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- ..TYPE
- :Clarkson Style Analyzer: DICTION Copyright (c) 1984 Virtual Systems - WDH
-
- ..Double
- :
- DOUBLES
-
- This section of the program checks for words repeated twice in a row.
- .That .had
- :You use the following word twice in a row. Are you sure that you want to do
- this?
-
- ..None
- :Congratulations. You missed the search for double words.
- ..Word
- :
- Diction
-
- This section of the analysis file checks for pretentions and empty diction.
-
- .Anticipate 1
- :The text says "anticipate." Try "expect."
- .Aspect 1
- :The text says "aspect." Aspect has several technical meanings (see your
- dictionary), but is often overused. See if you can get along without "aspect."
- .Feature 1
- :The text says "feature." Try rewriting your sentence to delete this word.
- In many instances it adds nothing to the sentence.
- .Actually 1
- :The text says "actually." Try deleting it to intensify your meaning.
- .Awfully 1
- :The text says "awfully." Try deleting it to intensify your meaning.
- .Awesomely 1
- :The text says "awesomely." Be advised. This overused word
- inappropriate when applied to football players and other mere mortals.
- .Completely 1
- :The text says "completely." Try deleting it to intensify your meaning.
- .Conflagration 1
- :The text says "conflagration." Try saying "fire."
- .Definitely 1
- :The text says "definitely." Try deleting it to intensify your meaning.
- .Extremely 1
- :The text says "extremely." Try deleting it to intensify your meaning.
- .Nice 1
- :The text says "nice." Try deleting this word. Say something concrete.
- .Quite 1
- :The text says "quite." Try deleting it to intensify your meaning.
- .Rather 1
- :The text says "rather." Try deleting this qualifier.
- .Really 1
- :The text says "really." Try deleting this weak intensifier.
- .Somewhat 1
- :The text says "somewhat." Try deleting this qualifier.
- .Very 1
- :The text says "very." This overused word sometimes adds nothing to your
- sentence. Try deleting it wherever it occurs.
-
-
- .Accordingly 1
- :The text says "accordingly" Try "so."
- .Acquire 1
- :The text says "acquire." Try "get."
- .Activate 1
- :The text says "activate." Try "begin" or "start."
- .Aggregate 1
- :The text says "aggregrate." Try "total" or "whole."
- .Ameliorate 1
- :The text says "ameliorate." Try "lessen."
- .Amorphous 1
- :The text says "amorphous." Try "shapeless."
- .Anomalous 1
- :The text says "anomalous." Try "abnormal."
- .Antithesis 1
- :The text says "antithesis." Try "opposite."
- .Abbreviate 1
- :The text says "abbreviate." Try "shorten."
- .Ascertain 1
- :The text says "ascertain." Try "find out."
- .Assist 1
- :The text says "assist." Try "help."
- .Aqueous 1
- :The text says "aqueous." Try "watery."
- .Autonomous 1
- :The text says "autonomous." Try "independent."
- .Awesome 1
- :The text says "awesome." Be advised. This overused word inappropriate
- when applied to football players and other mere mortals.
- .Beverage 1
- :The text says "beverage." Try "drink."
- .Circuitous 1
- :The text says "circuitous." Try "roundabout."
- .Cognizant 1
- :The text says "cognizant." Try "aware" or "know."
- .Commencement 1
- :The text says "commencement." Try "start" or "beginning."
- .Compensation 1
- :The text says "compensation." Try "pay."
- .Concerning 1
- :The text says "concerning." Try "on."
- .Consequently 1
- :The text says "consequently." Try "so."
- .Contiguous 1
- :The text says "contiguous." Try "near" or "touching."
- .Coagulation 1
- :The text says "coagulation." Try "clotting" or "thickening."
- .Cessation 1
- :The text says "cessation." Try "stop" or "pause."
- .Conjecture 1
- :The text says "conjecture." Try "guess."
- .Currently 1
- :The text says "currently." Try "now."
- .Delineate 1
- :The text says "delineate." Try "draw."
- .Discourse 1
- :The text says "discourse." Try "talk."
- .Disengage 1
- :The text says "disengage." Try "free."
- .Demonstrate 1
- :The text says "demonstrate." Try "show."
- .Duplicate 1
- :The text says "duplicate." Try "copy."
- .Effectuate 1
- :The text says "effectuate." Try "bring about."
- .Expedite 1
- :The text says "expedite." Try "hasten" or "speed."
- .Elucidate 1
- :The text says "elucidate." Try "clarify."
- .Eliminate 1
- :The text says "eliminate." Try "cut out."
- .Facilitate 1
- :The text says "facilitate." Try "ease" or "simplify."
- .Feasible 1
- :The text says "feasible." Try "possible."
- .Finalize 1
- :The text says "finalize." Try "end."
- .Gradient 1
- :The text says "gradient." Try "slope."
- .Homogeneous 1
- :The text says "homogeneous." Try "uniform" or "similar."
- .Incombustible 1
- :The text says "incombustible." Try "fireproof."
- .Interred 1
- :The text says "interred." Try "burried."
