18 shrinktips all in one place

18 shrinktips all in one place

While editing client documents, I often encounter superfluous phrasing. I quickly edit it to its main message, using as few words as possible to make the message as strong as possible.

When I think of it, I tweet examples to my Twitter accounts under the hashtag #shrinktip, a nod to an article I wrote with techniques for reducing wordcount.

Here is a collection of 18 shrinktips I’ve shared over the past few months.

On the left are the original phrases, as written by the client; on the right are my corrections. Keep in mind that not everything on the left is incorrect per se, but, in my opinion, the rewritten form is better for conveying the intended message.

Original Shrunken
In regards to Regarding
A number of Several
If you are able If you can
The way in which How
You are being provided with an opportunity to You can
In relation to Related/relating to
Ways in which you Ways you
For the purposes of To
As a result of Because of
Are unable to Cannot
Is required to Must
A lot of Many
I was able to see I saw
In order to To
It is important that you You must
Really good Excellent
It is recommended We recommend
Utilize Use

 

Published
Categorised as Writing

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.

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