3. Most writing strives to convey
information clearly and efficiently, to help
the reader understand without undue
effort.
Strive to make your writing direct
expressing ideas plainly and concise using
few unnecessary words. By doing so, you
avoid being imprecise, wordy, or obscure.
4. Public speakers are often advised: “tell
them what you are going to say ;say it;
then tell them what you said.”
EXAMPLES:
Spoken language, repeating the message will help
the audience understand it clearly. this advice
reflects the patterns of spoken language.
We started eliminating unnecessary words:
In spoken language, repetition helps listeners
understand.
5. Generalizations are broad statements without
specific detail that enable us to express the large
concepts essential to abstract thinking.
For example:
Many factors played a part in the republican
landslide.(what factors?)
6. Although generalities can occur anywhere,
look particularly at your openings and
conclusions, where you may be trying hard to
impress.
EXAMPLE:
Fetal alcohol syndrome affects one every 750
newborn it is clearly not good for them, causing
coordination problems, malformed organs, small
brains short attention spans, and behavioral
problems.
7. In speaking, we allow ourselves may extra words.
This habit often carries over into writing. As you
edit, test each word to see whether you can
eliminate it. If the meaning of the sentence is
unchanged, leave it out.
8. Phrases like in my opinion, it has come to my
attention that and due to the fact contribute nothing
to a discussion.
Example:
In this day and age children in many instances know more
about black holes than they do about black beauty.
You change:
Today children often know more about black holes than
they do about black beauty.
9. wordy phrases More concise
Most of the people Most people
All of the word All the word
Due to the fact that Because, since
Despite the fact that Although
At that (or this) point in Then, now
time
Communicate to(or with) Tell
Impact on Affect
In this day and age Today, now
In any case Anyway
In the case of Regarding, concerning
In most instances Usually
Subsequent to After
10. Wordy phrases More concise
In case If
In the final analysis Finally, at last
11. Writers often use modifiers such as
clearly, obviously, absolutely, fortunately, hopefully,
really, and totally to make a sentence sound forceful
or authoritative.
These intensifiers usually add little, and they can be
deleted. Be careful, though, to test for altered
meaning.
Example:
The strike against General Motors clearly disrupted
production of light trucks. It was undoubtedly to do so.
12. Needless repetition is called redundancy. As you
edit, evaluate each instance of repetition. Take out
the repeated word or phrase and compare both
versions. Ask yourself whether the repetition links
ideas, sustains an established rhythm, or prevents
confusion. If it does not, take it .
Example: the general consensus of opinion among
student was that the chancellor had exceeded her
authority.
13. Redundant phrases
First ever Refer back
First and foremost Basic fundamentals
Full and complete Initial preparation
Past history Terrible tragedy
Round in shape Final result
Red in color Free gift
General consensus of True facts
opinion
A faulty miscalculation Completely destroyed
Old and outdated
14. An elliptical construction helps avoid
unneeded repetition. Such constructions
are usually used in the second part of a
parallel construction.
Example:
Her words suggested one thing, her
actions suggested another.
15. It is tempting, when you want to
sound authoritative, to use
technical, obscure, ornate language.
When such language is needlessly
complicated or overinflated is called
pretentious.
16. Pretentious More concise
Incarcerated offenders Prisoners
Client populations People served
Voice concern that Said, worried
Range of selections Choice
Minimizes expenditures Saves money
Of crucial importance Important,crucial
Provide an occasion for Be worth investigating
investigation
Institution of higher College, university
learning
17. A Euphemism is an inoffensive word or phrase
deliberately substituted for one consider harsh or
indelicate. Our conversations are full of
euphemisms, firing are called corporate downsizing.
Example:
People say I lost my grandmother the last year
instead of my grandmother died last year.
As a result of the reordering of budget priorities
library acquisitions will be deferred and
maintenance activities reduced
Will stop buying books and staff will clean the
building less often.