- .Impact 1
- :The text says "impact." This word is often overused. Look again at the
- context of the word.
- .Impairment 1
- :The text says "impairment." Try "injury" or "harm."
- .Initiate 1
- :The text says "initiate." Try "begin."
- .Interface 1
- :The text says "interface." Try "connect," "match," "fit," or "join."
- .Inundate 1
- :The text says "inundate." Try "flood."
- .Miniscule 1
- :The text says "miniscule." Try "tiny."
- .Nomenclature 1
- :The text says "nomenclature." Try "name" or "system of terms."
- .Obvious 1
- :The text says "obvious." Try "clear."
- .Orientate 1
- :The text says "orientate." Use "orient."
- .Obtain 1
- :The text says "obtain." Try "get."
- .Optimum 1
- :The text says "optimum." Try "best."
- .Potentiality 1
- :The text says "potentiality." Try "potential."
- .Requisite 1
- :The text says "requisite." Try "needed" or "necessary."
- .Seems 1
- :The text says "seems." This word oftem accompanies throw-in phrases such
- as "It seems that . . ." or "She seems to . . . ." Try dropping such phrases
- from your text. (Use them for indicating a discrepancy between appearance and
- reality.)
- .Seem 1
- :The text says "seem." This word oftem accompanies throw-in phrases such
- as "We seem to . . . ." or "You seem to . . . ." Try dropping such phrases
- from your text. (Use them for indicating a discrepancy between appearance and
- reality.)
- .Speculate 1
- :The text says "speculate." Try "guess."
- .Subsequent 1
- :The text says "subsequent." Try "next" or "the following."
- .Sufficient 1
- :The text says "sufficient." Try "enough."
- .Terminate 1
- :The text says "terminate." Try "end."
- .Terminates 1
- :The text says "terminates." Try "ends."
- .Termination 1
- :The text says "termination." Try "end."
- .Ultimate 1
- :The text says "ultimate." Say "last."
- .Utilize 1
- :The text says "utilize." Use the simple word "use."
- .Veracity 1
- :The text says "veracity." Try the simple word "truth."
- .Verification 1
- :The text says "verification." Try "proof."
- .Vitreous 1
- :The text says "vitreous." Try "glassy."
- ..Allphrase
- :
- Wordy Phrases
-
- This section of the analyzer checks for wordy phrases and redundancies.
- .The fact that
- :The text says "the fact that." This indicates a wordy sentence. Usually you
- can eliminate this phrase. Besides, are you sure you are talking about
- facts?
- .A little less than
- :The text says "a little less than." Save words; say "almost."
- .Early time
- :The text says "early time." Just say "early."
- .For the purpose of
- :The text says "for the purpose of." Use "for" instead.
- .Give consideration to
- :The text says "give consideration to." Use "think about" instead.
- .Give due consideration to
- :The text says "give due consideration to." Use "think about" instead.
- .Most of the time
- :The text says "most of the time." This is wordy. Say "usually."
- .No doubt that
- :The text says "no doubt that." Just say "doubtless."
- .On account of the fact that
- :The text says "on account of the fact that. Use "because" instead.
- .Over and done
- :The text says "over and done." Just say "done."
- .Passed away
- :The text says "passed away." Try "died."
- .Poor in quality
- :The text says "poor in quality." Just say "inferior."
- .Present time
- :The text says "present time." Just say "now."
- .During the period
- :The text says "during the period." Why not just say "from...to."
- .Kind of
- :The text says "kind of." These words are often overused. Try
- leaving them out.
- .Might add
- :The text says "might add." Used in such phrases as "and I might add"
- this is just a wordy way of saying "and." Use a simpler construction.
- .With reference
- :The text says "with reference to." Try replacing this with "concerning,"
- or "about" or better yet, start an entirely new sentence.
- .As a general rule
- :The text says "as a general rule." Save words; say "usually."
- .As I said above
- :The text says "as I said above." This may indicate a problem in
- organization. Check your text to see if you can eliminate this phrase.
- .As I said before
- :The text says "as I said before." This may indicate a problem in
- organization. Check the text to see if you can eliminate this phrase.
- .As previously stated
- :The text says "as previously stated." This may indicate a problem in
- organization. Check the text to see if you can eliminate this phrase.
- .As stated above
- :The text says "as stated above." This may indicate a problem in
- organization. Check the text to see if you can eliminate this phrase.
- .A large number of
- :The text says "a large number of." Say "many."
- .A bit
- :The text says "a bit." Try deleting these words.
- .More or less
- :The text says "more or less." Try deleting these words.
- .As the case may be
- :The text says "as the case may be." Try to delete this wordy phrase.
- .A lot of
- :The text says "a lot of." Say "many."
- .A number of
- :The text says "a number of." Say "several" or "some."
- .A preference for
- :The text says "a preference for." Say "prefer(s)."
- .After this is accomplished
- :The text says "after this is accomplished." Say "then."
- .All of
- :The text says "all of." Say "all."
- .Along the line of
- :The text says "along the line of." Say "like."
- .Along the lines of
- :The text says "along the lines of." Say "like."
