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Eliminate unnecessary expressions Limit long lead-ins Drop unnecessary fillers Remove redundant words Dump trite expressions Avoid slang and clichés
Instead of this
We are of the opinion that
Please feel free to
In addition to the above
At this point in time
Despite the fact that
Try this
We think
Please
Also
Now
Although
Instead of this
This memo is to inform you that all employees meet today.
I am writing this letter to say thanks to everyone who voted.
Try this
All employees meet today.
Thanks to everyone who voted.
Revise sentences to avoid fillers such as there is/was and it is/was when used merely to take up space.
Instead of this
There was only one employee who should be promoted.
It was Lisa and Jeff who were honored.
Try this
Only one employee should be promoted.
Lisa and Jeff were honored.
Avoid unnecessarily repetitious words. What words could be omitted in these expressions?
advance warningclose proximityexactly identicalfilled to capacityfinal outcomenecessary requisitenew beginningpast historyrefer backserious danger
Trite and Outdated
as per your request
pursuant to your request
attached hereto
under separate cover
Modern
at your request
at your request
attached
separately
Avoid informal expressions that have changed meanings.
Avoid clichés. Substitute more precise words.
Try this
We could go no further.
Instead of this
We had reached the end of our rope.