Eliminating Superfluous Phrases

By Catherine Osborn

In classes I have taught, students lean towards using phrases that they think make them “sound smarter” but end up making their work wordy and clunky. By streamlining your sentences and cutting out a few phrases, you can communicate your point much more effectively.

For example, here is a list of some that crop up frequently:

“Needless to say…”
If it’s so needless to say, then why are you saying it?

“It goes without saying…”
Same problem here; easier to get right to your point

“For all intents and purposes…”
Again, this could easily be cut and your sentence would begin with exactly what you intend to say.

“In light of the fact that…”
You could easily just say “Since…”

Clear concise writing applies to all genres and helps your audience understand your point without being bogged down.

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12 Responses to “Eliminating Superfluous Phrases”

  • Corky

    is there a name or term for this?

  • Val

    More or less, by and large, and in various and sundry ways, I would say that it does, indeed, for all intents and purposes go without saying that this article is, verily and forsooth, right on the money!!!

  • daniy

    Languages were made to offer ideas and communicate it. Some people might think that long sentences would ‘look’ better than the short ones. Seems more educated I think. But, if it doesn’t simply deliver the message, then the language had lost its main content and purpose.

  • verito

    my mind is different, because I belive that I have to many homework in my school but, I think that my mind is very big and I can do all the things that I want

  • Mike

    It’s one of the cutest sites I’ve ever come across. Thanks for your hard work. Keep it up. I’ll certainly let other people know about this great site of yours.

  • Andy

    Great idea for a blog! I was starting to grow tired of the texting shorthand you see everywhere these days.

  • GSD

    Excellent stuff. Its a big thumbs up for you.

    I have bookmarked your site and you will find me a regular visitor.

  • Miss G

    I just stumbled upon this site by chance. And I must say, you’re doing a great job, Daniel!! Keep it up!

  • Claire

    Absolutely!

  • Robert

    Applicable to verbal communication also!

  • Daniel

    Yeah Krissy. Writing in a concise fashion is actually harder than people think.

  • Krissy

    Great point. I call that lawyer-speak at work and I get emails like those all day long. Get to the point!

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