- .Along the same line
- :The text says "along the same line." Say "like."
- .And which
- :The text says "and which." Say "which."
- .And who
- :The text says "and who." Say "who."
- .Any and all
- :The text says "any and all." Say "any," or "all."
- .Of the opinion that
- :The text says "of the opinion that." Say "think(s) that."
- .Of the same opinion
- :The text says "are of the same opinion." Say "agree(s)."
- .Arrive at a decision
- :The text says "arrive at a decision." Say "decide."
- .As a consequence of
- :The text says "as a consequence of." Say "because."
- .As a method of
- :The text says "as a method of." Say "for."
- .As against
- :The text says "as against." Say "against."
- .As already stated
- :The text says "as already stated." Revise to avoid repetition.
- .As for
- :The text says "as for." Try omitting this construction.
- .As good or better than
- :The text says "as good or better than." Say "as good as" or "better than."
- .As long as
- :The text says "as long as." Say "when" or "if."
- .As of this date
- :The text says "as of this date." Say "today."
- .As regards
- :The text says "as regards." Say "about."
- .As soon as
- :The text says "as soon as." Say "when."
- .As to
- :The text says "as to." Say "about."
- .Assuming that
- :The text says "assuming that." Say "if."
- .At all times
- :The text says "at all times." Say "always."
- .At an earlier date
- :The text says "at an earlier date." Say "previously."
- .At an early date
- :The text says "at an early date." Say "soon."
- .At the present time
- :The text says "at the present time." Say "now."
- .At the time when
- :The text says "at the time when." Say "when."
- .At this point in time
- :The text says "at this point in time." Try "now."
- .At this time
- :The text says "at this time." Say "now."
- .At which time
- :The text says "at which time." Say "when."
- .Attributable to
- :The text says "attributable to." Say "due to."
- .Being that
- :The text says "being that." Say "as," "because," or "since."
- .Began to
- :The text says "began to." Try deleting this phrase.
- .Begin to
- :The text says "begin to." Try deleting this phrase.
- .Begins to
- :The text says "begins to." Try deleting this phrase.
- .Bona fide
- :The text says "bona fide." Say "real."
- .Bouquet of flowers
- :The text says "bouquet of flowers." Say "bouquet."
- .Bring to a conclusion
- :The text says "bring to a conclusion." Say "conclude" or "end."
- .By means of
- :The text says "by means of." Say "by."
- .By the use of
- :The text says "by the use of." Say "by."
- .Cannot help but
- :The text says "cannot help but." Say "cannot help."
- .Check into
- :The text says "check into." Say "check."
- .Check on
- :The text says "check on." Say "check."
- .Check out
- :The text says "check out." Say "check" or omit the cliche.
- .Check up on
- :The text says "check up on." Say "check."
- .Come to an end
- :The text says "come to an end." Say "end."
- .Continued on
- :The text says "continued on." Say continued."
- .Course of time
- :The text says "course of time." Say "time."
- .Day and age
- :The text says "this day and age." Say "now" or "today."
- .Decide on
- :The text says "decide on." Say "decide," "choose" or "select."
- .Deserving of
- :The text says "deserving of." Say "deserve."
- .Despite the fact that
- :The text says "despite the fact that." Use "although" instead.
- .Drew to a close
- :The text says "drew to a close." Just say "ended."
- .Due to the fact that
- :The text says "due to the fact that." Use "because" instead.
- .Devoid of
- :The text says "devoid of." Say "without."
- .Duly noted
- :The text says "duly noted." Say "noted."
- .During the course of
- :The text says "during the course of." Say "during" or "while."
- .During the time that
- :The text says "during the time that." Say "while."
- .Enter in
- :The text says "enter in." Say "enter."
- .Enter into
- :The text says "enter into." Say "enter."
- .Enter a bid of
- :The text says "enter a bid of." Just say "enter."
- .Equally as good as
- :The text says "equally as good as." Say "as good as."
- .Estimated at about
- :The text says "estimated at about." Just say "estimated at."
- .Except in a small number of cases
- :The text says "except in a small number of cases." Say "usually."
- .Exhibits a tendency to
- :The text says "exhibits a tencency to." Try eliminating this entire phrase.
- .Exhibit a tendency to
- :The text says "exhibit a tendency to." Try eliminating this entire phrase.
- .Face up to
- :The text says "face up to." Say "face."
- .Facts and figures
- :The text says "facts and figures." Say "facts."
- .Fearful of
- :The text says "fearful of." Say "fear" or "fears."
- .Fearful that
- :The text says "fearful that." Say "fear" or "fears."
- .Filled to capacity
- :The text says "filled to capacity." Just say "filled."
- .First of all
- :The text says "first of all." Say "first."
- .For the purpose of
- :The text says "for the purpose of." Say "for" or "to."
- .For the reason that
- :The text says "for the reason that." Say "because" or "since."
- .For the simple reason that
- :The text says "for the simple reason that." Say "because" or "since."
- .For this reason
- :The text says "for this reason." Revise to omit this wordy phrase.
- .For your information
- :The text says "for your information." Try omitting this phrase.
