Concise writing cheat sheet, 4 Syllables4syllables.com.au/.../concise-writing-cheat-sheet.docx · Web viewThe word in brackets can be removed when you’re editing. ... Victoria

Concise writing cheat sheetNo one wants to read extra words when they don’t add information or meaning. Writing concisely can improve readability, and save reading time.

3 ways to be conciseWriting concisely requires attention to three things:

1. Only including what’s necessary. If you plan before you start writing you’ll know what you need to say and what your audience needs to know. Don’t include trivial, irrelevant information.

2. Not repeating anything.3. Editing ruthlessly, watching out for wordy writing habits.

4 wordy writing problemsHere are some examples. The word in brackets can be removed when you’re editing.

Meaningless modifiers or qualifiersAvoid adding words thinking they'll add meaning or clarity when they don't.

(end) result (brief) summary (completely) destroyed continue (on) (past) history plan (ahead)

Redundant categoriesAvoid including words that spell out the category of a word when it's already obvious.

brief (in duration) consensus (of opinion) free (of charge) (the month of) December (the state of) Victoria (period of) 3 weeks

Paired wordsAvoid using a pair of words when they have roughly the same meaning.

(each and) every first (and foremost) (full and) complete fees (and charges) cease (and desist) various (and sundry)

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Wordy phrasesAvoid phrasing that includes extra words that aren’t doing any extra work.

(in order) to is (located) at during (the course of) until (such time as) owing to (the fact that) (both) x and y

ExamplesAvoid this Try this insteadA considerable amount of Many, a lotAcquainted yourself with Read, learn aboutAdded bonus Bonus, extraAdvance planning PlanningAdvance warning WarningA large number of ManyAlong the lines of LikeA majority of Most, manyA number of Some, manyAny and all AllAs a consequence of BecauseAs a matter of fact In fact or DELETEAs a means to ToAs of the date of FromAssess whether Work out, see ifAt all times AlwaysAt an early date SoonAt first glance First or DELETEAt the present time NowAt the same time that WhileAt this point in time NowBasic and fundamental BasicBasic fundamentals BasicsBasic necessity Basics, needsBecause of the fact that BecauseBoth of these, both of them BothBoth [x] and [y] [x] and [y]Brings to mind Reminds, suggests




By definition means MeansBy means of ByBy the use of UsingBy virtue of ByCame to a realisation RealisedCan be seen as Is or DELETECheap in quality CheapCease and desist StopCircumstances in which When or whereCompare and contrast CompareComplete failure Failure, failedComplete stranger StrangerConcerning the matter of AboutDespite the fact that AlthoughDid not succeed FailedDue to the effects BecauseDue to the fact that BecauseDuring the course of During, whileEach and every Each, all, everyEach individual Everyone, allEarly on in the Early in theEnd result End, resultExcessive number of Too manyExtreme in degree ExtremeFinal conclusion ConclusionFinal result ResultFirst and foremost FirstFor all intents and purposes Actually or DELETEFor that which is For theFor the duration of While, duringFor the purpose of ForFor the purpose of doing To doFree of charge FreeFull and complete FullFuture plans PlansGather together GatherGeneral public Public




Has a negative impact Hurts, harmsHas (had or have) been found to Is, was, areHas (had or have) the ability to (capacity for)

Can, could

Has (had or have) the opportunity to Can, couldI myself IIn a case in which When, whereIn accordance with ByIn actual fact In fact, actuallyIn a situation in which In, when, whereIn all likelihood (probability) Likely, probablyIn close proximity Close, nearIn connection with AboutIn light of the fact that BecauseInner feelings FeelingsIn order to ToIn reference to AboutIn the course of While, duringIn the event that IfIn the final analysis FinallyIn the light of Considering, becauseIn the majority of cases (instances) MostIn the midst of (middle of) During, whileIn the near future (not too distant future)

Soon

In the neighbourhood of About, aroundIn this day and age Now, currently, todayIn view of the fact that BecauseIs able to CanIs aware of the fact that KnowsIs found to be IsIs going to WillIs in conflict with Contradicts, is againstIs in contrast with Compared with, contrasts withIs of significant importance Is importantIs located at Is atIt can be seen that So or DELETE




It could happen that Could, may, mightIt has to be remembered RememberIt is apparent (clear) that ClearlyIt is necessary that MustJoin together JoinLast but not least FinallyLater on LaterMake a decision DecideMake contact with ContactMake reference to Refer toManner in which WayMental attitude Attitude, opinion, viewMix together MixMore preferable PreferableMutual agreement AgreementNatural instinct InstinctNecessary prerequisite Prerequisite (needed)New initiative New, initiativeOf great importance ImportantOf the opinion Think, believeOn account of (the fact that) BecauseOn a daily basis DailyOn the basis of Because, based onOn the grounds that BecauseOn the occasion of OnOn the whole Overall or DELETEOn top of all this And then or DELETEOn two different occasions TwiceOverall goal GoalOverall structure StructureOwing to the fact that BecausePast experience ExperiencePast history HistoryPast memories MemoriesPeriod of time Period, timePink in colour PinkPlan ahead Plan




Prior to (Previous to) BeforeProviding that IfReal truth TruthReconsider again ReconsiderRegardless of the fact that AlthoughThe majority of MostThe month of November NovemberThe reason why Reason, becauseThere is a chance that It may, might, couldThroughout the course of During, whileTotally obvious ObviousTrue facts FactsUntil such time as UntilWas aware KnewWhether or not Whether, ifWhich have been found to be AreWith regard to About, regardingWith the exception of Except forWitnessed first hand Witnessed, saw




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Concise writing cheat sheet, 4 Syllables4syllables.com.au/.../concise-writing-cheat-sheet.docx · Web viewThe word in brackets can be removed when you’re editing. ... Victoria