 AM
From: Barney  Read Replies (2) of 62549
 
Subject: Writing Tips for Specification Documents

1. Avoid alliteration. Always.

2. Never use a long word when a diminutive one will do.

3. The adverb always follows the verb.

4. Eschew ampersands & abbreviations, etc.

5. Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are unnecessary.

6. Remember to never split an infinitive.

7. Contractions aren't necessary.

8. Foreign words and phrases are not apropos.

9. One should never generalize.

10. Eliminate quotations. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "I hate quotations. Tell me what you know."

11. Don't be redundant; don't use more words than necessary; it's highly superfluous.

12. Be more or less specific.

13. One-word sentences? Eliminate.

14. The passive voice is to be avoided.

15. Even if a mixed metaphor sings, it should be derailed.

16. Who needs rhetorical questions?

17. Exaggeration is a billion times worse than understatement.

18. Don't never use a double negation.

19. Proofread carefully to see if you words out.

20. A writer must not shift your point of view.

21. And don't start a sentence with a conjunction. (Remember, too, a preposition is a terrible word to end a sentence with.)

22. Don't overuse exclamation marks!!!!!!!

23. Writing carefully, dangling participles must be avoided.

24. Avoid trendy locutions that sound flaky.

25. Last but not least, avoid cliches like the plague; they're old hat; seek viable alternatives.
Report TOU ViolationShare This Post
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  

HomeMailHotSubjectMarksPeopleMarksKeepersSettings
Terms Of UseContact UsCopyright/IP PolicyPrivacy PolicyAbout UsFAQAdvertise on SI
© 2025 Knight Sac Media.  Data provided by Twelve Data, Alpha Vantage, and CityFALCON News