- .Foreseeable future
- :The text says "foreseeable future." Say "soon."
- .Generally agreed
- :The text says "generally agreed." Say "agreed."
- .Gives assistance
- :The text says "gives assistance." Say "helps."
- .Give assistance
- :The text says "give assistance to." Say "help."
- .Give rise
- :The text says "give rise." Say "cause."
- .Gives rise
- :The text says "gives rise." Say "causes."
- .Great majority
- :The text says "great majority." Say "most."
- .Had the ability
- :The text says "had the ability." Say "could."
- .Has the capability
- :The text says "has the capability." Say "can."
- .Has a need
- :The text says "has a need." Say "needs."
- .Have a need for
- :The text says "have a need." Say "need."
- .Happen to
- :The text says "happen to." Try deleting this phrase. It weakens your
- verb.
- .Happened to
- :The text says "happened to." Try deleting this phrase. It weakens your
- verb.
- .Happens to
- :The text says "happens to." Try deleting this phrase. It weakens your
- verb.
- .Have a tendency
- :The text says "have a tendency." Try deleting this phrase. It weakens
- your verb.
- .Hold a belief
- :The text says "hold a belief." Try using the verb "believe."
- .Held a meeting
- :The text says "held a meeting." Use "met" instead.
- .Hold a meeting
- :The text says "hold a meeting." Use "meet" instead.
- .Holds a meeting
- :The text says "holds a meeting." Use "meets" instead.
- .Hopeful of
- :The text says "hopeful of." Say "hope(s)."
- .Hopeful that
- :The text says "hopeful that." Say "hope(s)."
- .Hot water heater
- :The text says "hot water heater." Just say "water heater."
- .In reference
- :The text says "in reference to." You may wish to replace this
- construction with the word "concerning," or better yet, start an entirely new
- sentence.
- .In the area of
- :The text says "in the area of." Why not just name the area? For
- instance, instead of saying "In the area of Mechanical Engineering . . . ,"
- just say In "Mechanical Engineering . . . ."
- .In regards to
- :The text says "in regards to." Try deleting this phrase.
- .Is when
- :The text says "is when." This ususally indicates poor sentence
- construction. Try rewriting the sentence.
- .Is where
- :The text says "is where." This usually indicates poor sentence
- construction. Try rewriting the sentence.
- .In the interests of
- :The text says "in the interests of." Try "for."
- .In the event that
- :The text says "in the event that." Use "if" instead.
- .In the neighborhood of
- :The text says "in the neighborhood of." See if "about" will work just as
- well.
- .In spite of the fact that
- :The text says "in spite of the fact that." Use "though" instead.
- .I believe
- :The text says "I believe." These words are often unnecessary
- because your reader assumes that you are expressing your own opinion.
- .I'd like to say that
- :The text says "I'd like to say that." These words are often
- unnecessary. Try leaving them out.
- .I would like to say that
- :The text says "I would like to say that." These words are often
- unnecessary. Try leaving them out.
- .In the vicinity of
- :The text says "in the vicinity of." Try "near" or "about."
- .In my opinion
- :The text says "in my opinion." These words are often unnecessary
- because your reader assumes that you are expressing your own opinion.
- .It is my opinion that
- :The text says "it is my opinion that." These words are often unnecessary
- because your reader assumes that you are expressing your own opinion.
- .I think
- :The text says "I think." These words are often unnecessary. Try
- leaving them out.
- .In view of the fact that
- :The text says "in view of the fact that." Use "because" instead.
- .It is
- :The text says "it is." The expletive in this construction is often
- empty. (However, the phrase sometimes serves a structural purpose of
- moving the true subject to an emphatic position after the verb.) When possible
- rewrite sentences to eliminate the "it is" construction.
- .It's
- :The text says "it's," a contraction of "it is." The expletive in this
- construction is often empty. (However, the phrase sometimes serves a
- structural purpose of moving the true subject to an emphatic position after
- the verb.) When possible rewrite sentences to eliminate the "it's"
- construction.
- .In the event that
- :The text says "in the event that." Just say "if."
- .In the near future
- :The text says "in the near future." Just say "soon."
- .If at all possible
- :The text says "if at all possible." Say "if possible."
- .In a considerable number of cases
- :The text says "in a considerable number of cases." Say "often."
- .In a position to
- :The text says "in a position to." Say "can."
- .In a precise manner
- :The text says "in a precise manner." Say "precisely."
- .In a satisfactory manner
- :The text says "in a satisfactory manner." Say "satisfactorily."
- .In a very real sense
- :The text says "in a very real sense." Say "in a sense."
- .In addition to
- :The text says "in addition to." Say "besides."
- .In advance of
- :The text says "in advance of." Say "before."
- .In agreement with
- :The text says "in agreement with." Say "agree(s) with."
- .In all cases
- :The text says "in all cases." Say "always."
- .In back of
- :The text says "in back of." Say "behind."
- .In behalf of
- :The text says "in behalf of." Say "for."
- .In conjunction with
- :The text says "in conjunction with." Say "with."
- .In connection with
- :The text says "in connection with." Say "about."
