10 Unnecessary Phrases That You Should Eliminate From Your Writing
If you want to make your writing more efficient, it is important that you cut out any unnecessary words. Remember that content does not need to be overly long or superfluous to be effective. Your writing could be shorter, as long as it hits the right buttons. One way to do this, is to eliminate unnecessary phrases from your writing. Here are some examples of these phrases, and the reasons why you should cut them out.
1. In order to
If you want your writing to be as clear and concise as possible, you should avoid using the phrase in order to. It is unnecessary, and does not add anything to your overall writing. By taking out this phrase from your writing repertoire, you will be able to make your writing more effective.
2. Just
If you want your writing to sound stronger and more straightforward, you should avoid the word just. Most writers use just as a way to soften their writing tone. However, if you look closely at your writing, the word does not add anything to it. It merely makes it cumbersome and less direct.
3. At the end of the day
The phrase at the end of the day is a very common phrase, and is used for final paragraphs. The phrase is unnecessary, and does not really add anything to your writing. It is also an overused phrase, and could be considered a cliché by most readers.
4. A Lot
When it comes to making your writing more detail oriented, it is best that you avoid using the phrase a lot. If you want to quantify something, would it not be better if you use the actual numbers? For example, you wrote a lot of sugar is needed to sweeten the tea. The use of a lot is very vague. How much sugar is really needed? Would it not be better to say 10 tablespoons of sugar is needed to sweeten the tea?
5. I Think
While you could use the phrase I think in your writing, you should use it strategically. If you are going to state a thought or opinion, avoid using I think. It is better to state your opinion outright, rather than starting it with the phrase.
6. Really
When it comes to writing efficiently, really is unnecessary. It does not add anything to your writing. If you want your writing to be more efficient and straightforward, it is best that you avoid using really. There are other words that you could use, in place of really.
7. Sort of
The phrase sort of is weak writing, because it is half-hearted. Remember that you want your writing to be as convincing as possible. This will help you get your reader’s attention and get them immersed in your story. However, if you use sort of in your phrases, it sends out a message that you are unsure of what you are writing about.
8. Needless to Say
When it comes to unnecessary phrases, Needless to say is at the top of the list. It is frustratingly unnecessary because if it is actually needless, then, what’s the point of stating it? It lowers the importance of what you are saying. It also has an almost patronizing tone, and could make the reader feel inadequate for not knowing the information being shared. This could create unnecessary tension between you and your readers.
9. Due to the Fact
The phrase due to the fact is an unnecessary obstacle to writing clearly. It does not add anything to a sentence, and it muddies up the sentence composition. If you want to express an opinion or state a fact, don’t use due to the fact anymore. Get to the heart of the matter instead.
10. Like
If you use similes you will notice that they use the word like often. Phrases such as she was fragile like a flower is common. However, if you want your writing to be more clear and concise, you should avoid using like. Instead, you could get straight to the point, and say she is fragile.
Conclusion
When it comes to making your writing as efficient as possible, it is important that you cut out unnecessary phrases. By knowing which phrases to cut out, you’ll be able to make your writing more effective.
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