Saying More with Less
When you revise your writing, look for ways to say more with less. By shortening wordy phrases, you can make your sentences more effective and your writing more concise. Notice the difference between the first sentence below and the two that follow.
Wordy
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I wore a coat for the reason that I was cold.
|
Concise
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I wore a coat because I was cold.
|
Concise
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I wore a coat since I was cold.
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The phrase for the reason that may be familiar to the ear, but the words because and since work just as well—and in a shorter space. Compare the two columns below and notice how some common but wordy phrases can be sensibly shortened.
Wordy
|
Concise
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as to whether
|
whether
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due to the fact that
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because or since
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during the period that
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when
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he is someone who
|
he
|
in a quick manner
|
quickly
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prior to
|
before
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regardless of the fact that
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although or even though
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subsequent to
|
after
|
with regard to
|
about
|
You may be tempted to use wordy phrases like the ones shown above when writing formal school reports or business letters. Yet while these phrases may lend a more formal tone, they may also make your writing sound unnatural or inauthentic. Strive to find your own writing voice—without using wordy phrases like these.
