Tip #22: Eliminate needless words

About a month ago we discussed how brevity characterizes good writing.  In that discussion we focused on the use of active voice instead of passive voice as a route to that brevity.  Today we will discuss eliminating needless words.

Take a look at the table below.  While not comprehensive, it contains many common uses of repetitive and needless words.

I’m convinced that may of these less effective uses in writing come from writers who simply transcribe spoken English and do not think sufficiently about what they are writing.

For instance, take combined together.  This phrase is very common in spoken English.  Yet in written English the word together offers nothing to enhance the meaning of combined.  If two or more elements are combined, they are by definition together.  So more effective writing will eliminate together and simply have combined.

Again, this list is far from comprehensive.  However, it’s a pretty good sampling, including some combination that I should have caught myself using.  So if like me you feel the need to keep tabs on this table as a reference, by all means do so.  Sharper, more precise language very often makes for better writing.  And better writing makes a more effective presentation and representation of both you as a writer and the brands connected to you.