37 verbal See oral. verbs Splits In general, avoid awkward constructions that split either the infinitive form of a verb (to leave, to help, etc.) or the compound forms (had left, have arrived, etc.). • She planned to leave immediately. • NOT She planned to immediately leave. • We had left home hurriedly. • NOT We had hurriedly left home. Sometimes, however, such splits are necessary to avoid misreading or ambiguity. • She wanted to really help her friend. • Those who do well are usually rewarded. • The budget was tentatively approved. To Be Constructions. Forms of the verb to be, though extremely useful and popular in conversation, can make for weak writing. Whenever possible, substitute more energetic and colorful verbs in your sentences. • Student activities abound. • NOT There are many student activities. • She has earned an outstanding reputation as a student. • NOT She is a student with an outstanding reputation. versus Abbreviate as vs. in all uses. very This intensifier actually drains meaning from your sentences if used too often. (When too many points are emphasized, none stand out.) Often, you can find a more precise way of expressing your thoughts. • I was thrilled he asked me out. • NOT I was very happy he asked me out. • When my novel was rejected, I despaired. • NOT When my novel was rejected, I was very sad. Veterans Affairs The official government website for this department does not use an apostrophe when referring to these. An apostrophe should only be used to indicate something being possessed by the veterans. The G.I. Bill® is a veterans’ benefit. vice president No hyphen. The same rule holds true for other vice compounds. video camera, video game Two words videoconferencing, videodisc, videotape One word visa An endorsement made on a passport denoting that the bearer may proceed or has been approved to enter a country VISA Trademark name of credit card and company; all caps V
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