Rule #2
3. Don't Be Stingy with the Little Words!
Sometimes, you need to repeat prepositions (like "in," "on," "at," "to," "from") or articles (like "a," "an," "the") to maintain parallelism, especially when dealing with longer, more complex phrases. It might seem redundant, but its crucial for clarity.
Consider this: Incorrect: "I am interested in history and art." Grammatically okay, but a bit ambiguous. Does "in" apply to both history and art? Correct: "I am interested in history and in art." Repeating the preposition clarifies that your interest applies equally to both subjects. It eliminates any potential for misinterpretation, and clarity is king (or queen!).
However, you don't always need to repeat these little words. If the meaning is clear without repetition, feel free to omit them. The key is to consider the flow and potential for ambiguity. If adding a preposition or article enhances clarity, go for it. If it just adds unnecessary clutter, leave it out. Its a judgment call, like deciding whether to add salt to a dish — a little can enhance the flavor, but too much can ruin the whole thing.
The goal is always to make your writing as easy as possible to understand. By paying attention to prepositions and articles, you can ensure that your sentences are clear, concise, and grammatically sound. It's these small details that elevate your writing from good to great. So, don't underestimate the power of these little words!
