In the last post we extolled once again the need for technical writers to employ precision of language, using the prefixes bi- and semi- as an example. The most effective technical writing embraces clarity and conciseness. Precision of language helps the writer to meet both of those standards.
Technical writers can achieve conciseness by eliminating words with similar meanings within the same sentence. A good example appears in the cropped graphic above. While using the word both with the phrase as well as in the same sentence may not sound inappropriate, the two expressions mean essentially the same thing. Eliminating one of these expressions would compact the sentence while not sacrificing any meaning the sentence communicates.
From a grammatical standpoint, it really doesn’t matter which expression the writer chooses to eliminate. The writer can decide based on personal preference. Here are the options:
Technical writers can achieve conciseness by eliminating words with similar meanings within the same sentence. A good example appears in the cropped graphic above. While using the word both with the phrase as well as in the same sentence may not sound inappropriate, the two expressions mean essentially the same thing. Eliminating one of these expressions would compact the sentence while not sacrificing any meaning the sentence communicates.
From a grammatical standpoint, it really doesn’t matter which expression the writer chooses to eliminate. The writer can decide based on personal preference. Here are the options:
Both stainless steel 316L and Nitronic 60 would serve as viable substitute materials.
Stainless steel 316L as well as Nitronic 60 would serve as a viable substitute material.
Stainless steel 316L as well as Nitronic 60 would serve as a viable substitute material.
Compare either of these options with the original in the cropped graphic above. You should notice how the revised sentence (either one) is more concise while still communicating the same message as the original. That’s why each of these options is an improvement over the original.
Don’t use both as well as as well as. Make your technical writing more effective by embracing clarity and conciseness. Your resulting presentation will both better communicate your message and better represent you and your brands to your audience. Or put another way, your resulting presentation will better communicate your message as well as better represent you and your brands.
Don’t use both as well as as well as. Make your technical writing more effective by embracing clarity and conciseness. Your resulting presentation will both better communicate your message and better represent you and your brands to your audience. Or put another way, your resulting presentation will better communicate your message as well as better represent you and your brands.
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