Business Writing Tips from The Writing Center
Eliminate Wordiness - Step 3
May 31, 2007
Eliminate unnecessary repetition. Avoid
redundant pairs, modifiers and categories.
How do we recognize redundant words?
-
Watch for redundant pairs - words
meaning essentially the same thing:
each and every
full and complete
basic and fundamental
-
Watch for redundant
modifiers -
words implying each other:
mutually agree
important essentials
completely finished
initial preparation
more preferable
end result
true facts
future plans
Think about a few of those examples: Is there any other way to agree than
mutually? Aren't all facts true? In writing, "less is more." Good writers select single words that precisely
communicate meaning.
-
Watch for redundant
categories -
Some words imply their categories, so it is not necessary to mention both the
word and its category.
Examples:
large in size ("large" implies "size.")
in a 24-hour time period ("24-hour" implies
"time period.")
This edition was adapted from our Effective
Business Writing Program. Previous editions
may be read at
http://www.uliveandlearn.com/newsletters/index.cfm.
To receive this free weekly newsletter via e-mail, go to
http://www.uliveandlearn.com/userjoin.cfm and select the newsletter option.
Return now to the Business
Communications Library
|
