- repeat a word or phrase only when necessary.
- avoid a careless or needless repetition of a thought in different words.
- avoid clumsy, roundabout expressions.
- eliminate needless words and choppy sentences.
- avoid the double negative.
- use adverbs sparingly.
- choose the precise word to convey your meaning.
- avoid clichés.
It is quality, not quantity that counts in writing. Most good writing is not cluttered with superfluous words.
Here are three ways to improve your writing:
(1) Eliminate extra words and the unnecessary repetition of ideas.
For example:
Wordy: The dog played with a small, little, round ball, which was made of rubber.
Better: The dog played with a little rubber ball.
(2) Reduce clauses to phrases and phrases to single words.
For example:
Wordy: We decided that we would leave the meeting early.
Better: We decided to leave the meeting early.
Wordy: The illegal immigrants who had been captured were deported to Mexico.
Better: The captured illegal immigrants were deported to Mexico.
(3) Avoid trying to sound like Shakespeare. Write naturally.
For example:
Wordy: Illumination is required when the sun has sunk into the west and left the premises in darkness.
Better: Turn on the lights at dark.
What about you? Do you sometimes use more words that you really need? I know I do, so when I go back and proofread what I have written, I often find myself tapping the delete key.