Four Ways to Eliminate Unnecessary Words When Self-Editing
Concise writing is writing that is to the point and will be easily digested by your reader. Take some time to step away from your draft, and then return to do some self-editing.
Here are four ways you can eliminate unnecessary words and create concise writing.
Eliminate that
The word that is almost always not needed. You can take it out.
Original paragraph:
Taking good care of ourselves doesn’t mean that we are self-indulgent. It doesn’t mean that we stop our ministry or acts of service. Taking good care means that we find a pace of life where we can steward our gifts.
All three thats can be eliminated.
Edited paragraph:
Taking good care of ourselves doesn’t mean we are self-indulgent. It doesn’t mean we stop our ministry or acts of service. Taking good care means we find a pace of life where we can steward our gifts.
Eliminate filler words
Filler words are words we often use when speaking but don’t need when writing. Note they’re often words ending in ly.
Consider these words to be filler words you can eliminate:
Actually, just, very, really, basically, simply
We each have our quirks when writing. One of mine is to overuse the word really. I’m aware of that, so I always do a search to eliminate it in the editing process.
Eliminate I think/in my opinion
Eliminate I think/in my opinion
Original sentence: I think when we read the Psalms, we see an array of emotions and are reminded to bring our emotions to God.
Original sentence: In my opinion the best way to know God’s principles is to memorize key Scripture verses.
If you’re the writer, then you are thinking it and you’re writing something that is your opinion. Take those words out.
Eliminate why from the reason why
Original sentence: The reason why I can’t go with you is I already have plans.
The reason and why mean the same thing. You don’t need both.
Edited: The reason I can’t go with you is I already have plans.
Keep this list in mind when editing your work.
If you have any grammar or punctuation questions, I’d love to answer!
Thank you for being here,
Melanie
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