Guideline for Concise Writing

Sometimes, when we write, the flow of our thoughts become jumbled . In our minds, as we write, it seems like it all makes sense and that every word we write needs to be written, or the paper will fail. This is not the case, and most of the time much of what we write can be edited into fewer words to make a constant flow of thought. Here is a checklist from A Short Guide to Writing Literature for revising your draft to ensure the usefulness of each word, sentence or paragraph.

• Does every word count? Can any words or phrases be cut without loss of meaning?
• Are there any empty or pretentious words such as situation, factor, virtually, significant and utilize?
• Do intensifiers such as very, truly, and rather weaken your sentences?
• Are there any roundabout or long-winded locutions? Do you say, for example, at that point and time when you mean then, or for the simple reason that when you mean because?
• Do sentences get off to a fast start? Can you cut any sentences that open with "it is...that"?
• Can you replace forms of the verb to be, to have, and to make with precise and active verbs?
• Are there any redundancies or negative constructions?
• Can any sentences be improved by using subordination? (Barnet & Cain 299)