Writing Tips from Prompt Proofing - Avoid Stacked or Ambiguous Modifiers

    VANCOUVER, BC, October 18, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- I am not sure if this issue is a result of ever-changing technology or simply slightly lazy business jargon but there is an increasing tendency to string long lists of modifiers together before the noun they are all supposedly modifying (stacked modifiers). This can be tedious - and often confusing - to read.

Consider the following:

This specifically designed, ever-ready, brightly coloured deluxe emergency safety kit will increase your survival chances in most natural disasters.

OR:

An all-natural, antioxidant, mineral-rich, affordable moisturizing lotion...

Both of the above are examples of stacked modifiers and would be improved as follows:

Our ever-ready deluxe emergency safety kit is brightly coloured for easy recognition and has been specifically designed to increase survival chances in most common natural disasters.

OR:

Our all-natural, affordable moisturizing lotion is antioxidant and rich in minerals.

Additionally, the use of two (or more) modifiers can cause ambiguity if it is not clear. In a novel I am currently reading, the hero's love interest is referred to as a large animal vet. Since vets only deal with animals, it is fairly easy to fathom out that this particular vet specializes in large animals; however, this is similar to referring to 'a small business owner'. Both could be easily avoided with the judicious use of hyphens, thus:

a large-animal vet
a small-business owner

Check back next month for more writing tips.

About Prompt Proofing

Prompt Proofing is based in Vancouver, BC, Canada and was officially launched in 2010 by a team of editing and writing professionals who have over 40 years of experience in the education, news media, public relations and recruitment fields. Prompt Proofing prides itself on affordable services delivered with fast turnaround times, without sacrificing quality or accuracy.

Offering content writing, editing and proofreading services, Prompt Proofing takes care of your individual or business content needs. We have customers throughout North and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, the United Kingdom, Asia and Australia.

Visit our website for more information at http://www.PromptProofing.com.

We offer coupons, news and more through our social media sites:
Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/promptproofing
Like us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/promptproofing

# # #