1. Word Choice
W1-W5
Pages

2. W1: Glossary of usage — commonly confused words
Commonly misused
Accept, except
Nonstandard
Hisself - himself
colloquialisms and jargon
Casual expressions
Technical or pretentious language

3. W2: Wordy Sentences Eliminate redundancies
Sylvia very hurriedly scribbled her name, address and phone number on a greasy napkin.
Avoid unnecessary repetition of words
Our fifth patient, in room six, is a mentally ill patient.

4. Cut empty or inflated phrases
In my opinion…
I think that…
It seems that…
On must admit that…
Inflated
Due to the fact that = because
In the event that = if
In order to = to

5. Simplify the structure by strengthening the verb
Colorless verbs: is, are, were
Expletive constructions: there is, there are, there was/were
Passive voice (needlessly indirect):
have been recruited by our coaches
our coaches have recruited.
Reduce

6. W3: Active Verbs
Use the active verb unless you have a good reason for choosing the passive.
Hernando caught the fly ball.
The fly ball was caught by Hernando.
Replace be verbs.
Be in violation of = violate

7. W4: Appropriate Language
Stay away from:
jargon
Pretentious language
Most euphemisms,
“doublespeak”
Slang
Sexist language
Any language that may offend

8. W5: Exact Language Select words with appropriate connotations.
Use specific, concrete nouns.

9. Do Not Misuse Words
Do not rely heavily on clichés
Use standard idioms