10 Tips For Killing Wordy WritingBy Olivia Roat, Published May 11, 2013

#1 Let’s start with two redundant phrases: “the reason why” and “the

reason is because.” You can easily tighten sentences with these phrases. Here’s how:

I’m trying to determine the reason why everyone is obsessed with cats. I’m trying to determine why everyone is obsessed with cats. You don’t need “the reason why.” A simple “why” suffices. And “the reason is because” is redundant too. You can replace it with

“the reason is that,” like so: The reason is because people like furry creatures. The reason is that people like furry creatures. (“People like furry creatures” would also get the point across. I’d opt for

this sentence.)

#2 The phrase “due to the fact” is not only wordy but also

unnecessary. The word “because” says the exact same thing.

I had to move out due to the fact that my roommate bought a cat.

I had to move out because my roommate bought a cat. Due to the fact that her cat is criminally adorable, I changed

my mind. Because her cat is criminally adorable, I changed my mind.

#3 You pretty much never need the word “currently.” Take this

sentence: My sister is currently in search of a new cat. This sentence has the verb “is.” This verb is present tense,

so it’s already implied that at this very moment, my sister is in search of a new cat. There’s no need for “currently.” Another example:

My cat currently has a bad cough. Again, the verb in this sentence is in the present tense. It’s

already implied that at the present time, my cat has a bad cough.

#4 There’s also no need for “revert back.” “Revert” means “to

return to a former condition, period, or subject.” Ditch the “back” and replace it with “to.”

I reverted to my original stance on felines. My cat is kind when I have people over, but as soon as they

leave, she reverts to her evil ways.

#5 Like “revert back,” “reply back” is redundant. Get rid of the

“back.” People say cats can’t talk, but I swear my cat Theodore

replied to me.

#6 “Shared something in common” is redundant. You can replace it with

“shared” or with “had something in common.”

#7 “Most well-known” can be replaced with “best known.”

#8 There’s no need for “unexpected surprise.” A surprise is by

definition unexpected.

#9 “Makes reference to” can be replaced with “refers to.”

#10 “Pay money” can be swapped for “pay.” Wordy phrases are everywhere, and I’ve only touched on

this subject. I’d love to hear which ones you want to put on the chopping block or kill with a red pen.

Thank you for your attention

Olivia Roat is an inbound marketer in Buffalo, N.Y. Olivia is part of the marketing department at Mainstreethost, a digital marketing and business development company specializing in SEO, paid search, social media and content marketing, and web development....