Writing concisely: Be direct and cut the fat

Succinctly present your main idea first in order to "save your reader time and sharpen your argument before diving into the bulk of your writing [...] Read your writing through critical eyes, and make sure that each word works toward your larger point. Cut every unnecessary word or sentence" (O'Hara, 2014). Review these examples from The Writing Center at UNC-Chapel Hill:

1. Eliminate redundant pairs - When the first word in a pair has roughly the same meaning as the second, choose one.

   • Example: For each and every book you purchase, you will receive a free bookmark.
   • Revision: For every book you purchase, you will receive a free bookmark.

2. Delete unnecessary qualifiers, e.g. actually, really, basically, probably, very, definitely, somewhat, kind of, extremely.

   • Example: Because a great many of the words in this sentence are basically unnecessary, we should really edit it.
   • Revision: Because many of the words in this sentence are unnecessary, we should edit it.

3. Remove prepositional phrases, which begin with words like in, for, at, on, through, and over.

   • Example: The best outcome for this scenario would be an incremental withdrawal.
   • Revision: The best outcome would be an incremental withdrawal.

4. Locate and delete unnecessary modifiers - When the meaning of a word/phrase implies its modifier, delete the modifier.

   • Example: Do not try to anticipate in advance those events that will completely revolutionize society.
   • Revision: Do not try to anticipate revolutionary events.

5. Replace a phrase with a word - When a phrase and a word have roughly the same meaning, use the word.

   • Example: the reason for, due to the fact that, in light of the fact that, given the fact that, and considering the fact that
   • Revision: because or why

6. Identify negatives and change them to affirmatives - Expressing ideas in the negative requires an extra word.

   • Example: If you do not have five years of experience, do not call for an interview if you have not spoken to HR.
   • Revision: Applicants with five years of experience can bypass HR and call for an interview.

References

Nichol, M. (2011). 5 ways to reduce use of prepositions. Daily Writing Tips. https://www.dailywritingtips.com/5-ways-to-reduce-use-of-prepositions/

O’Hara, C. (2014). How to improve your business writing. Harvard Business Review Digital Articles, 2-6.

University of North Carolina. (n.d.). Writing concisely. The Writing Center. https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/conciseness-handout/