Wordiness

Wordiness is taking more words than necessary to make your point. It may
take the form of redundant expressions or phrases. To be sure, longer
expressions may be appropriate at times as a matter of style or to avoid
ambiguity. But some business writers clutter their sentences and paragraphs
with words, phrases, and expressions that needlessly distract the reader.

Consistent elimination of wordiness results in a stronger, more concise writing

style that is easier to read and provides fewer opportunities for
misinterpretation. In contrast, a wordy style makes reading laborious and, thus,
encourages skimming and leads to inattention. Do you wish the reader to
carefully consider your message? If so, reduce wordiness to the extent
possible. The examples below provide guidance for avoiding general forms of
wordiness.
General Examples of Wordiness Better Phrases or Words

absolutely essential essential

according to per
all of all (or each)
are connected with relate to
as a result thus
as long as if
at all times always
at this time now (or currently)
close proximity proximity
consensus of opinion consensus
despite the fact that even though
due to the fact that since (or because)
few in number few
first and foremost first
for the production of to produce
for the purpose of for (or to)
for the reason that since (or because)
has (or needs) to must (or should)
if�, then � if�, �
in a given each
in accordance with according to
in an attempt (effort) to to
in connection with about
in order for for
in order to to
in point of fact in fact
in reference to about
in (or with) regard to regarding (or about)
in the event that if
in view of the fact that since (or because)
inasmuch as since (or because)
is allowed (able or entitled) to can
is located in is in
is required to must (or should)
it should be noted that OMIT
look into consider
making a determination (decision) determining (deciding)
more often than not often must (or should)
needs (or has) to must (or should)
not allow prevent (or preclude)
not different similar
not include omit
on the basis of based on (or since)
owing to the fact that since (or because)
past history history
payment made to paid to
prior to the limitation on before limits
small in size (number) small
subsequent to the use of after using
that limits (or other verb after “that”) limiting (i.e., the verb’s ing form)
the creation of (or other “-tion” noun) creating (i.e., the noun’s ing form)
there are (or there is) CONSIDER OMITTING
whether or not whether
will be able to can
will depend upon depends on
will have to must (or should)
with reference to regarding
with regard to regarding (or about)
with the exception of except
Defined broadly, wordiness also might include using words with multiple
syllables where simpler words would suffice. Some common examples are
listed below.

Words with Multiple Syllables Simpler Words

although though
altogether together
anticipate expect
because since
commence begin (or start)
consequently thus
into in
oftentimes often
therefore thus
upon on
utilize use
whenever when
within in

Tax-related terms and phrases often can be expressed more concisely or

abbreviated. Citations to tax authority, in particular, should be shortened to
avoid unnecessary clutter, especially in technical research memos. For
example, Internal Revenue Code section 101 can be clearly stated as �101. In
tax practice, a statutory reference is assumed to be to Title 26 (i.e., the Internal
Revenue Code) unless otherwise noted. Thus, explicit references to the Code
are usually unnecessary. (Caveat: Tax-related wordiness might be appropriate
in some forms of written communications, such as client letters). Common
examples of tax-related wordiness and recommended substitutions are listed
below.

Tax-Related Wordiness Better Expressions

Code section 61 �61 (or Sec. 61 at beginning of

sentence)
Commissioner of Internal Revenue Comm. or CIR
credit against tax liability credit
deduction from gross income deduction (unless
distinguishing between
exempt from gross income (or for and from AGI deductions)
taxation) exempt
in Smith v. U.S.,the court held Smith v. U.S. held
in the case of Smith v. U.S. in Smith v. U.S.
included in gross income gross income
income which is subject to taxation gross income
 Internal Revenue Code Code (or omit if part of specific cite)
Internal Revenue Service IRS
Regulation �1.101-1 Reg. �1.101-1
Revenue Ruling 83-24 Rev. Rul. 83-24
take (or claim) a credit for credit
take (or claim) a deduction for deduct
tax deductible deductible
tax exempt exempt
the Smith v. U.S. decision Smith v. U.S.
Treasury Regulation �1.101-1 Reg. �1.101-1
United States U.S.

Consider the following example containing wordiness.

Wordy Example: In the case of Mais (TC, 1968), the taxpayer was able
to exclude from gross income embezzled funds that
were repaid during the year the funds were embezzled
but the taxpayer was not allowed to exclude embezzled
funds to be repaid in a subsequent year.

Edited Example: In the case of Mais (TC, 1968) allowed the

taxpayerwas able to to exclude from gross
income embezzled funds that were repaid during
the same year the funds were embezzled but the
taxpayer was not allowed to exclude embezzled funds
to be those repaid in asubsequent later year.

Better Wording: Mais (TC, 1968) allowed the taxpayer to exclude

embezzled funds repaid during the same year but not
those repaid in a later year.

The original sentence contained 45 words. The corrected sentence contains

only 23 words, a 49% decrease. The corrected sentence contains just as much
information as the original; shortening the sentence creates no ambiguity.
However, the shorter sentence is easier to read and understand.

Another form of wordiness is the unnecessary use of legalese. Using

legalese can make your writing appear archaic, too formal, or stilted.
Examples of legalese include the following words: aforementioned,
aforesaid, hereto, heretofore, herewith, said (when used as an adjective),
thereby, therein, thereof, thereto, therefor (as opposed to the conjunction,
therefore), therewith, whereby, wherefore, wherein, and whereto. Often,
legalese can be omitted without changing a sentence�s meaning or
creating ambiguity. In other cases, simpler words can be substituted.
Using several consecutive prepositional phrases (i.e., prepositional strings)
is wordy and creates poor sentence rhythm. More importantly,
prepositional strings make sentences difficult to follow since prepositional
phrases are modifying the objects of preceding prepositional phrases. Readers
may need to reread the sentence to comprehend its meaning. Generally, use no
more than three consecutive prepositional phrases; however, even three
may be too many in some cases. One method to improve a sentence plagued
with prepositional strings is to convert one of the prepositional phrases�
objects to an adjective. Consider the following example, which contains four
consecutive prepositional phrases (prepositions are italicized in the initial
sentence).

Prepositional Strings:Ringo can deduct the $23,000 for the cost of the
poolat the new home as a medical expense.

Ringo can deduct the $23,000 for the cost of the new
Edited Version: home�s pool at the new home as a medical expense.

Better Sentence: Ringo can deduct the $23,000 cost of the new
home�s pool as a medical expense.

The sentence reads better after “new home” is converted into a modifier for
“pool.”

The word search capabilities in your word processing software can help you
find wordiness in your writing (e.g., searching for the phrase “in order”).
Consistent use of this technique can greatly reduce wordiness and, eventually,
can help you recognize wordiness without using your word processor�s
search function. In other words, conscientious and consistent practice can lead
to a stronger writing style and reduce the need for later searching and editing.

After reviewing this lesson, please take the wordiness self-tests. These tests
should help you recognize and correct instances of wordiness in your own
writing.

After reviewing all lessons, please take the comprehensive self tests. Also,
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