W1-b Eliminate words that do not add to a sentence’s meaning.
Rewrite a wordy sentence to reduce the number of clauses and phrases.
prepositional phrase A group of words that begins with a preposition and indicates the relation between a word in a sentence and the object following the preposition: Her sunglasses slid under the seat.
Concentrate on turning clauses into phrases or replacing phrases, especially strings of prepositional phrases, with individual words. Sometimes you can even consolidate a series of sentences into one.
Eliminate wordy expressions.
Extra, empty words can creep into a sentence in many ways.
Here are examples of common wordy phrases and more concise alternatives.
| Wordy Phrases | More Concise Alternatives |
| due to the fact thatin view of the fact thatthe reason forfor the reason thatthis is whyin light of the fact thaton the grounds that | for, because, why, since |
| despite the fact thatregardless of the fact that | although, though |
| as regardsin reference toconcerning the matter ofwhere . . . is concerned | concerning, about, regarding |
| it is necessary thatthere is a need forit is important that | should, must |
| has the ability tois able tois in a position to | can |
| in order tofor the purpose of | to |
| at this point in time | now |
| on the subject of | on, about |
| as a matter of fact | actually |
| be aware of the fact that | know [that] |
| to the effect that | that |
| the way in which | how |
| in the event that | if, when |
Rewrite a wordy sentence to simplify its structure.
Often you can express your ideas more directly and forcefully by editing to eliminate there is or there are from the beginning of a sentence, or by changing from the passive to the active voice.
Note: Whenever possible, replace am, are, is, was, and other forms of be with a stronger verb that clearly defines an action.