Word Choice

Writing Well

Wordiness

Using more words than necessary

Often a sign of laziness

Readers resent the extra energy needed to read your writing

Examples of Wordiness

In this paper, I am planning to describe the hobby that I enjoy of collecting old comic books.

I enjoy collecting old comic books.

In Ben’s opinion, he thinks that cable television will change and alter our lives in the future.

Ben thinks that cable television will change our lives.

Wordy form Short form

at the present time now

in the event that if

in the near future soon

due to the fact that because

for the reason that because

is able to can

in every instance always

in this day and age today

during the time that while

a large number of many

big in size big

red in color red

five in number five

return back return

good benefit benefit

commute back and forth commute

postponed until later postponed

Correct these sentences

1. In general, I am the sort of person who tends to be shy, especially in large crowds or with strangers I don’t know well.

2. In today’s uncertain economic climate, it is clear that people, namely, average middle-class working people, have great difficulty saving much money or putting anything aside for emergencies.

3. My greatest mistake that I made last week was to hurt my brother’s feelings and then not to have the nerve to apologize and say how sorry I was.

4. It seems obvious to me, and it should be to everyone else too, that people can be harmed as much by emotional abuse as by physical abuse, even if you don’t lay a hand on them.

MorePhrases to Avoidall in all in my opinion

in a word at last

as far as I’m concerned and so on

such as kinda

what’s more what’s worth mentioning

to be honest believe it or not

there’s no doubt by the way

thank you for reading that’s all

as you know , right?

, isn’t it? to be frank

to tell the truth last but not the least

as you see in my mind

Effective Word Choice

In formal (academic) writing you should avoid:

1. Slang

2. Clichés

3. Pretentious words

Slang

Goes out of date Becomes tiresome Does not communicate clearly

Examples of Slang

1. Someone ripped off Ken’s new Adidas running shoes from his locker.

2. After the game, we stuffed our faces at the diner.

3. I finally told my parents to get off my case.

4. The movies really grossed me out.

Clichés

Worn out from constant use

Makes your writing seem tired and stale

Prevents you from giving specific details that is vital to good writing

Common Clichésshort but sweet long time no see

drop in the bucket work like a dog

had a hard time of it all work and no play

word to the wise it goes without saying

it dawned on me at a loss for words

sigh of relief taking a big chance

too little, too late took a turn for the worse

singing the blues easier said than done

in the nick of time on top of the world

too close for comfort time and time again

saw the light make ends meet

Pretentious Words

Fancy, elevated words

Sounds artificial and stilted

Obscures the meaning

Examples of Pretentious Words

1. It was a splendid opportunity to get some slumber.

It was a good chance to get some sleep.

2. We relished the delicious repast.

We enjoyed the delicious meal.

3. The officer apprehended the intoxicated operator of the vehicle.

The officer arrested the drunken driver.

4. This establishment sells women’s apparel and children’s garments.

This store sells women’s and children’s clothes.

Inflated Words Simpler Words

subsequent to after

finalize finish

transmit send

facilitate help

component part

initiate begin

delineate describe

manifested shown

to endeavor to try

Other Common Errors

Do not start a sentence with:1. And

2. But

3. So

Besides

Only use the transition “besides” when you are adding more facts or info to a previously stated point. Don’t use “besides” when you are about to state a new idea.

Let’s go to the store. I need to buy milk. Besides, we have an hour free before we have to leave, so it is better to get this task done now.

Let’s go to the store. I need to buy milk. Also, let’s stop by the dry cleaners and pick up my suit. Don’t use besides in the second example.

Let/Make

Use let for something one allows another to do

Use make for something one forces another to do I let him give me $5 I made him give me $5 He let me borrow $5 He made me borrow $5

Basic Rules1. Avoid alliteration. Always.2. Prepositions are not words to end

sentences with.3. Avoid clichés like the plague.4. Employ the vernacular.5. Eschew ampersands & abbreviations,

etc.6. Parenthetical remarks (however

relevant) are unnecessary.7. Contractions aren’t necessary.

8. One should never generalize.9. Don’t be redundant; don’t needlessly

use any more words than are actually necessary; it’s always very highly superfluous.

10. Be more or less specific.11. Exaggeration is a billion times worse

than understatement.12. One word sentences? Eliminate.13. The passive voice is to be avoided.14. Who needs rhetorical questions?