- .In excess of
- :The text says "in excess of." Say "more than."
- .In large measure
- :The text says "in large measure." Say "largely."
- .In light of
- :The text says "in light of." Say "because."
- .In many cases
- :The text says "in many cases." Say "often."
- .In most cases
- :The text says "in most cases." Say "usually."
- .In no case
- :The text says "in no case." Say "never."
- .In order to
- :The text says "in order to." Say "to."
- .In possession of
- :The text says "in possession of." Say "has" or "have."
- .In rare cases
- :The text says "in rare cases." Say "rarely."
- .In reference
- :The text says "in reference." Say "concerning" or "about."
- .In regard to
- :The text says "in regard to." Use "about" or another preposition.
- .In respect to
- :The text says "in respect to." Say "about."
- .In short supply
- :The text says "in short supply." Say "scarce."
- .In some cases
- :The text says "in some cases." Say "sometimes."
- .In the absence of
- :The text says "in the absence of." Say "without."
- .In the amount of
- :The text says "in the amount of." Say "of" or "for."
- .In the case of
- :The text says "in the case of." Rephrase using "for," "by," or "in."
- .In the course of
- :The text says "in the course of." Say "while" or "during."
- .In the event of
- :The text says "in the event of." Rephrase using "for," "if," or "in."
- .In the event that
- :The text says "in the event that." Say "if."
- .In the field of
- :The text says "in the field of." Say "in."
- .In the final analysis
- :The text says "in the final analysis." Try omitting this phrase.
- .In the form of
- :The text says "in the form of." Say "as."
- .In the instance of
- :The text says "in the instance of." Say "for."
- .In the last analysis
- :The text says "in the last analysis." Try omitting this phrase.
- .In the matter of
- :The text says "in the matter of." Use "about."
- .In the near future
- :The text says "in the near future." Say "soon."
- .In the neighborhood of
- :The text says "in the neighborhood of." Say "about."
- .In the not too distant future
- :The text says "in the not too distant future." Say "soon" or "eventually."
- .In the immediate vicinity
- :The text says "in the immediate vicinity." Just say "near."
- .In the proximity of
- :The text says "in the proximity of." Say "near," "nearly," or "about."
- .In the range of
- :The text says "in the range of." Say "about" or "between."
- .In the shape of
- :The text says "in the shape of." Try omitting this phrase.
- .In the vicinity of
- :The text says "in the vicinity of." Say "near."
- .In this case
- :The text says "in this case." Say "here."
- .In view of
- :The text says "in view of." Say "because of."
- .In violation of
- :The text says "in violation of." Say "violate(s)."
- .Invited guests
- :The text says "invited guests." Just say "guests."
- .Inasmuch as
- :The text says "inasmuch as." Say "since," or "as."
- .Injurious to
- :The text says "injurious to." Say "harm(s)," "damage(s)."
- .Inside of
- :The text says "inside of." Say "inside" or "within."
- .Intents and purposes
- :The text says "intents and purposes." Say "intents."
- .Is defined as
- :The text says "is defined as." Say "is."
- .Indicative of
- :The text says "indicative of." Say "indicate(s)."
- .Suggestive of
- :The text says "suggestive of." Say "suggest(s)."
- .It is apparent that
- :The text says "it is apparent that." Say "apparently."
- .It is clear that
- :The text says "it is clear that." Say "clearly."
- .It is doubtful that
- :The text says "it is doubtful that." Say "possibly."
- .It is evident that
- :The text says "it is evident that." Say "evidently."
- .It is of interest to note that
- :The text says "it is of interest to note that." Try omitting this phrase.
- .It is often the case that
- :The text says "it is often the case that." Say "often."
- .It is suggested that
- :The text says "it is suggested that." Say "Try...", or omit the phrase
- entirely.
- .It stands to reason
- :The text says "it stands to reason." Try omitting this phrase.
- .It was noted that if
- :The text says "it was noted that if." Say "if."
- .Jewish rabbi
- :The text says "Jewish rabbi." Just say "rabbi."
- .Large number of
- :The text says "large number of." Say "many."
- .Lose out on
- :The text says "lose out on." Say "lose."
- .Makes adjustments to
- :The text says "makes adjustments to." Say "adjust."
- .Make adjustments to
- :The text says "make adjustments to." Say "adjust."
- .Make application
- :The text says "make application." Try "apply."
- .Make an approximation
- :The text says "make an approximation." Say "approximate."
- .Make an examination
- :The text says "make an examination." Say "examine."
- .Make an exception of
- :The text says "make an exception of." Say "except."
- .Make contact with
- :The text says "make contact with." Say "meet."
- .Make mention of
- :The text says "make mention of." Say "mention."
- .Make out a list of
- :The text says "make out a list of." Say "list."
- .Make the adjustment
- :The text says "make the adjustment." Say "adjust."
- .Make arrangements
- :The text says "make arrangements." Just say "arrange."
- .Needless to say
- :The text says "needless to say." Try omitting this phrase.
- .New recruit
- :The text says "new recruit." Just say "recruit."
- .Not in a position to
- :The text says "not in a position to." Say "cannot."
