4 grammar habits that destroy brevity

4 grammar habits that destroy brevity

One question I hate is “What is your grammar pet peeve”. I hate it because there are so many grammar faux pas that it is difficult for me to pick only one.

I will say this though: one thing that greatly irritates me is superfluousness. I prefer language that delivers the message using as few words as possible.

Here are 4 common phrases structures I frequently come across in my editing work:

1. A number of

I don’t understand why this is such a popular phrase. It’s nonspecific and while people think it means one thing it doesn’t mean anything. For example, “a number of apples” could simply mean 1 apple; after all, one is a number. Use several instead.

2. Period of time

As compared to a period of ketchup? Period, by it’s very definition, means “a length of time during which a series of events or an action takes place or is completed”. When you put it that way, “period of time” means “time of time”. Just use period.

3. Currently/now

If you’re speaking in the present tense, using words like “currently” or “now” is redundant. Speaking in the present implies what you’re saying is current or in the now.

4. Present progressive instead of simple present

The present progressive tense (e.g. I am walking) has its place, but too often people use it when the simple present (e.g. I walk) would suffice. Compare the following:

  • Each week, we ensure that our departments are working well.
  • Each week, we ensure that our departments work well.

Being able to catch wordiness in writing takes time and lots of practice, but these 4 steps can give you a head start.

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By Kim Siever

I am a copywriter and copyeditor. I blog on writing and social media tips mostly, but I sometimes throw in my thoughts about running a small business. Follow me on Twitter at @hotpepper.

7 comments

  1. I saw this article on linkedin today and came to check out your website. Communications, copy editing and proofreading are great interests of mine. Just wanted to point out there is a grammatical error in paragraph 3. “Your” should be “you’re”. :)

      1. No problem, I hope you weren’t offended by my letting you know. I really liked your website, your business looks great. Hope you’re doing well. I’m in SW Sask so feel almost like a neighbour. :)

        1. No, no offence taken at all. Thanks for your kind words on my website and business. :)

          My family is from SW Saskatchewan: Ponteix and Vanguard areas.

          1. Small world, I’m in Swift Current. Have a great week. :)

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