Written By: Nandini Muralidharan
The English language keeps evolving so rapidly that
sometimes it’s hard to keep track of what’s acceptable and what’s not. While
‘Indianisms’ are becoming common, and even acceptable in certain contexts, it is important to remember that the audience
you are writing for may not relate to your style at all. Here are some common
blunders that we, as Indian writers, make quite often.
Effective writing
doesn’t equate to flowery writing - Haven’t you put down a magazine or a
book when you’ve barely read a few sentences, simply because there are too many
big words strung together? In many Indian schools, English papers may be graded according to the extent of the student’s vocabulary, and his or her ability to write complex sentences. But, readers have neither the time nor the interest in figuring out what you’re trying to say. The idea is to convey what you want to in
simple yet crisp language. The next time you are tempted to show off your bombastic vocabulary, remember the KISS principle – Keep it Short and Simple.
Literal translations
from native languages – This is very common in pieces by Indian writers.
You may come across a sentence ending with a “no?” or some idiom thought of in
a native language and translated literally into English. The result can vary from
hilarious to disastrous. So, think twice before you say “don’t eat my
head” or “don’t be angry on me”, because your editor is going to
be very angry with you. Another one that most of us are guilty of is “please
revert to my email”. You can be sure your editor is never going to reply.
Redundant words just
to fill up space – Want to increase the word count of your article? Come up
with fresh ideas to write about. Do not use random words just because you don’t
have anything new to say. Stay away from sentences like “the store sells
toffees, sweets, fruits, cakes, bread, etc.” because I’ve already skimmed over
most of the words, and what’s more, I’m bored!
Grammar and spelling
errors – This has to be the biggest faux pas in the writing world. Using “its” instead of
“it’s” or using “loose” instead of “lose” immediately puts a reader off, and taints your credibility as a professional writer. Spend those few minutes to read your
article and correct any errors. You also need to keep track of the tense you're writing in. After having said, “Ram walked across the road to the shop”, don’t
say, “He is so lost in thought that he doesn’t see the bus.” Get the drift?
Not knowing the
target audience – Your writing is not just about rattling off facts or
information. Write so your readers will relate to what you’re trying to tell
them. Use a tone that is appropriate to what you want to convey. Often Indian
writers forget that they are writing for an American audience, and use British
or Indian phrases.
U could have clarified a little on the use of its and it's before taking up the example as both are valid in their own territory. Would have saved some confusion for the uninitiated.
ReplyDeleteJust a gentle advice.
typo in 5th para- your instead of you're
ReplyDelete"Spend those few minutes to read your article and correct any errors. You also need to keep track of the tense your writing in." So, pray tell me if there is anything wrong with the last sentence? Especially since it was pasted under the head 'Grammar & Spelling Errors'.
ReplyDeleteHi Namrata,
DeleteI believe it must be "Spend a few minutes to read your article and to correct any errors. You also need to keep track of the tense you are writing in."
Correct me if I'm wrong. :)
Also, the "those" should be changed to "a" because "those" does not have a previous noun reference.
you are. Or you're writing in.
Deleteis junkie a appropriate word can one write enthusiast instead, please check the last paragraph
DeleteThanks for pointing that out, Namrata. You make for a good editor :).
ReplyDeletehey could you tell me how much does a freelance blogger cost if he/she is given to understand a concept and then create an article of it to post it on various social sites and other relevant blogs. This person should also have experience in SEO and should have the skill to make the article draw attention
ReplyDeletevery nice description..
ReplyDelete