Cut Back 7 Little Words: A Guide to Concise Communication
The phrase "cut back 7 little words" likely refers to the practice of concise writing and editing. In today's fast-paced digital world, getting straight to the point is crucial. This guide will help you master the art of concise communication, eliminating unnecessary words and improving the clarity of your writing.
What does "cutting back 7 little words" actually mean?
This isn't about a specific number of words to remove from every sentence. Instead, it's a metaphor for the process of streamlining your writing. It emphasizes the importance of eliminating unnecessary words and phrases that don't add value to your message. Often, even a single word can be cut without impacting meaning. The focus is on precision and efficiency.
How can I effectively cut back on unnecessary words?
Here are some practical strategies to improve conciseness in your writing:
-
Eliminate Redundancies: Look for phrases that repeat the same idea. For example, instead of "absolutely essential," use "essential." Instead of "completely finished," use "finished."
-
Remove Wordy Phrases: Many phrases can be replaced with single words. For instance, "in the event that" can become "if," and "due to the fact that" can become "because."
-
Replace Weak Verbs: Choose strong, active verbs. Instead of "was running," try "ran." Instead of "was able to accomplish," use "accomplished."
-
Avoid Clichés and Jargon: Overused phrases and technical terms often add unnecessary length without enhancing meaning.
-
Use Strong Nouns and Verbs: Let the nouns and verbs carry the weight of your sentences. Avoid relying on weak adverbs and adjectives to add emphasis.
-
Break Down Long Sentences: Complex sentences can be hard to read. Short, declarative sentences improve clarity.
-
Edit Ruthlessly: Read your work aloud, listening for places to cut. Ask yourself: Does each word contribute to the overall meaning? If not, eliminate it.
What are some common wordy phrases to avoid?
Here's a list of common wordy phrases and their concise alternatives:
| Wordy Phrase | Concise Alternative |
|---|---|
| at this point in time | now |
| in the near future | soon |
| a large number of | many |
| in order to | to |
| due to the fact that | because |
| in the event that | if |
| for the purpose of | to |
How does concise writing benefit me?
Concise writing isn't just about brevity; it's about clarity and impact. When your writing is clear and to the point, your audience is more likely to understand and remember your message. Concise writing is also essential for:
- Improving readability: Readers appreciate getting to the point quickly.
- Saving time: Concise writing saves time for both the writer and the reader.
- Boosting clarity: Removing unnecessary words enhances the overall clarity of your writing.
- Enhancing professionalism: Concise and well-written documents reflect professionalism.
By consciously applying these techniques and developing a keen eye for unnecessary words, you can significantly improve your writing and communication skills. Remember, the goal is not just to reduce word count, but to create clear, impactful messages.
