How To Write Well:

Section 3 - Cut Out Useless Words

Contents: Cut out useless words | Cut out useless phrases | Words to avoid

Cut out useless words:

One of the common failings of much writing is either using words that are unnecessary or using wordy phrases when a much shorter phrase would do. We must be concise. Only use as many words as you need. Consider every word and decide whether it adds to the message or tone.

Here are a few examples with the unnecessary words in bold.

....During the course of investigations

also, it should be mentioned that many people...

Allow a few days to elapse before speaking with....

You should contact.....

......Which is done for each and every incident

anything over and above this

For a period of 14 days

Up to a maximum of four people

Cut out useless phrases:

Similarly, there are few writers who do not use some phrases that could be replaced by a single word. Here is a list of some typical phrases:

Words to avoid:

There are also many words we use that have simpler, clearer or less formal equivalents. Don't write 'obtain' when you mean 'get'. Don't write 'residence' when you mean 'house'. The simpler, familiar words put you and your reader on the same plane; longer, abstract words make it more difficult to achieve a meeting of minds with your reader. Many words seem to get used for their dignified appearance, not for their sense. Writers often don't understand them themselves. The result is pomposity, which is certainly not dignified. The author Mark Twain once worked as a journalist and was paid seven cents a word for his articles. He clearly expressed his rules for successful writing when he said "I never write metropolis for seven cents, because I can get the same price for city".

Use the simplest words to get your meaning across. And don't be put off by people who accuse you of being childish or simplistic. Perhaps the idea that they should understand what you write is new to them! Here are some words with their alternatives. Remember that some alternatives only work in a particular context.

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