Phrases to cut from your writing
These unnecessary sentence additions can weigh down your copy. Eliminate them to make your sentences clear and concise.
Writing can often be improved by excising unnecessary words and phrases.
Many writers use “crutch phrases” when they’re not sure how to start a sentence or how to connect two sentences. They’re often seen in corporate emails and copy:
As many of you are already aware, performance reviews will start next week.
The phrase “as many of you are already aware” is meaningless and doesn’t add anything to the sentence. The phrase can be removed, allowing you to jump straight into the sentence: “Performance reviews will start next week.”
Here’s another example:
Original: It is necessary for all employees to choose a health plan.
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