CompFAQ/Wordiness: Difference between revisions

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{{See also|CompFAQ/Redundancy|CompFAQ/Awkward Constructions}}
{{See also|CompFAQ/Redundancy|CompFAQ/Awkward Constructions}}


'''Wordiness''' is the use of more words than necessary to convey a message or idea, leading to unnecessarily [[CompFAQ/Awkward Constructions|long or convoluted sentences]]. It can make writing appear unclear, confusing, and lacking in concision. Here are some examples of wordiness and ways to correct them:
{{dc|W}}{{start|ordiness is the use of more words}} than necessary to convey a message or idea, leading to unnecessarily [[CompFAQ/Awkward Constructions|long or convoluted sentences]]. It can make writing appear unclear, confusing, and lacking in concision. Here are some examples of wordiness and ways to correct them:


:Wordy: Due to the fact that the car was not maintained regularly, the engine failed.<br />Concise: Because the car was not maintained regularly, the engine failed.
:Wordy: Due to the fact that the car was not maintained regularly, the engine failed.<br />Concise: Because the car was not maintained regularly, the engine failed.
Line 17: Line 17:
:Wordy: The reason why I am late is that I missed my train.<br />Concise: I am late because I missed my train.
:Wordy: The reason why I am late is that I missed my train.<br />Concise: I am late because I missed my train.


By avoiding wordiness, your writing will become more concise, clear, and effective.
Consider the following guidelines to reduce wordiness in your writing:
* '''Use active voice''': Using [[CompFAQ/Active Voice|active voice]] instead of passive voice can help make your writing more concise and direct.
* '''Cut unnecessary adjectives and adverbs''': Look for adjectives and adverbs that do not add value to the sentence and remove them.
* '''Avoid repetition''': Repeating words, phrases, or ideas can make your writing sound [[CompFAQ/Redundancy|redundant]] and bloated.
* '''Use simpler words''': Using simpler and more straightforward language can make your writing more concise and easy to read.
* '''Break up long sentences''': Long, complex sentences can be difficult to follow and can lead to wordiness. Breaking up long sentences into shorter, more manageable sentences can make your writing more concise.
* '''Remove filler words and phrases''': Words and phrases such as “in order to,” “due to the fact that,” and “at this point in time” can make your writing wordy and should be avoided.
 
Here are some more wordy phrases and easy fixes for them:
 
* “In order to” - can be replaced with “to”
* “Due to the fact that” - can be replaced with “because”
* “At this point in time” - can be replaced with “now”
* “In the event that” - can be replaced with “if”
* “In spite of the fact that” - can be replaced with “although”
* “For the purpose of” - can be replaced with “for”
* “In a manner of speaking” - can be replaced with “so to speak”
* “On account of the fact that” - can be replaced with “since”
* “In the near future” - can be replaced with “soon”
* “By means of” - can be replaced with “by”
 
----
 
{{quote box|width=100%|bgcolor=#F5EEF8|title_bg=#D7BDE2|title=Quiz Yourself: Wordiness|'''Instructions''': Read the following sentences and identify the wordy phrases. Rewrite each sentence, removing the wordy phrases and making the sentence more concise. Then check your answers.
----
In my personal opinion, I think that we should be allowed to use our phones in class.
 
{{Exercise
|1=Answer
|2=[[File:Yes Check Circle.svg|20px|link=|alt=]] '''In my opinion, we should be allowed to use our phones in class.''' (In addition, “in my opinion” is rarely necessary in your writing, since it is ''your'' writing, the idea that it’s your opinion is implied.)}}
----
At the present moment in time, I am currently in the process of writing my essay.
 
{{Exercise
|1=Answer
|2=[[File:Yes Check Circle.svg|20px|link=|alt=]] '''I am currently writing my essay.'''}}
----
Due to the fact that I overslept this morning, I was late for my first class.
 
{{Exercise
|1=Answer
|2=[[File:Yes Check Circle.svg|20px]] '''I was late for my first class because I overslept.'''}}
----
It is important to note that the majority of students prefer online classes to in-person classes.
 
{{Exercise
|1=Answer
|2=[[File:Yes Check Circle.svg|20px]] '''Most students prefer online classes to in-person classes.'''}}
----
In the event that you need help, please do not hesitate to ask your professor.
 
{{Exercise
|1=Answer
|2=[[File:Yes Check Circle.svg|20px]] '''If you need help, please ask your professor.'''}}
----
The reason why I am writing this essay is that it is a requirement for my class.
 
{{Exercise
|1=Answer
|2=[[File:Yes Check Circle.svg|20px]] '''I am writing this essay because it is a requirement for my class.'''}}
----
At this point in time, I am unable to attend the meeting due to a prior engagement.
 
{{Exercise
|1=Answer
|2=[[File:Yes Check Circle.svg|20px]] '''I cannot attend the meeting due to a prior engagement.'''}}
----
In spite of the fact that the exam was difficult, I managed to get a passing grade.
 
