Why use the PM?
How to use the PM?
- makes your language direct & clear
- gives sentences shape
- destroys monotony
- gives you more control over your ideas
- lets you emphasize certain ideas
1. Circle the prepositions
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about |
for |
in |
of |
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by |
from |
into |
to |
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on |
with |
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2. Circle the "to be" verbs
3. Find the real action
4. Use a simple, active verb
5. Get the sentence going fast (eliminate mindless intros like "It is interesting that")
Samples
BEFORE: There is a
good deal of circumstantial evidence in support of
that scheme.
AFTER the PM: Much circumstantial
evidence supports that scheme.
How: look in the prepositional phrases to locate a better subject, verb, and direct object.BEFORE: . . .of the loosening of ancient ties of corporate unity
How: take the main idea from "of ancient corporate" and make into an ADJECTIVE.BEFORE: Remember to cut 50% of the fat from the sentence!
How: take the main idea from "from the sentence" and make into an ADJECTIVE.BEFORE: The experiences of the children were horrible.