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!
You can find the book on Amazon.com
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9 Responses to “The Dictionary of Concise Writing”
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Prashant Ahire
Thank you for suggesting the book. I will try to get it in India.
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Lauren
Mmm… I want this!
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Mari
Concise writing is difficult for me, but I’m getting there. I hope. LOL
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farhat
thanks and great thing that you have shared your experience of the book.
keep us posted. -
Gayatri Reddy
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! -
forum man
great post
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Roshawn
Great examples, Max.
Nice find with the book. I’ll have to get it.
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Paul
Fiske also offers alternatives to “the fact that,” a prolix phrase that should be cut from every sentence in which it appears.
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Daniel
It goes on my Amazon wishlist 🙂 .
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