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2 B Less Is More

This document discusses writing concisely using fewer words. It recommends that writers: 1) Cut unnecessary words like qualifiers and weak words to express ideas using fewer words. 2) Choose short, simple words over long, convoluted phrases and sentences for clarity. 3) Use adjectives and adverbs sparingly as helping words are often unnecessary if the writer chooses words carefully. Specific verbs and nouns can replace adjectived or adverbed terms.

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Ayisha Patnaik
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270 views

2 B Less Is More

This document discusses writing concisely using fewer words. It recommends that writers: 1) Cut unnecessary words like qualifiers and weak words to express ideas using fewer words. 2) Choose short, simple words over long, convoluted phrases and sentences for clarity. 3) Use adjectives and adverbs sparingly as helping words are often unnecessary if the writer chooses words carefully. Specific verbs and nouns can replace adjectived or adverbed terms.

Uploaded by

Ayisha Patnaik
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Less is More

A good writer is like a sculptor. Sculptors use less and less to express more and more.

Try and cut away useless words and make every word count.

 Unnecessary words like “For many of us…” and “Most of


us…”
 Qualifiers like “Regardless of xyz…”
 Weak words like “Usually”
 Longer, convoluted sentences instead of short, snappy ones

SHORT WORDS ARE BETTER The following phrases and sentences are unclear (and silly) because the
writers have used too many big words. Try to figure out the intended meaning in each example.

1. Illumination is required to be extinguished on these premises after nightfall.

Light out after dark

2. My thinking has evolved to the significant point where a concept has emerged.
3. I acknowledge receipt of your letter and I beg to thank you.
4. Subsequently we will require your endorsement.
5. The biota exhibited a one-hundred percent mortality rate.
6. We are endeavoring to construct a more inclusive society.
7. At this juncture of maturization.
8. Communication is the imparting of meaningful informational modes or concepts that impact
on interpersonal inputs and interfacings.

—USE ADJECTIVES SPARINGLY Another kind of wordiness results from too many adjectives and
adverbs. Use adjectives and adverbs sparingly. Often helping words are unnecessary if the writer
chooses his words carefully.

In the examples below, replace each verb or noun with a more specific word and omit adjectives and
adverbs. (Answers on page 36)

1. pursue vigorously strive


2. powerful increase
3. move swiftly
4. erroneous decision
5. moved moderately higher
6. decline sharply
7. moved rapidly higher
8. exert irresistable pressure
9. preliminary investigation
10. halted suddenly and completely

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