This is a vice of language related to the inappropriate or exaggerated use of gerunds, which belong to the category of verbs that end in “ando” or “endo” (breaking, having, playing, dancing, etc.). An example of a gerundism would be: “I was climbing the hillside when, seeing myself surrounded by an endless number of flowers, I took one, bending down, and brought it close to my face, smelling it with joy and peace.”
Some writers even prohibit the use of the gerund in any situation, which is a mistake. These types of words express an action that is continuous or simultaneous with another and, therefore, are valid language resources if used correctly and consciously.
In the example mentioned above, the exaggerated use of gerunds causes many actions to seem to happen dominican republic mobile database simultaneously when in reality they do not. The best way to solve this error is to adapt the conjugation of the verbs in relation to the different moments of the story: “Going up the hill, I saw myself surrounded by an endless number of flowers. I bent down, picked one, brought it close to my face and smelled it with joy and peace.”
There is no need to be afraid or reject gerunds, but it is necessary to know how to use them correctly. Some examples of their correct use are:
“They argued all the way”;
“When you're watching the movie, I won't make any noise.”
“According to a study”
This common vice is a headache for many editors. Inserting percentage data or using phrases like “according to a study” or “a study discovered X” without citing the source gives the impression that you are making up the information.
The solution to this vice is very simple: did you mention any data from the research? Then, remember to leave the source explicitly and, if possible, link the reference in some related word. Numbers and studies can be good sources in your text, as long as the reader can be sure that they are true.
The list of language vices is long and will only get longer as our language evolves. Did you recognize any of these vices in your texts? Let us know your thoughts on them!
“Amanda, I’ll be working at that time
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