While editing client documents, I often encounter superfluous phrasing. I quickly edit it to its main message, using as few words as possible to make the message as strong as possible.
When I think of it, I tweet examples to my Twitter accounts under the hashtag #shrinktip, a nod to an article I wrote with techniques for reducing wordcount.
Here is a collection of 18 shrinktips I’ve shared over the past few months.
On the left are the original phrases, as written by the client; on the right are my corrections. Keep in mind that not everything on the left is incorrect per se, but, in my opinion, the rewritten form is better for conveying the intended message.
Original | Shrunken |
In regards to | Regarding |
A number of | Several |
If you are able | If you can |
The way in which | How |
You are being provided with an opportunity to | You can |
In relation to | Related/relating to |
Ways in which you | Ways you |
For the purposes of | To |
As a result of | Because of |
Are unable to | Cannot |
Is required to | Must |
A lot of | Many |
I was able to see | I saw |
In order to | To |
It is important that you | You must |
Really good | Excellent |
It is recommended | We recommend |
Utilize | Use |