Checklist: Bad Habits

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  • I” — is it adding anything? (“I think,” “I can see that…” “I believe”)
  • You” — is it worth the shift it brings?
  • “-ly” — weak adverbs and intensifiers, and hedges
    (mostly, usually, arguably, typically, probably, possibly)
  • ,” and ““: unnecessary commas; too many clauses set off by dashes
  • And,” “But,” “Still,” “Indeed” — I tend to overuse these in beginning sentences.
  • Other: “often” “quite” “various” “very” “Another aspect…”Actually

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