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Writing Tip: Unnecessary Phrases
Today's writing tip comes from managing copy editor Richard Lally, who has been overseeing Demand Media's copyediting process since late 2006. He has written or collaborated on more than 20 books and has more than 25 years of publishing experience.
Here's a phrase we encounter often:
"It's a good idea to..."
As in, "It's a good idea to check that the saddle pad is free of any debris, grass or burs prior to putting it on the horse."
You've read enough of these to know where I'm heading, right? The fact that the writer is suggesting the action implies that it's a good idea. The phrase is superfluous, and its frequency gives our content a mind-numbing sameness. Cut it from the sentence and see what happens:
"Check that the saddle pad is free of any debris..."
Punchier. More active. Better.
And while we're "checking," trim that other hackneyed phrase: "Check to see that something is whatever..." "Check" alone will suffice: "Check that something is..."
Boy, all these words we're saving. Imagine if they earned interest...
Here's a phrase we encounter often:
"It's a good idea to..."
As in, "It's a good idea to check that the saddle pad is free of any debris, grass or burs prior to putting it on the horse."
You've read enough of these to know where I'm heading, right? The fact that the writer is suggesting the action implies that it's a good idea. The phrase is superfluous, and its frequency gives our content a mind-numbing sameness. Cut it from the sentence and see what happens:
"Check that the saddle pad is free of any debris..."
Punchier. More active. Better.
And while we're "checking," trim that other hackneyed phrase: "Check to see that something is whatever..." "Check" alone will suffice: "Check that something is..."
Boy, all these words we're saving. Imagine if they earned interest...
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