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Day 159: Reduce -ing words to increase reader engagement.
In nearly every case, a verb form ending in –ing will weaken your writing. These verbs do not show a definite action as it occurs but a general, on-going action. When used as verbs, these words often require a linking verb of some kind (such as the verb to be, which will always weaken your writing). Finally, they are more difficult for the reader to visualize. To produce, strong, direct, vigorous writing, change the –ing words to specific actions. Consider these sentences.
“The man was running down the street.”
“The man ran down the street.”
“We were planning on attending the conference.”
“We planned to attend the conference.”