Writing Tips from Prompt Proofing - Prune Ruthlessly

Less is definitely more when it comes to writing and de-cluttering your text is paramount.

2013-05-17

VANCOUVER, BC, May 17, 2013 (Press-News.org) Less is definitely more when it comes to writing and de-cluttering your text is paramount.

Below are a few suggestions:

1. Don't go 'all round the houses" to say what you mean, for example:

"I am writing to you this afternoon, in my capacity as coach of the Balltown, Little League baseball team, to request improved funding for the team next year."

Compare:

"I would like to request additional funding for the Balltown Little League baseball team."

Half the words and the same message!

2. Try to avoid starting a sentence with 'There is' or 'There are'.

"There are a number of matters I wish to bring to your attention."

This sentence becomes:

"I wish to bring a number of matters to your attention."

'There are' is redundant.

3. Avoid phrases such as the following:

"At this point in time..."

"At the time of writing..."

"At the present time...", etc.

All of the above simply mean "now".

4. Cut out unnecessary clauses, for example:

"Tom Brandon, our manager in Ontario, who has been largely responsible for the team's success in that area, will be hosting a webinar, for those of you who might be interested, this coming Thursday."

Compare:

"Our Ontario manager, Tom Brandon - largely responsible for the team's success there - will host a webinar for interested colleagues on Thursday."

Do you have any examples of sentences that could benefit from a good pruning? If so, please share them with us on Facebook or Twitter.

About Prompt Proofing

Prompt Proofing is based in Vancouver, BC, Canada and was officially launched in 2010 by a team of editing and writing professionals who have over 40 years of experience in the education, news media, public relations and recruitment fields. Prompt Proofing prides itself on affordable services delivered with fast turnaround times, without sacrificing quality or accuracy.

Offering content writing, editing and proofreading services, Prompt Proofing takes care of your individual or business content needs. We have customers throughout North and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, the United Kingdom, Asia and Australia.

Visit our website for more information at http://www.PromptProofing.com.

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Writing Tips from Prompt Proofing - Prune Ruthlessly

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