G0472 Week 9 : “ WORD CHOICE IN EDITING “ 1

Learning Outcomes Students are expected to be able to use editing system to find and edit incorrect words in a manuscript. 2

If you frequently find words like "awkward," "vague,“ or "wordy" in between the lines and on the margins of your graded papers, you definitely have to find the right word s to replace it. Finding the right words is fundamentally an issue of choice, which means first locating what’s not quite right with original choices. Revising for word choice is not about prettifying your writing or sounding sophisticated; it is about expressing your ideas clearly and effectively. 3

Review your Diction: Remember that others are reading your paper and that even the choice of one word can affect their response to it. Try to anticipate their response, and choose your words accordingly. 4

Example: Original: The media's exploitation of the Watergate scandal showed how biased it was already. Edited: The media's coverage of the Watergate scandal suggests that perhaps those in the media had already determined Nixon’s guilt. 5

Increasing Clarity by Eliminating Wordiness: I came to the realization that = I realized that She is of the opinion that = She thinks that Concerning the matter of = About During the course of = During In the event that = If In the process of = During, while 6 Helpful Hints for the Wordy

Clichés: Why to avoid them and how Clichés are catchy little phrases so frequently used that they’ve become trite, corny, or annoying. They are problematic in our writing because their overuse has diminished their impact and because they require several words where just one would do. Example: Agree to disagree = Disagree Last but not least = Last Up in the air = Unknown/undecided 7

Can you read these right the first time? 1) The bandage was wound around the wound. 2) The farm was used to produce produce. 3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse. 4) We must polish the Polish furniture. 5) He could lead if he would get the lead out. 8 Word Traps

1.Eliminate unnecessary determiners and modifiers 2.Change phrases into single words 3.Change unnecessary that, who, and which clauses into phrases 4.Avoid overusing expletives at the beginning of sentences 5.Use active rather than passive verbs 9 Conciseness

6.Avoid overusing noun forms of verbs 7.Reword unnecessary infinitive phrases 8.Replace circumlocutions with direct expressions 9.Omit words that explain the obvious or provide excessive detail 10.Omit repetitive wording 10

Sources and further readings Conciseness: Methods of Eliminating Wordiness –URL ( ncise.html) ncise.html Exercises for Eliminating Wordiness ( seEX1.html) seEX1.html 11