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Lesson 20 of 20 · Editing and Voice 4/4
Editing and Voice

Be specific

Concrete numbers, names and examples beat adjectives.

See it

Don't
  • Empty adjectives
  • No number, no proof
Do
Build a client report in 4 minutes instead of an hour.

Why it matters

Specifics beat superlatives. A concrete number or example makes claims believable.

How to apply it

  • Replace adjectives with results
  • Use real examples
  • Show, don't claim

Common mistakes

  • 'Amazing', 'powerful', 'best-in-class'
  • Unverifiable superlatives

Quick answers

What is Be specific?

Concrete numbers, names and examples beat adjectives. Specifics beat superlatives. A concrete number or example makes claims believable.

How do I apply Be specific in content writing?

Replace adjectives with results. Use real examples. Show, don't claim.

What are common mistakes with Be specific?

'Amazing', 'powerful', 'best-in-class'. Unverifiable superlatives.

That's the last lesson in Editing and Voice

Test what you learned in the Level 5 quiz, then move on.

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