Purdue Owl is a popular online writing resource provided by Purdue University. One of the tips that Purdue Owl offers for improving writing is to eliminate wordiness. Wordiness refers to the use of unnecessary words or phrases that add no value to a sentence and can make writing unnecessarily long and tedious to read. In this essay, we will discuss why eliminating wordiness is important and provide some tips for doing so.
There are several reasons why eliminating wordiness is important. Firstly, wordy writing can be hard to understand and can distract readers from the main points of a piece of writing. When a writer uses too many unnecessary words, it can be difficult for readers to follow along and grasp the meaning of the text. This can lead to frustration and confusion, and may even cause readers to lose interest in the writing altogether.
Another reason why eliminating wordiness is important is that it can make writing more concise and to-the-point. Concise writing is easier to read and understand, and it also allows writers to make their points more effectively. When writers use too many words, their writing can become cluttered and confusing, and it may be harder for readers to discern the main points being made. By eliminating unnecessary words and phrases, writers can make their writing more concise and clear, allowing readers to more easily understand and retain the information being presented.
So, how can writers eliminate wordiness in their writing? Here are a few tips:
Use specific and concrete words: Instead of using vague or abstract words, use specific and concrete words that convey a clear meaning. For example, instead of using the word "good," use a more specific word like "excellent" or "outstanding."
Avoid using unnecessary modifiers: Modifiers are words or phrases that describe or modify other words in a sentence. While modifiers can be useful, they can also add unnecessary words to a sentence. For example, instead of saying "The cat that was sleeping on the couch," you could simply say "The sleeping cat on the couch."
Use active voice: Active voice makes writing more concise and easier to understand. In active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action. For example, "The cat chased the mouse" is in active voice, while "The mouse was chased by the cat" is in passive voice.
Avoid using unnecessary phrases: Sometimes writers use phrases that add no value to a sentence and can be replaced with a single word. For example, instead of saying "at this point in time," you could simply say "now."
By following these tips, writers can eliminate wordiness in their writing and make their writing more concise and clear. By doing so, they can effectively communicate their ideas to their readers and ensure that their writing is easy to understand and enjoyable to read.
Eliminating Wordiness Exercise 1 Answers
Wordy For all intents and purposes, American industrial productivity generally depends on certain factors that are really more psychological in kind than of any given technological aspect. Image Caption: Paramedic Method Example Now You Try Use the Paramedic Method in the sentences below to practice. Jeff Converse, our chief of consulting, suggested at our last board meeting the installation of microfilm equipment in the department of data processing. Active voice sentences clearly identify who is doing the action. . They may also steal from you, or they may have their friends or significant others over at all hours of the day and night.
Eliminating Wordiness Exercise 3
Omit repetitive wording Watch for phrases or longer passages that repeat words with similar meanings. Finish implies complete, so the phrase completely finish is redundant in most cases. You are commenting using your Twitter account. Change unnecessary that, who, and which clauses into phrases Wordy The report, which was released recently. Jeff Converse, our chief of consulting, suggested at our last board meeting the installation of microfilm equipment in the department of data processing. .
Descriptive essay: Purdue owl exercises
The department showing the best performance. Revised to add evidence: Living with roommates can be difficult because they may be too messy, may steal, or may have visitors at all hours. Non-specific words often need qualifiers, or descriptive words, to clarify meaning, such as really, significant ly , and critical ly. Your writing should always be clear and concise. What do you add in their place? One of these human emotions that they suspend is pity.
Eliminating Words
Avoid passive voice, needless repetition, and wordy phrases and clauses. Omit repetitive wording Wordy I would appreciate it if you would bring to the attention of your drafting officers the administrator's dislike of long sentences and paragraphs in messages to the field and in other items drafted for her signature or approval, as well as in all correspondence, reports, and studies. Balancing the budget by Friday is an impossibility without some kind of extra help. . They don't mention that low-wage jobs without benefits and security have replaced many good jobs.
Why Eliminating Wordiness Is So Important for Your Essay
More important stuff, like evidence! This handout adapted from a larger piece by Richard Johnson-Sheehan. . Jeff Converse, our chief of consulting, suggested at our last board meeting the installation of microfilm equipment in the department of data processing. . Incorrect: There are so many detailed courses in accounting. .
Exercises_for_Eliminating_Wordiness
The people who read such books of fiction play a game. There are many ways in which a student who is interested in meeting foreign students may come to know one. During that time period, many car buyers preferred cars that were pink in color and shiny in appearance. The cliff dropped to reefs seventy-five feet below. Reword unnecessary infinitive phrases Wordy The duty of a clerk is to check all incoming mail and to record it. If the sentence is correct as it is, write C on the line and refer to the appropriate rule in parentheses after the sentence Exercises for Eliminating Wordiness Brought to you by the Purdue University Online Writing Lab at For strategies to improve conciseness in your writing, see Methods of Eliminating Wordiness at Directions: Revise these sentences to state their meaning in fewer words. Your figures were checked by the research department.
