Writing concisely by eliminating wordiness is important to make your writing better, more engaging and effective. This slide presentation helps you to recognise the different types of wordiness and discusses ways in which wordy passages can be revised.
For more English tutorials, please visit:
https://www.thelecturette.com
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
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
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
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.