Writing Clearly and Concisely

1. Minimize the use of fancy words. 

• It is an arduous task. 
  It is a difficult task. 
• I am baffled by her words. 
  I am confused by her words. 

2. Be precise with the information. 

• He is reading a fiction story book. 
  He is reading a novel. 
• I received all the papers and documents from the person in charge. 
  I received all the files from the manager. 

3. Replace long phrases with single words. 

• I was reading a book at the time you called me. 
  I was reading a book when you called me. 

• I wrote my assignment while I was sitting in the class. 
  I wrote my assignment in the class. 
• You must choose your words in a careful manner. 
  You must choose your words carefully. 

4. Remove unnecessary and redundant information. 

• Please revert back to this mail.  
  Please revert to this mail. 
• You must submit your assignment on time, on or before the deadline. 
  You must submit your assignment on time. 

5. Use positive construction. 

• Not all people exercise regularly. 
  Some people exercise regularly. 
• Not many kids like reading books these days. 
  Few kids like reading books these days. 

6. Avoid filler phrases. 

• There were, like, around twenty people. 
  There were around twenty people. 

• I think that, basically, she lost interest in her work. 
  I think that she lost interest in her work.