Condense Long-winded Expressions
Wordy phrases interfere with smooth reading and detract from the meaning of a sentence or passage. This is particularly true when used to open a sentence.
| Avoid these | Use these instead |
|---|---|
| as well as | and |
| on the occasion of | when |
| at this point in time | now |
| it is obvious that | obviously |
| on an everyday basis | daily |
| with respect/regard to | for |
| as a matter of fact | actually |
| in the event that | if |
| in light of the fact that | since |
| regardless of the fact that | although |
| on the grounds that | because |
Avoid converted verbs
Converting verbs to nouns, like changing “I know” to “I have a knowledge of” is wordy and pompous. Converting verbs to nouns by adding “ation” weakens both. A victim may have been victimized, but it is wordy and unclear to say “she suffered from victimization.”
| Don't turn these – | into these |
|---|---|
| victimize | victimization |
| prioritize | prioritization |
| knowledge | knowledgeableness |
| customize | customization |
| connect | connectivity |
Streamline verb phrases
Verb phrases contain unnecessary clutter, detracting from the message of the sentence.
| Avoid these | Use these |
|---|---|
| give consideration to | consider |
| make acknowledgment of | acknowledge |
| have doubts about | doubt |
| is reflective of | reflects |
| put the emphasis on | emphasize |
Writer’s tip:
If you write to impress your professor, you won’t! Your professor will be impressed if you present complex information clearly and logically. He or she will not be impressed by having to wade through several pages of ponderous empty words or having to puzzle out what you are trying to say. To impress your professor, present solid information, well supported in a clear, logical text. Tell your story in clear understandable language.