- .Off of
- :The text says "off of." Say "off."
- .On a few occasions
- :The text says "on a few occasions." Say "occasionally."
- .On account of
- :The text says "on account of." Say "because."
- .On behalf of
- :The text says "on behalf of." Say "for."
- .On the grounds that
- :The text says "on the grounds that." Say "because," or "as."
- .On the occasion of
- :The text says "on the occasion of." Say "on" or "when."
- .On the order of
- :The text says "on the order of." Say "about."
- .On the part of
- :The text says "on the part of." Say "by."
- .Once in a while
- :The text says "once in a while." Try "rarely."
- .One of the
- :The text says "one of the." Say "one" or "a (an)."
- .Outside of
- :The text says "outside of." Say "outside" or "besides."
- .Paid a visit
- :The text says "paid a visit." Just say "visited."
- .Pertaining to
- :The text says "pertaining to." Say "about."
- .Plan for the future
- :The text says "plan for the future." Say "plan."
- .Point in time
- :The text says "point in time." Say "then" or "now."
- .Present a report
- :The text says "present a report." Say "report."
- .Prior to
- :The text says "prior to." Say "before."
- .Promoted to the rank of
- :The text says "promoted to the rank of." Just say "promoted to."
- .Provided that
- :The text says "provided that." Say "if."
- .Pursuant to
- :The text says "pursuant to." Say "under."
- .Put in an appearance
- :The text says "Put in an appearance." Just say "appeared."
- .Reached an agreement
- :The text says "reached an agreement." Just say "agreed."
- .Referred back
- :The text says "referred back." Just say "referred."
- .Referred to as
- :The text says "referred to as." Say "called."
- .Reflective of
- :The text says "reflective of." Say "reflect(s)."
- .Relative to
- :The text says "relative to." Say "about" or "concerning."
- .Representative of
- :The text says "representative of." Say "represents."
- .Rough estimate
- :The text says "rough estimate." Just say "estimate."
- .Small number
- :The text says "small number." Just say "few."
- .Sort of
- :The text says "sort of." These words are often unnecessary. Try
- leaving them out.
- .Stress the point that
- :The text says "stress the point that." Say "stress that."
- .Subsequent to
- :The text says "subsequent to." Say "later" or "after."
- .Substantially in agreement
- :The text says "substantially in agreement." Say "agree."
- .Succeeds in doing
- :The text says "succeeds in doing." Say "does" or "accomplishes."
- .Succeed in doing
- :The text says "succeed in doing." Say "do" or "accomplish."
- .The fact is
- :The text says "the fact is." Try omitting this phrase.
- .Take a look
- :The text says "take a look." Use "look" instead.
- .Took a look
- :The text says "took a look." Use "looked" instead.
- .Tend to
- :The text says "tend to." Try deleting this phrase. It weakens your
- verb.
- .Tends to
- :The text says "tends to." Try deleting this phrase. It weakens your
- verb.
- .The reason that
- :The text says "the reason that." This indicates a wordy sentence.
- .The reason is
- :The text says "the reason is." This usually indicates a wordy sentence
- construction. Rewrite the sentence using the simple word "because."
- .The reason why
- :The text says "the reason why." This indicates a pooly constructed
- sentence. Rewrite the sentence using the simple word "because."
- .There is
- :The text says "there is." The expletive in this construction is often
- empty. (However, the phrase sometimes serves a structural purpose of
- moving the true subject to an emphatic position after the verb.) When possible
- rewrite sentences to eliminate the "there is" construction.
- .There are
- :The text says "there are." The expletive in this construction is often
- empty. (However, the phrase sometimes serves a structural purpose of
- moving the true subject to an emphatic position after the verb.) When possible
- rewrite sentences to eliminate the "there are" construction.
- .The foregoing
- :The text says "the foregoing." Revise to omit this phrase.
- .The truth is
- :The text says "the truth is." Try omitting this phrase.
- .Through the medium of
- :The text says "through the medium of." Say "through."
- .Through the use of
- :The text says "through the use of." Say "by" or "with."
- .Under a separate cover
- :The text says "under a separate cover." Say "separately."
- .Under separate cover
- :The text says "under separate cover." Say "separately."
- .Under surveillance
- :The text says "under surveillance." Just say "watched."
- .Under the necessity to
- :The text says "under the necessity to." Say "has (have) to."
- .Underlying purpose
- :The text says "underlying purpose." Say "purpose."
- .Undertake a
- :The text says "undertake a." Omit this phrase and use an active verb.
- .Until such time as
- :The text says "until such time as." Say "until."
- .Up to this time
- :The text says "up to this time." Say "before this."
- .Utilize
- :The text says "utilize." Say "use."
- .Voiced objections
- :The text says "boiced objections." Just say "objected."
- .We wish to thank
- :The text says "we wish to thank." Say "we thank."
- .Whether or not
- :The text says "whether or not." Say "whether."
- .With a view to
- :The text says "with a view to." Say "to."
- .With reference to
- :The text says "with reference to." Say "concerning."
- .With regard to
- :The text says "with regard to." Say "about" or "regarding."
