10 wordiness examples and how I shortened them

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 10 shrinktips I’ve shared recently.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.

Do you have other exams Les of wordiness you see all the time? Let me know in the comments.

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.