Overview
Conciseness means expressing ideas clearly in as few words as necessary, removing redundant words and phrases. Wordy: 'due to the fact that' → Concise: 'because'. Cutting unnecessary words makes writing stronger, clearer, and more professional.
What is Conciseness?
- Concise writing expresses ideas in the fewest words possible without losing meaning or clarity.
- Wordy❌ Due to the fact that she was tired…
- Concise✅ Because she was tired…
- Wordy❌ In the event that it rains…
- Concise✅ If it rains…
Common Wordy Phrases to Cut
- →at this point in time → now
- →in spite of the fact that → although
- →make a decision → decide
- →is able to → can
- →prior to → before
Conciseness Strategies
- Replace wordy phrases with single words.
- Cut empty intensifiers: very, really, quite, rather.
- Use active voice instead of passive where possible.
- Avoid nominalisation: 'give consideration to' → 'consider'.
When to use
Business writing
Please confirm. (not: Please do not hesitate to confirm at your earliest convenience.)
Academic writing
The results show that… (not: The results are indicative of the fact that…)
Digital comms
Call me. (not: Give me a call when you get the chance.)
Journalism
He said… (not: He made the statement that…)