- .With the exception of
- :The text says "with the exception of." Say "except."
- .With the result that
- :The text says "with the result that." Say "so that."
- .With this in mind
- :The text says "with this in mind." Say "therefore."
- .Without further delay
- :The text says "without further delay." Say "now,immediately."
- .Fullest extent
- :The text says "fullest extent." Say "complete(ly)" or "full(y)."
- .Absolutely essential
- :The text says "absolutely essential." Just say "essential."
- .Absolutely complete
- :The text says "absolutely complete." Just say "complete."
- .Actual experience
- :The text says "actual experience." Just say "experience."
- .Actual facts
- :The text says "actual facts." Just say "facts."
- .Adequate enough
- :The text says "adequate enough." Just say "adequate."
- .All throughout
- :The text says "all throughout." Just say "throughout."
- .And etc.
- :The text says "and etc." Just say "etc."
- .Another additional
- :The text says "another additional." Just say "another."
- .As of now
- :The text says "as of now." Just say "now."
- .At a later date
- :The text says "at a later date." Just say "later."
- .At about
- :The text says "at about." Just say "at."
- .Bare essentials
- :The text says "bare essentials." Just say "essentials."
- .Basic essentials
- :The text says "basic essentials." Just say "essentials."
- .Basic fundamentals
- :The text says "basic fundamentals." Just say "fundamentals."
- .Big in size
- :The text says "big in size." Just say "big."
- .Brief in duration
- :The text says "brief in duration." Just say "brief, or quick."
- .Close proximity
- :The text says "close proximity." Just say "close."
- .Continue on
- :The text says "continue on." Just say "continue."
- .Consensus of opinion
- :The text says "consensus of opinion." Just say "consensus."
- .Debate about
- :The text says "debate about." Just say "debate."
- .Depreciate in value
- :The text says "depreciate in value." Just say "depreciate."
- .Desirable benefits
- :The text says "desirable benefits." Just say "benefits."
- .Divide up
- :The text says "divide up." Just say "divide."
- .Each and every
- :The text says "each and every." Just say "each."
- .Early beginnings
- :The text says "early beginnings." Just say "beginnings."
- .Empty out
- :The text says "empty out." Just say "empty."
- .Enclosed herein
- :The text says "enclosed herein." Just say "enclosed."
- .Enclosed herewith
- :The text says "enclosed herewith." Just say "enclosed."
- .End result
- :The text says "end result." Just say "result."
- .Entirely complete
- :The text says "entirely complete." Just say "complete."
- .Now and then
- :The text says "now and then." Just say "sometimes."
- .Exactly identical
- :The text says "exactly identical." Just say "identical."
- .Exactly identical
- :The text says "exactly identical." Identity is an absolute. Just
- say"identical."
- .Extension of time
- :The text says "extension of time." Time implies extension and the
- phrase is awkward. Try using a single word such as "time," "length," or
- "duration."
- .First began
- :The text says "first began." Say "began."
- .First begin
- :The text says "first begin(s)." Say "begin(s)."
- .First and foremost
- :The text says "first and foremost." Say "first."
- .In color
- :The text says "in color." Try deleting these words.
- .In number
- :The text says "in number." Try deleting these words.
- .Final completion
- :The text says "final completion." Just say "completion."
- .Final ending
- :The text says "final ending." Just say "ending."
- .Final outcome
- :The text says "final outcome." Just say "outcome."
- .Final result
- :The text says "final result." Just say "result."
- .First and foremost
- :The text says "first and foremost." Just say "first."
- .First beginnings
- :The text says "first beginnings." Just say "beginnings."
- .First initiated
- :The text says "first initiated." Just say "started."
- .Follow after
- :The text says "follow after." Just say "follow."
- .Following after
- :The text says "following after." Just say "after."
- .Full and complete
- :The text says "full and complete." Just say "full" or "complete."
- .Few and far between
- :The text says "few and far between." Say "first."
- .I myself
- :The text says "I myself." Just say "I."
- .If and when
- :The text says "if and when." Just say "if" or "when."
- .Important essentials
- :The text says "important essentials." Just say "essentials."
- .In a large measure
- :The text says "in a large measure." Just say "largely."
- .In between
- :The text says "in between." Just say "between."
- .In terms of
- :You say "in terms of." Ask yourself if you are talking about "terms" or if
- you should just revise the sentence using "as" or some other construction.
- .Important essentials
- :The text says "important essentials." Say "essentials."
- .Join together
- :The text says "join together." Just say "join."
- .Joint partnership
- :The text says "joint partnership." Just say "partnership."
- .Just exactly
- :The text says "just exactly." Just say "just" or "exactly."
- .Know about
- :The text says "know about." Just say "know."
- .Large in size
- :The text says "large in size." Just say "large."
- .Larger in size
- :The text says "larger in size." Just say "larger."
- .Later on
- :The text says "later on." Just say "later."
- .Let's us
- :The text says "let's us." Just say "let's."
- .Link up
- :The text says "link up." Just say "link."
- .Little in size
- :The text says "little in size." Just say "little."
- .Many different
- :The text says "many different." Just say "many."
