1. Trim the Fat
How many words can you take out?
|
Instead
of... |
Write... |
| on a monthly
basis |
monthly |
| in the event
that |
if |
| at the present
time |
now |
| in the amount
of |
for
|
| on account of the fact
that |
since, because |
| whether or not |
whether |
2. Eliminate Redundancies
Why use two words when one will do?
|
Instead
of... |
Write... |
| each and every |
each, every |
| joint cooperation |
cooperation |
| future plans |
plans |
| end result |
result
|
| final completion |
completion |
| consensus of opinion |
consensus |
3. Replace Gobbledygook with Plain
Language
Gobbledygook refers to pompous, long-winded
language that is hard to understand and can bury a
message. Write to express, not impress.
|
Instead
of... |
Write... |
| concur |
agree |
| indicate |
show |
| anticipate |
expect |
| endeavor |
try
|
| commence |
begin, start |
| transmit |
send |
4. Activate Your Nouns
Crisp writing conveys action. Look for words ending
in -ment, -ion, or -ing; chances are they are
nouns that can be turned into verbs.
|
Instead
of... |
Write... |
| made an investigation |
investigated |
| conducting a study |
studying |
| began the implementation
of |
began to implement |
| come to an agreement |
agree
|
| submit an application |
apply |
| had a meeting |
met |
5. Avoid “There is,” “There are,” and “It
is”
Constructions
They weaken your writing and make it less direct.
|
Instead
of... |
Write... |
| It is true that exercise will
keep you fit. |
Exercise will keep you
fit. |
| There are ten students in the
classroom. |
Ten students are in the
classroom. |