{{Exercise
|1=Answer
|2=[[File:Yes Check Circle.svg|20px]] '''Although the exam was difficult, I passed.'''}}
----
It is my personal belief that everyone should have access to healthcare.
 
{{Exercise
|1=Answer
|2=[[File:Yes Check Circle.svg|20px]] '''Everyone should have access to healthcare.'''}}
----
In order to prepare for the presentation, we will need to practice our speaking skills.
 
{{Exercise
|1=Answer
|2=[[File:Yes Check Circle.svg|20px]] '''To prepare for the presentation, we need to practice speaking.'''}}
}}


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[[Category:Rhetoric (FAQ)]]
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Latest revision as of 09:24, 1 May 2023

📝 English Composition Writing FAQ 1101 • 1102 • 📖

Avoid Wordiness

See also: CompFAQ/Redundancy and CompFAQ/Awkward Constructions

Wordiness is the use of more words than necessary to convey a message or idea, leading to unnecessarily long or convoluted sentences. It can make writing appear unclear, confusing, and lacking in concision. Here are some examples of wordiness and ways to correct them:

Wordy: Due to the fact that the car was not maintained regularly, the engine failed.
Concise: Because the car was not maintained regularly, the engine failed.
Wordy: In order to provide a better understanding of the concept, it is necessary to explain the various components in detail.
Concise: To better understand the concept, explain the various components in detail.
Wordy: There is no doubt that the use of social media has become more prevalent in recent years.
Concise: The use of social media has become more prevalent in recent years.
Wordy: At this point in time, we do not have any further information.
Concise: At this time, we do not have any further information.
Wordy: The reason why I am late is that I missed my train.
Concise: I am late because I missed my train.

Consider the following guidelines to reduce wordiness in your writing:

  • Use active voice: Using active voice instead of passive voice can help make your writing more concise and direct.
  • Cut unnecessary adjectives and adverbs: Look for adjectives and adverbs that do not add value to the sentence and remove them.
  • Avoid repetition: Repeating words, phrases, or ideas can make your writing sound redundant and bloated.
  • Use simpler words: Using simpler and more straightforward language can make your writing more concise and easy to read.
  • Break up long sentences: Long, complex sentences can be difficult to follow and can lead to wordiness. Breaking up long sentences into shorter, more manageable sentences can make your writing more concise.
  • Remove filler words and phrases: Words and phrases such as “in order to,” “due to the fact that,” and “at this point in time” can make your writing wordy and should be avoided.

Here are some more wordy phrases and easy fixes for them:

  • “In order to” - can be replaced with “to”
  • “Due to the fact that” - can be replaced with “because”
  • “At this point in time” - can be replaced with “now”
  • “In the event that” - can be replaced with “if”
  • “In spite of the fact that” - can be replaced with “although”
  • “For the purpose of” - can be replaced with “for”
  • “In a manner of speaking” - can be replaced with “so to speak”
  • “On account of the fact that” - can be replaced with “since”
  • “In the near future” - can be replaced with “soon”
  • “By means of” - can be replaced with “by”
Quiz Yourself: Wordiness
Instructions: Read the following sentences and identify the wordy phrases. Rewrite each sentence, removing the wordy phrases and making the sentence more concise. Then check your answers.

In my personal opinion, I think that we should be allowed to use our phones in class.

Answer
In my opinion, we should be allowed to use our phones in class. (In addition, “in my opinion” is rarely necessary in your writing, since it is your writing, the idea that it’s your opinion is implied.)

At the present moment in time, I am currently in the process of writing my essay.

Answer
I am currently writing my essay.

Due to the fact that I overslept this morning, I was late for my first class.

Answer
Yes Check Circle.svg I was late for my first class because I overslept.

It is important to note that the majority of students prefer online classes to in-person classes.

Answer
Yes Check Circle.svg Most students prefer online classes to in-person classes.

In the event that you need help, please do not hesitate to ask your professor.

Answer
Yes Check Circle.svg If you need help, please ask your professor.

The reason why I am writing this essay is that it is a requirement for my class.

Answer
Yes Check Circle.svg I am writing this essay because it is a requirement for my class.

At this point in time, I am unable to attend the meeting due to a prior engagement.

Answer
Yes Check Circle.svg I cannot attend the meeting due to a prior engagement.

In spite of the fact that the exam was difficult, I managed to get a passing grade.

Answer
Yes Check Circle.svg Although the exam was difficult, I passed.

It is my personal belief that everyone should have access to healthcare.

Answer
Yes Check Circle.svg Everyone should have access to healthcare.

In order to prepare for the presentation, we will need to practice our speaking skills.

Answer
Yes Check Circle.svg To prepare for the presentation, we need to practice speaking.
Written: 2002, 2022; Revised: 05-1-2023; Version: Beta 0.7 💬
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