6 Copyediting Tips from the Editor of Platypus

#1

Order of Information in a Sentence

The order of ideas in a sentence establishes what one should pay attention to and sets up expectations for what will come next. Use these tips to ensure that the order of information lines up with the author’s intentions.

When reviewing the order of information, consider the following:

• Old information should typically precede new information.
• The first part of sentence is the topic position; The end of the sentence is the stress or emphasis position.
  • Pay attention to where the emphasis is being put. Is this what the author actually wants to emphasize?
• A subject/object/idea at the end of one sentence should typically link up with that same subject/object/idea near the beginning of the following sentence, before another new idea is introduced.

#2

Subject & Verb Proximity

When a subject and its verb are closer together in the sentence there is generally greater clarity for readers.

Example: Subject & Verb Far Away

The cat, exhausted from a long day of playing with toys and sitting on the laptop keyboard while its human tried to do work, flopped onto its side.

Example Subject & Verb Close

The cat flopped onto its side, exhausted from a long day of playing with toys and sitting on the laptop keyboard while its human tried to do work.

#3

Verb Nominalization

Verb nominalization is when a verb is turned into a noun with the use of weaker verbs. This should be avoided when possible for clarity. It is also a great way to reduce word counts.

For example,

Nominalized Verb	Verb
We did the analysis…	We analyzed…
We saw a manifestation of X…	X manifested in…
This is a demonstration of…	This demonstrates…

#4

Passive Voice

Generally avoid using the passive voice. However, when it is used, do so intentionally—for example, using the passive voice to put a subject/noun later in the sentence for emphasis (see Order of Information in a Sentence).

Example: Passive Voice

This guide was originally written for Platypus.

Example: Active Voice

The editor wrote this guide originally for Platypus.

#5

Weak Verbs vs. Forceful Verbs

Replace weak verbs (e.g., “to be”) with more forceful and meaningful verbs.

For example,

Weak Verb	Forceful Verb
The strategy was useful.	The strategy proved useful.
This paper is about X.	This paper concerns X.
This is the focus of this paper.	This constitutes the focus of this paper.

#6

Word Count

Copyediting can be a tool for reducing word counts and reducing word counts can be a strategy for copyediting.

Seek out these for removal:

• Avoid verb nominalization and passive voice to reduce word counts.
• Writing Tics: e.g., “sort of” and “kind of”
• Excessive Transitions: e.g., “thus,” “in this way,” and “therefore”
• Redundant Phrases:

Redundant Phrases	Alternative Wording Options
time period / period of time	time
in actual fact	“in fact” or remove entirely
own personal	Either “own” or “personal” only
in order to	“to” unless the sentence rhythm is improved by the longer phrase
the fact that	“that” or rephrase