- .Main essentials
- :The text says "main essentials." Just say "essentials."
- .Maximum possible
- :The text says "maximum possible." Just say "maximum."
- .Meet up with
- :The text says "meet up with." Just say "meet."
- .Merge together
- :The text says "merge together." Just say "merge."
- .Mingle together
- :The text says "mingle together." Just say "mingle."
- .Mix together
- :The text says "mix together." Just say "mix."
- .More preferable
- :The text says "more preferable." Just say "preferable."
- .Most unique
- :The text says "most unique." Just say "unique."
- .Mutual cooperation
- :The text says "mutual cooperation." Just say "cooperation."
- .Month of
- :The text says "month of...." If you are saying something like "the month of
- December," why not just say "December."
- .Necessary requisite
- :The text says "necessary requisite." Just say "requisite."
- .New innovation
- :The text says "new innovation." Just say "new" or "innovation."
- .Open up
- :The text says "open up." Just say "open."
- .Over with
- :The text says "over with." Just say "over."
- .Originally born
- :The text says "originally born." Just say "born."
- .Plan ahead
- :The text says "plan ahead." Just say "plan."
- .Present time
- :The text says "present time." Just say "now."
- .Period of
- :The text says "period of." If you are saying something like "a period of
- time," why not just say "a time," or give the time.
- .Past history
- :The text says "past history." Just say "history" or "the past."
- .Personal opinion
- :The text says "personal opinion." Just say "opinion."
- .Reason why
- :The text says "reason why." Just say "reason."
- .Reasons why
- :The text says "reasons why." Just say "reasons."
- .Recur again
- :The text says "recur again." Just say "recur."
- .Refer back
- :The text says "refer back." Just say "refer."
- .Repeat again
- :The text says "repeat again." Just say "repeat."
- .Resume again
- :The text says "resume again." Just say "resume."
- .Retreat back
- :The text says "retreat back." Just say "retreat."
- .Return again
- :The text says "return again." Just say "return."
- .Return back
- :The text says "return back." Just say "return."
- .Revert back
- :The text says "revert back." Just say "revert."
- .Small in size
- :The text says "small in size." Just say "small."
- .Seal off
- :The text says "seal off." Just say "seal."
- .Seldom ever
- :The text says "seldom ever." Just say "seldom."
- .Single unit
- :The text says "single unit." Just say "unit."
- .Space of time
- :The text says "space of time." Just say "time."
- .Still continue
- :The text says "still continue(s)." Just say "continue(s)."
- .Still remain
- :The text says "still remain(s)." Just say "remain(s)."
- .Strict accuracy
- :The text says "strict accuracy." Just say "accuracy."
- .Strictly accurate
- :The text says "strictly accurate." Say "accurate."
- .The remains
- :The text says "the remains." If you meany the body say "the body."
- .Time interval
- :The text says "time interval." Just say "interval."
- .True fact
- :The text says "true fact(s)." Just say "fact(s)."
- .Ultimate end
- :The text says "ultimate end." Just say "end."
- .Usual rule
- :The text says "usual rule." Just say "rule."
- .Uniformly consistent
- :The text says "uniformly consistent." Just say "consistent" or "uniform."
- .Viable alternative
- :The text says "viable alternative." Just say "alternative."
- .Viable option
- :The text says "viable option(s)." Just say "options."
- .Visible to the eye
- :The text says "visible to the eye." Just say "visible,"
- unless you are trying to distinguish your subject from things visible to the
- ear or nose.
- .A ten-foot pole
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Beg the question
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Brilliant performance
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Busy as a bee
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Chip off the old block
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Crack of dawn
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Crying shame
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Down to earth
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Follow in the footsteps
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .In one ear
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Good Samaritan
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .After all is said and done
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Happy as a lark
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Loss for words
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Fell swoop
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Beating around the bush
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Beat around the bush
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Beat about the bush
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Beating about the bush
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Bite the bullet
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Bored to tears
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Bored to death
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Few and far between
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Follow in the footsteps
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Hightailed it out
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Hotfooted it out
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Hoping against hope
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .In the last analysis
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Bottom line
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Clear as a bell
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .This day and age
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Goes without saying
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Bull in a china shop
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Hog on ice
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Water off a duck's back
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Bundle of joy
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Blood boil
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Nipped in the bud
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Nip it in the bud
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .No thinking man
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Over and done with
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Selling like hot cakes
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Slept like a log
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Sleep like a log
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Stick to your guns
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .From the hip
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Depths of despair
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Picture of health
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Powers that be
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Spitting image
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Spilled milk
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Stick out like a sore thumb
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Sticks out like a sore thumb
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Stretch the truth
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Stretches the truth
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .The bitter end
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Very picture of
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Water over the damn
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- .Water under the bridge
- :Revise to eliminate the following trite expression:
- ..Allcond
- :.
- .Ha* preference
- :The text says "has(have)...a preference." Say "prefer."
- .Spell* out
- :The text says "spell(s)...out." Say "explain(s)."
- .Take* consideration
- :The text says "take(s)....Consideration." Say "consider(s)."
- ..end