Wordiness and repetition

Wordy Wanda

“Why use one word when twelve will do?”

What's the problem?

Concise writing communicates the intended meaning without unnecessary words. Shorten cumbersome phrases and remove needless repetition. Keep details, emphasis, and rhythm when they serve your purpose. The shortest sentence is not always the best sentence.

✗ Gremlin-infested

Due to the fact that the lab was closed, we were unable to complete the experiment at that point in time.

✓ Fixed

Because the lab was closed, we couldn't complete the experiment then.

Why it works

“Due to the fact that” becomes “because,” “were unable to” becomes “couldn't,” and “at that point in time” becomes “then.” Nothing important is lost.