The document outlines techniques for eliminating wordiness in writing by identifying and removing deadwood, utility words, circumlocutions, and wordy phrases. Examples are provided to illustrate how to revise sentences for clarity and conciseness. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of deleting unnecessary words to enhance communication.

1. Eliminating
Wordiness

2. Being Concise
Using only the words necessary to
make a clear point

3. Eliminating
Wordiness
Deleting nonessential words:
1. Deadwood
2. Utility words
3. Circumlocution
4. Wordy phrases

4. Deadwood
Words and phrases that take up space but
add no meaning
1

5. Deadwood
Deadwood:
There were a few experiences that supported her
decision to change her life.
Revised:
A few experiences supported her decision to change
her life.
1

6. Deadwood
1
Deadwood:
I believe that not enough money is spent on
education.
Revised:
Not enough money is spent on education.

7. Utility Words
- Words with imprecise meanings (e.g., factor
or aspect)
- Meaningless adjectives (e.g., good, bad,
important)
- Meaningless adverbs (e.g., basically, quite)
2

8. Imprecise meaning:
The financial aspect played a role in the decision.
Revised:
Finances played a role in the decision.
2
Utility Words

9. Meaningless adjectives:
This deal will offer many good opportunities to
make a profit.
Revised:
This deal will offer many opportunities to make a
profit.
2
Utility Words

10. Meaningless adverbs:
Going along with the proposal was basically out of
the question.
Revised:
Going along with the proposal was out of the
question.
2
Utility Words

11. Circumlocution
Using a roundabout way to say something
3

12. Circumlocution:
It is not unlikely that the virus will spread.
Revised:
The virus will probably spread.
3
Circumlocution

13. Circumlocution:
The suspect was in Paris during the same time that
the crime was committed.
Revised:
The suspect was in Paris when the crime was
committed.
3
Circumlocution

14. Wordy Phrases
Using longer phrases than necessary
4

15. 4
Wordy Phrases
Wordy Concise
Due to the fact that Because
Have the ability to Be able to
At the present time Now

16. 4
Wordy Phrases
Wordy:
At the present time my client does not have the ability to comment
due to the fact that he is part of an ongoing investigation.
Revised:
My client cannot comment because he is part of an ongoing
investigation.

17. Conclusion
Delete:
1. Deadwood
2. Utility words
3. Circumlocution
4. Wordy phrases

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