This document discusses techniques for strengthening or softening adjectives and nouns in writing, including the use of words like "very", "really", and "pretty" in informal contexts and "extremely", "significantly", and "quite" in academic writing. It also discusses using longer noun phrases to communicate more information concisely and connecting ideas between sentences by referring back to nouns from previous sentences using words like "this", "that", "these", and "those". Finally, it discusses introducing details and examples of earlier ideas using words like "one", "another", and phrases mentioning the "first".

1. Section A

2. We use certain words to strengthen or soften
an adjective or noun phrase. In speaking, we often
use informal words like very, really, pretty and such.
That’s
We had
The president has
a very interesting question.
a really clear view of the
some pretty good ideas.
stage from our seats.

3. We use such before a / an with singular nouns.
I’m having
Notice that we don’t use pretty in negative
sentences.
Kelly doesn’t have
such a bad day.
(NOT: a such bad day)
a very loud voice.
(NOT: Kelly doesn’t have a pretty loud voice. )

4. In academic writing, we often use more formal
words like very, extremely, significantly, or quite.
an extremely difficult language.
When we did the test again, we got
significantly better results.
Japanese is

5. Based upon our research, we arrived at quite a different conclusion.
Notice that we use quite before a / an with
singular nouns.

6. Section B

7. Packing a lot of information into longer noun phrases
is very common in academic writing.
• In the following example, the
writer uses several short sentences
to communicate the information.
Using many short sentences is
common for beginning writers.
Gustavo Dudamel is a conductor,
and he is 31 years old. He is from
Venezuela. He became the music
director of the Los Angeles
Philharmonic in 2009.
• In this example, the writer uses
longer noun phrases in a single
sentence. This allows the writer to
communicate a lot of information
in fewer words.
Gustavo Dudamel, the 31-year-old
Venezuelan conductor, became the
music director of the Los Angeles
Philharmonic in 2009.
COMPARE

8. Section C

9. In writing, we often start a sentence with a noun
phrase that refers back to an idea in a previous
sentence. Doing this helps connect the ideas
from one sentence to the next.
During the 1930s, roads, bridges, and schools
were built all over the U.S. Most of these
structures are still in use today.
(Structures refers to roads, bridges, and schools.)
Today the company made the announcement that
400 employees would lose their jobs. This
statement came during an interview with the
company’s president.
(Statement refers to announcement.)

10. During the 1930s, roads, bridges, and schools were
built all over the U.S. Most of these structures are
still in use today.
(Structures refers to
roads, bridges, and
schools.)
Today the company made the announcement that 400
employees would lose their jobs. This statement came
during an interview with the company’s president.
(Statement is a synonym for
announcement.)
In both sentences, the writers use this / that /
these / those to make it clear which ideas they
are referring back to.

11. Section D

12. In writing, we may introduce details and
examples of an earlier idea with words like one,
another, or the first.
The author of the article “The Amazing
Effects of Music” explains that music
affects the body in many positive ways.
One of the obvious effects is that it can
put you in a better mood. Another
benefit Is that it can lower your blood
pressure.