Expendable Words and Circumlocution
11.2.2 Expendable Words and Circumlocution
Some words and phrases can usually be omitted without affecting meaning, and omitting them often improves the readability of a sentence:
as already stated |
it was demonstrated that |
in other words |
needless to say |
it goes without saying |
take steps to |
it is important [interesting] to note |
the fact that |
it may be said that |
the field of |
it stands to reason that |
to be sure |
it was found that |
Quite, very, and rather are often overused and misused and can be deleted in many instances (see also 11.1, Correct and Preferred Usage of Common Words and Phrases).
Avoid roundabout and wordy expressions:
Avoid |
Better |
|---|---|
in terms of |
in, of, for |
an increased [decreased] number of |
more [fewer] |
as the result of |
because of |
during the time that |
while |
at this [that] point in time |
now [then] |
in close proximity to |
near |
in regard to, with regard to |
about, regarding |
the majority of |
most |
produce an inhibitory effect on |
inhibit |
commented to the effect that |
said, stated |
draws to a close |
ends |
file a lawsuit against |
sue |
have an effect [impact] on |
affect |
in the vicinity of |
near |
in those areas where |
where |
carry out |
perform, conduct |
look after, take care of |
watch, care for |
fall off |
decline, decrease |