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How to say more in fewer words
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Lesson3: 5 editing tips
How to say more in fewer words
That’s’ toit.
“So the writer who breeds more words than he needs, is making
a chore for the reader who reads.”
― Dr. Seuss
LOSE THE CLUTTER
Cut grammatical fillers:
it is,it was, it won’t,it takes, here is, there is, there will be
Include a verb or start with “You”
It’s fun to edit –… Editing is fun
It takes time to write –… Writing takes time
There will be many options –… You have many options
CUT THE FAT
You don’t need two wordssaying the
exact same thing.
Lose redundancies
(absolutely) essential(advance) preview alternative (choice)ask (the question)
(basic) fundamentals(brief) summary
cancel (out)
REMOVE:
“That”
Words like:really”, “very”, “currently”
REMOVE:
“That”
Words like:really”, “very”,
“currently”
DITCH WEAK ADVERBS
Often words that end in -ly
“Clench your teeth tightly”
“We carefullyconsider each option”
“Moving slowly”
SIMPLIFY.
Due to the fact that > because
Endeavour > try
Assist > help
Utilise > use
In error > mistake
Simple language isn’t a unprofessional.
Always choose clarity over cleverness.
GET ACTIVE
Passive copywriting describes something that has been or will be done.
Active copywriting describes something that is happening.
Speak directly to your readers and keep your copywriting in the now.
Aim to cut 50% of your copy during your editing phase.
LET IT BREATH.
Breaking up isn’t hard to doShort paragraphs are easier on the eye, making them easier to read.
• Use subheadings • Insert images• Use colours and formatting• Add whitespace
Be ruthless when you edit.
Make every word justify it’s existence on the page.
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