Show, not tell
This is a very important rule to obey while writing. The phrase above connotes that as writers we have to describe and not just tell the readers what to think. The readers should be allowed to draw their own conclusion.
For example:
1. My husband was very happy when I informed him of my pregnancy.
2. My husband's face broke into a smile and he lifted me in his arms when I informed him of my pregnancy.
Sentence one "tells" not "show" and it is the opposite in sentence two.
When we are "telling" a reader, we tend to make use of adjectives and adverbs but when show there is action. Thus we make use of verbs.
So they next time we are tempted to tell our readers what happened, throw the thought away and show them what what really happened.
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Writing Tips And Lectures #ProjectNigeria
RandomWe bring to you short writing tips, common mistakes made while writing and lectures from ProjectNigeria, aimed at helping you write better. These writing tips and lectures are also shared in the ProjectNigeria Bookclub on Whatsapp.
