TIPS FOR CONCISE EXCERPTS/SUMMARIES
- Prefer short words. E.g., write “use”, not “utilize” (unless you mean “utilize”).
- Prefer simple constructs. E.g., say “because”, “since”, or “as”, not “due to the fact that”.
- Prefer verbs to abstract nouns. Abstract nouns are longer and less lively (and also lead to lengthier and clumsier constructions).
- Use adjectives and adverbs sparingly. Does that adjective really need an adverb to qualify it?
- Read over to remove needless words.
- Read over again.
via op111.net
This is great advice for any kind of writing. Where are my Forthright Magazine columnists? (They're good writers, but all of us could use these tips.)