Wordiness is common in early drafts. Fortunately, by reducing wordiness as you
revise, you can make your writing clearer and more engaging. You can start by
looking for overused phrases, excess signposts, words that don't add
meaning, unnecessary explanations, and redundancy. Take a look at this list of
overused phrases. You've probably seen them before. Many can be replaced with a
single word. For example, due to the fact that means the same thing as because.
Next, think about signposts: the words, phrases, or sentences that guide your
readers through your text. Sometimes they're useful. For example, if your
argument has several major components, numbering them may help prepare your
readers for what lies ahead. But excess signposts can obscure your
ideas or distract your readers. Decide which ones are most important, then try
removing the rest. That's better. Be on the lookout for words and phrases
like kind of, great, really, basically, very, and extremely that may not be adding
much to your sentences. Consider cutting phrases like I believe. When you make a
claim, readers will already assume you believe it's true. As you revise, think
about your audience. What do they need to know to understand your paper?
What can you assume they already know? Most American readers have a sense of
what and where the Rockies are. If that's who you're writing for, you probably
don't need to explain. Finally, watch for redundant pairs of words. For example, if
you're finished packing, your packing is complete. You don't need to say you're
completely finished. Why use two words to convey an idea when one will do? On your
journey to a final draft, keep revisiting your sentences. You may discover ways to
make them more concise without losing your meaning. Your readers will thank you.