If you’ve ever read a contract you had to sign, an academic paper, a court brief, or some similar document, you likely came across language that seemed difficult to understand. You may have found yourself rereading words to understand sentence meaning, or you might have even started dozing off.
As my long-time readers know, I prefer language that is concise and direct. Stuffy language is the opposite of that. Language should get the point a cross easily and quickly, without making the reader think.
Here are a few common examples of stuffy words and phrases I found in recent news stories. I’ve edited them using clearer alternatives:
1. In all likelihood
The excluded ones will in all likelihood find themselves caught in a vicious cycle . . . (Washington Post)
The excluded ones will likely find themselves caught in a vicious cycle . . .
2. Let me offer an explanation
As a decision-maker at KSL, let me offer an explanation about why we reported the information we did. (Deseret News)
Here’s why we reported the information we did.
3. Presently
Emergency notification system presently in the works (Daily Sun News)
Emergency notification system in the works
4. I am of the mind that
I am of the mind that with the majority of teams in the NHL stocked with Canadians anyway, (CKNW)
With the majority of teams in the NHL stocked with Canadians anyway,
5. Of particular import
Interestingly, this is of particular import to female business owners because . . . (Huffington Post)
This should interest female business owners because . . .
6. Was/am aware that
Andy Coulson was aware that voicemail messages on the phone . . . (STV)
Andy Coulson knew that voicemail messages on the phone . . .
7. Have the ability to
And we all have the ability to disable those limits, . . . (Philly.com)
And we all can disable those limits, . . .
8. Must be made through
Reservations must be made through the Bureau of Land Management’s new online reservation system . . . (Daily Record)
Reserve your campsite through the Bureau of Land Management’s new online reservation system . . .
9. Utilize
Condo owners utilize outdoor space with balcony gardens (Edmonton Journal)
Condo owners use outdoor space with balcony gardens
10. In view of the fact
In view of the fact that diabetes mellitus is a worldwide epidemic this research is very significant. (Examiner)
Because diabetes mellitus is a worldwide epidemic, this research is very significant. [Notice I added the missing comma to set off the subordinate clause. :)]
What stuffy words and phrases are you tired of hearing, and do you have alternatives you always turn to? Let me know in the comments below.
