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The 10 Wordiest Expressions You Should Strike From Your Writing…Now!

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After reading William’s Zinsser’s On Writing Well it became clear that I had a problem. I was a verbose writer who used far too many words to make a point. I could go on and on. I had a habit of wallowing in an abyss of redundancy before getting to my point.

Think about it. How often have you chosen a three- or four-word phrase in lieu of one word? We all do it. So without further adieu (and rambling) here are the ten wordiest expressions that drive readers crazy:

1. At this point in time – Replace with: Now

2. At which time when – Replace with: During

3. As a result of – Replace with: Because

4. With reference to – Replace with: About

5. Whether or not – Replace with: Whether

6. Come in contact with – Replace with: Meet

7. During the time that – Replace with: While

8. Make use of – Replace with: Use

9: He is a man who – Replace with: He

10. In spite of the fact that – Replace with: Although

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  1. Oh, so many folks need this. I’m embarrassed when I think about my frequent use of those “Wordiest Expressions.”

    But I’m working it. Getting better!

    Thanks for this tip, kids!!!

    • We’re all guilty! I’m offender numero uno Gail!

  2. Good to know. The worse culprits are those graduate level academic text books and white papers! Ugh! Is that a word?

    • So true Patty. I think this where Twitter is actually serving a wider greater purpose. You become very succinct when you have to say what’s important in 140 characters or less. Thanks for the comment!

    • Aggie thanks for the RT and the link to the video. Will definitely check it out!

  4. Thanks so much for helping us be succinct writers. I know I forget the substitutions and even make the (horrible!) mistake of thinking that being wordy makes me look smarter. You have demonstrated that smart writing comes from getting to the point. What brilliance!

    • Thanks for your comment Monique! We all forget the substitutions. I’m a repeat offender myself :)

      -Dara

  5. WTF – is that short enough for thee???
    Writers neglecting the use of their language, and celebrating their laziness!
    The world is fucked up if in the future these are the writers that represent these times.

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