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.
inflated | concise |
---|---|
along the lines of | Like |
as a matter of fact | in fact |
at all times | always |
at the present time | now, currently |
at this point in time | now, currently |
because of the fact that | because |
by means of | by |
due to the fact that | because |
for the purpose of | for |
have the ability to | be able to, can |
in order to | to |
in spite of the fact that | although, though |
in the event that | if |
in the final analysis | finally |