word choice writing well. wordiness using more words than necessary often a sign of laziness readers...
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Word Choice
Writing Well
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Wordiness
Using more words than necessary
Often a sign of laziness
Readers resent the extra energy needed to read your writing
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Examples of Wordiness
In this paper, I am planning to describe the hobby that I enjoy of collecting old comic books.
I enjoy collecting old comic books.
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In Ben’s opinion, he thinks that cable television will change and alter our lives in the future.
Ben thinks that cable television will change our lives.
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Wordy form Short form
at the present time now
in the event that if
in the near future soon
due to the fact that because
for the reason that because
is able to can
in every instance always
in this day and age today
during the time that while
a large number of many
big in size big
red in color red
five in number five
return back return
good benefit benefit
commute back and forth commute
postponed until later postponed
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Correct these sentences
1. In general, I am the sort of person who tends to be shy, especially in large crowds or with strangers I don’t know well.
2. In today’s uncertain economic climate, it is clear that people, namely, average middle-class working people, have great difficulty saving much money or putting anything aside for emergencies.
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3. My greatest mistake that I made last week was to hurt my brother’s feelings and then not to have the nerve to apologize and say how sorry I was.
4. It seems obvious to me, and it should be to everyone else too, that people can be harmed as much by emotional abuse as by physical abuse, even if you don’t lay a hand on them.
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MorePhrases to Avoidall in all in my opinion
in a word at last
as far as I’m concerned and so on
such as kinda
what’s more what’s worth mentioning
to be honest believe it or not
there’s no doubt by the way
thank you for reading that’s all
as you know , right?
, isn’t it? to be frank
to tell the truth last but not the least
as you see in my mind
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Effective Word Choice
In formal (academic) writing you should avoid:
1. Slang
2. Clichés
3. Pretentious words
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Slang
Goes out of date Becomes tiresome Does not communicate clearly
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Examples of Slang
1. Someone ripped off Ken’s new Adidas running shoes from his locker.
2. After the game, we stuffed our faces at the diner.
3. I finally told my parents to get off my case.
4. The movies really grossed me out.
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Clichés
Worn out from constant use
Makes your writing seem tired and stale
Prevents you from giving specific details that is vital to good writing
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Common Clichésshort but sweet long time no see
drop in the bucket work like a dog
had a hard time of it all work and no play
word to the wise it goes without saying
it dawned on me at a loss for words
sigh of relief taking a big chance
too little, too late took a turn for the worse
singing the blues easier said than done
in the nick of time on top of the world
too close for comfort time and time again
saw the light make ends meet
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Pretentious Words
Fancy, elevated words
Sounds artificial and stilted
Obscures the meaning
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Examples of Pretentious Words
1. It was a splendid opportunity to get some slumber.
It was a good chance to get some sleep.
2. We relished the delicious repast.
We enjoyed the delicious meal.
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3. The officer apprehended the intoxicated operator of the vehicle.
The officer arrested the drunken driver.
4. This establishment sells women’s apparel and children’s garments.
This store sells women’s and children’s clothes.
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Inflated Words Simpler Words
subsequent to after
finalize finish
transmit send
facilitate help
component part
initiate begin
delineate describe
manifested shown
to endeavor to try
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Other Common Errors
Do not start a sentence with:1. And
2. But
3. So
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Besides
Only use the transition “besides” when you are adding more facts or info to a previously stated point. Don’t use “besides” when you are about to state a new idea.
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Let’s go to the store. I need to buy milk. Besides, we have an hour free before we have to leave, so it is better to get this task done now.
Let’s go to the store. I need to buy milk. Also, let’s stop by the dry cleaners and pick up my suit. Don’t use besides in the second example.
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Let/Make
Use let for something one allows another to do
Use make for something one forces another to do I let him give me $5 I made him give me $5 He let me borrow $5 He made me borrow $5
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Basic Rules1. Avoid alliteration. Always.2. Prepositions are not words to end
sentences with.3. Avoid clichés like the plague.4. Employ the vernacular.5. Eschew ampersands & abbreviations,
etc.6. Parenthetical remarks (however
relevant) are unnecessary.7. Contractions aren’t necessary.
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8. One should never generalize.9. Don’t be redundant; don’t needlessly
use any more words than are actually necessary; it’s always very highly superfluous.
10. Be more or less specific.11. Exaggeration is a billion times worse
than understatement.12. One word sentences? Eliminate.13. The passive voice is to be avoided.14. Who needs rhetorical questions?