The Eight Sentences:
Sentence structure is a matter of style–every writer has his/her own–and no one is required to like it.
Frequency of use and the authors’ reputations don’t guarantee a pleasurable read.
If you do like a particular author’s style, it stands to reason, you’ll read more of their work.
Does annoying sentence construction take you out of the story?
Many of the examples of backward writing that I find most annoying include adverbs and “ing” verbs, both of which only serve to add to my displeasure. Some folks think this style of writing and sentence construction is fine. Apparently, it’s preferred in English class themes. My editor agrees with me in that it has no place in novels where active writing works better.
Where did that come from?
I recently wrote a blog about one of my pet peeves in writing (I only have about 5,280 pet peeves). My intention was to speak from a reader’s point of view. Every reader has her/his own preferences as do editors and authors. I claim no authority to speak from a position of wisdom on this subject, but I do know what I like and dislike as a reader. The entire article can be found HERE.
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February 8, 2015
FCEtier
FCEtier 
16 responses to ““Backwards” writing turns me off”
Seyi sandra
February 11th, 2015 at 19:56
Love your post, I hate long sentences, don’t really care about the ‘ing’ and I’ve read lots of novels! Waiting for more peeves! 🙂
Iris B
February 9th, 2015 at 03:55
A very different snippet this week, nonetheless very interesting. With English being my second language I make quite a few mistakes, but I have to admit (perhaps a little bit arrogantly) I agree with Veronica, the misuse of there, their, or they’re pulls me out of a story, ditto with would of / would’ve … *sigh*
Alice
February 8th, 2015 at 22:17
I’m quite utterly intrigued by your pet peeves 😉
veronicascott
February 8th, 2015 at 18:32
A very different 8 for today…I don’t think I have the particular peeve you mention. What pulls me out of a story is the misuse of words like there, their and they’re.
FCEtier
February 8th, 2015 at 18:40
How about an extra opening quotation mark in the title! LOL
I just noticed that.
Teresa Cypher
February 8th, 2015 at 14:21
Chip, it sounds like your writing is evolving–as any good writer’s does.
I’m rarely bothered by style. And I used gerunds to provide change-up in sentence structure, avoiding monotonous syntax. I’m not afraid to use a well-placed adverb here and there, too. 😉
Just like everyone, I have pet peeves. My main one is overwriting. I can’t finish a book that is rife with the stuff. Unnecessary pronouns, saying the same thing over and over again, unneeded “that, and which”–for starters. I do work hard to trim superfluous words from my writing, but I’m sure some escape me.
Missing commas. I swear I’d rather see too many of them than not enough. I just read a novel in which the Captain of a ship was walking down the corridor with his Lt.’s right behind. 🙂
I think most of these things that would be classified under “style” rather than under “grammar and punctuation” really do come down to a manner of personal preference. We can’t all agree with Strunk and White.
FCEtier
February 8th, 2015 at 17:35
I agree, Teresa. We can’t all agree with S & W and I believe rules were made to be bent if not broken. I really have a problem with writers who write like they never heard of Strunk & White. Thanks for a thoughtful comment.:-)
Frank Fisher
February 8th, 2015 at 13:04
I agree that these errors take me out of the story. Very interesting you’ve chosen to post this as your eight, so well done!
FCEtier
February 8th, 2015 at 17:34
Thanks, Frank!
P.T. Wyant
February 8th, 2015 at 12:54
Short choppy sentences and poor grammar (basic stuff like subject-verb agreement, using an incorrect word, etc) bother me far more than adverbs or “ing”s.
Linda Hamonou
February 8th, 2015 at 12:37
I have more and more pet peeves in writing and it reflects on the way I read. There is some sentence structure I dislike, but adverbs and gerunds are not one of them unless you give me 70 in 500 words.
Gem
February 8th, 2015 at 10:18
*hiding head in shame* I have mega problems with passive voice and rewrite constantly trying to get the “ings” out.
FCEtier
February 8th, 2015 at 10:19
When in the self-edit phase, I do “Contro-F” searches for “ly” and “ing.” Also, “that” and “would.” There’s always something!
burnsmillie
February 8th, 2015 at 10:13
I agree. It catches my attention and pulls me out of the story.
Sarah W
February 8th, 2015 at 08:48
I’m more sensitive to tense shifts and verb confusion than to -ings and adverbs, but I do think both of the latter need to be used sparingly (oops!) in fast-paced writing.
Excellent article, Chip! Bring on more peeves, please! 🙂
FCEtier
February 8th, 2015 at 08:53
Thanks Sarah. OK, I’ve got about 5,280 pet peeves to write about! LOL