The Art of Concision Vocabulary

the subject performs the action, creating direct and vigorous prose

“The committee approved the plan. (Not: The plan was approved by the committee.)”

Origin: Latin `activus` (active), contrasted with passive voice

specific, vivid verbs that replace weak verb + adverb combinations

“She sprinted. (Not: She ran quickly.) He muttered. (Not: He said quietly.)”

Origin: From the power of precise, muscular verbs

turning verbs into nouns, often weakening prose

“We made a decision. (Weak.) We decided. (Strong.) Avoid unnecessary nominalizations.”

Origin: From Latin `nomen` (name), converting verbs to noun forms

'there is' or 'it is' constructions that delay the real subject

“There are many reasons to act. (Weak.) Many reasons compel us to act. (Strong.)”

Origin: Latin `expletivus` (serving to fill out)

unnecessary repetition of meaning

“Free gift, past history, advance planning. Just: gift, history, planning.”

Origin: Latin `redundare` (to overflow)

using more words than necessary

“At this point in time → now. In the event that → if. Due to the fact that → because.”

Origin: Latin `verbosus` (wordy), from `verbum` (word)

qualifiers that weaken certainty unnecessarily

“I sort of think we should maybe consider... Just say: We should consider.”

Origin: From 'hedging one's bets'—protecting against commitment

unnecessary preamble before the main point

“I'd like to take this opportunity to say that I believe... Just say what you believe.”

Origin: From literally clearing one's throat before speaking