Avoiding redundancy and repetition

Writers often repeat themselves unnecessarily, thinking that expressions such as cooperate together, yellow in color, or basic essentials add emphasis to their writing. In reality, such redundancies do just the opposite. There is no need to say the same thing twice.

Though modifiers ordinarily add meaning to the words they modify, occasionally they are redundant.

The word determined contains the idea that his resolution formed in his mind.

If the structure of a sentence is needlessly indirect, try simplifying it. Look for opportunities to strengthen the verb.

The verb estimate is more vigorous and concise than make an estimate of.

The colorless verbs is, are, was, and were frequently generate excess words.

The revision is more direct and concise. The action (studying), originally appearing in a subordinate structure, has become a strong verb, studied.

The expletive constructions there is and there are (or there was and there were) can also lead to wordy sentences. The same is true of expletive constructions beginning with it.

Finally, verbs in the passive voice may be needlessly indirect. When the active voice expresses your meaning as effectively, use it.

Cutting empty or inflated phrases

An empty phrase can be cut with little or no loss of meaning. Common examples are introductory word groups that weaken the writer’s authority by apologizing or hedging: in my opinion, I think that, it seems that, one must admit that, and so on.

Readers understand without being told that they are hearing the writer’s opinion.

Inflated phrases can be reduced to a word or two without loss of meaning.