Judy Vorfeld “Repellent” and “Repulsive” both speak to driving others away, but REPULSIVE is more REPULSIVE than REPELLENT is REPELLENT. Repellent is more about distaste. Repulsive is more about disgusting. In good writing, there are distinct differences.
Judy Vorfeld Pretext & Pretense Pretext is a false reason given to conceal a truth, and comes from a word meaning “to weave, before, pretend.” Think of a pretext as having “texture, a cloth, a cover-up.” Dana told everyone she was laid off because of the economy but she was really fired. She […]
Judy Vorfeld Not only do we need to write clearly and tightly, we also need to make paragraphs interesting. When possible, avoid all short sentences or all long sentences in a paragraph. Vary them. (I just did so in this paragraph). It’s not necessary to do this with […]
Judy Vorfeld EXPLICIT Something deliberately spelled out (contract, document etc.). Something fully and clearly expressed (could be written or spoken). Explicit criticism means being very honest or candid. IMPLICIT means something not specific, but either suggested/necessary to meet goal. American Heritage Dictionary says it can mean “understood […]
Judy Vorfeld CHILDISH sometimes suggests immaturity/unreasonableness. But it could also refer to the tone of voice or conversation or activities. CHILDLIKE suggests innocence/mildness/freshness, like having childlike trust in someone.
