Tidy up wordy phrases

Make sentences concise by eliminating wordy phrases.

Wordy: In a situation in which a class is overenrolled, you may request that the instructor force-add you.
Concise: When a class is overenrolled, you may ask the instructor to force-add you.

Wordy: I will now make a few observations concerning the matter of contingency funds.
Concise: I will now make a few observations about contingency funds.

Wordy: There is a need for more careful inspection of all welds.
Concise: You must inspect all welds more carefully.
Inspect all welds more carefully.
(Williams, 1985, p. 79)

Words to use

Here are some words you can use to de-clutter wordy phrases:

Instead of . . .

• the reason for
• for the reason that
• due to the fact that
• owing to the fact that
• in light of the fact that
• considering the fact that
• on the grounds that
• this is why

Use . . .

• because, since, why

Instead of . . .

• despite the fact that
• regardless of the fact that
• notwithstanding the fact that

Use . . .

• although, even, though

Instead of . . .

• in the event that
• if it should transpire/happen that
• under circumstances in which

Use . . .

• if

Instead of . . .

• on the occasion of
• in a situation in which
• under circumstances in which

Use . . .

• when

Instead of . . .

• as regards
• in reference to
• with regard to
• concerning the matter of
• where . . . is concerned

Use . . .

• about

Instead of . . .

• it is crucial that
• it is necessary that
• there is a need/necessity for
• it is important that
• it is incumbent upon
• cannot be avoided

Use . . .

• must, should

Instead of . . .

• is able to
• has the opportunity to
• is in a position to
• has the capacity for
• has the ability to

Use . . .

• can

Instead of . . .

• it is possible that
• there is a chance that
• it could happen that
• the possibility exists for

Use . . .

• may, might, can, could

Instead of . . .

• prior to
• in anticipation of
• subsequent to
• following on
• at the same time as
• simultaneously with

Use . . .

• before, after, as