Wordiness usually makes for less effective writing. Much of the wordiness appearing in technical writing results from the failure to distinguish written English from spoken English. Many expressions appropriate in spoken English simply won’t do in written English.
Take, for instance, the popular expression in terms of. When used to signal specificity or provide clarification, in terms of can be appropriate. However, when used in place of prepositions such as about, on, or of, in terms of is nothing more than wordiness that diminishes the quality of one’s writing.
Consider the example in the cropped graphic above. Most writers can detect the effect of the wordiness in in terms of simply by reading the example sentence out loud. In this instance, the writer uses in terms of as a substitute for a preposition. Exchanging three words for one without sacrificing meaning makes space for more power in the writing, thus increasing its effectiveness. Here are some replacements for the example sentence.
Take, for instance, the popular expression in terms of. When used to signal specificity or provide clarification, in terms of can be appropriate. However, when used in place of prepositions such as about, on, or of, in terms of is nothing more than wordiness that diminishes the quality of one’s writing.
Consider the example in the cropped graphic above. Most writers can detect the effect of the wordiness in in terms of simply by reading the example sentence out loud. In this instance, the writer uses in terms of as a substitute for a preposition. Exchanging three words for one without sacrificing meaning makes space for more power in the writing, thus increasing its effectiveness. Here are some replacements for the example sentence.
The introduction to the laboratory report briefly discourses about thermal fatigue in evaporator piping.
The introduction to the laboratory report briefly discourses on terms of thermal fatigue in evaporator piping.
The introduction to the laboratory report briefly discourses upon thermal fatigue in evaporator piping.
The introduction to the laboratory report briefly discourses on terms of thermal fatigue in evaporator piping.
The introduction to the laboratory report briefly discourses upon thermal fatigue in evaporator piping.
Or the writer can avoid the need for a preposition altogether by using a different verb.
The introduction to the laboratory report briefly discusses thermal fatigue in evaporator piping.
Any of these options is better than the example sentence in the cropped graphic above, and no one option is any more correct than another. The writer simply selects according to personal preference.
However, sometimes in terms of may be appropriate. Consider this example:
However, sometimes in terms of may be appropriate. Consider this example:
In terms of corrosion resistance, Hastalloy X outshines all other materials currently under consideration. However, AISI 1020 steel beats the other materials in terms of cost.
Here the writer uses in terms of appropriately. Replacing in terms of with a preposition as before produces awkward results.
About corrosion resistance, Hastalloy X outshines all other materials currently under consideration.
Of corrosion resistance, Hastalloy X outshines all other materials currently under consideration.
On corrosion resistance, Hastalloy X outshines all other materials currently under consideration.
Of corrosion resistance, Hastalloy X outshines all other materials currently under consideration.
On corrosion resistance, Hastalloy X outshines all other materials currently under consideration.
That last attempt appears somewhat acceptable, but it still doesn’t have the impact that in terms of provides.
So in terms of in terms of, be judicious. If it actually specifies or clarifies as part of your message, in terms of can be appropriate. Otherwise, in terms of is just wordiness that diminishes the effectiveness of your writing. And less effective writing makes a less impressive association with you and your brands in the minds of your audience.
So in terms of in terms of, be judicious. If it actually specifies or clarifies as part of your message, in terms of can be appropriate. Otherwise, in terms of is just wordiness that diminishes the effectiveness of your writing. And less effective writing makes a less impressive association with you and your brands in the minds of your audience.
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