In this example, a doctor talks about the unusual symptoms of COVID-19 and how medical professionals need to understand them better. Hear the difference when people are attached to the concept of awareness. The sentence becomes clearer—and more human-sounding, too.
Hear the difference when only—which is used to make a specific point—is placed right in front of the thought it’s emphasizing. The sentence becomes more powerful and precise. Only is a small word that can pack a punch, so put it where it belongs.
You might think from this headline, by Business Insider, that Osama Bin Laden was killed for refusing to wear a mask. Reading your copy aloud is a good way to catch awkward construction and unintended meaning.
In this edition of Say It Better Say It Right, the president of Hearst Magazines comments on the new editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar magazine.
In this edition of Say It Better Say It Right, an expert opines on all the conversation at the World Economic Forum about climate change and what to do about it.
