The Dictionary of Concise Writing
Serious bloggers understand the importance of concise writing. Unfortunately, great writing tips on brevity are scattered among many resources. Fortunately, a book called The Dictionary of Concise Writing crossed my desk.
Written by Robert Fiske, The Dictionary of Concise Writing is the definitive guide to fat-free writing. This book literally contains its subtitle - more than 10,000 alternatives to wordy phrases.
For example, I wanted to lead this sentence with the phrase “as an example”. Instead I referenced the book and found the alternatives “for example” and “for instance”. Other great entries I use on a daily basis:
- as a result - consequently; hence; so; then; therefor; thus
- past (previous; prior) experience - experience
- is inclined to think (that) - asserts; believes; claims; contends; feels; holds; maintains; says; thinks
Each time you reference the book, you are training yourself to recognize wordy or redundant phrases. Definitely a good exercise!
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It goes on my Amazon wishlist
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Fiske also offers alternatives to “the fact that,” a prolix phrase that should be cut from every sentence in which it appears.
Great examples, Max.
Nice find with the book. I’ll have to get it.
great post
An excellent site.I just loved it , the moment I saw it.Great work Guys! can’t stop raving about your site.
There is just so much and so beautifully presesnted.Keep up the good work people!
thanks and great thing that you have shared your experience of the book.
keep us posted.
Concise writing is difficult for me, but I’m getting there. I hope. LOL