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Eliminate unnecessary expressions Limit long lead-ins Drop unnecessary fillers Remove redundant words Dump trite expressions Avoid slang and clichés

Instead of this

We are of the opinion that

Please feel free to

In addition to the above

At this point in time

Despite the fact that

Try this

We think

Please

Also

Now

Although

Instead of this

This memo is to inform you that all employees meet today.

I am writing this letter to say thanks to everyone who voted.

Try this

All employees meet today.

Thanks to everyone who voted.

Revise sentences to avoid fillers such as there is/was and it is/was when used merely to take up space.

Instead of this

There was only one employee who should be promoted.

It was Lisa and Jeff who were honored.

Try this

Only one employee should be promoted.

Lisa and Jeff were honored.

Avoid unnecessarily repetitious words. What words could be omitted in these expressions?

advance warningclose proximityexactly identicalfilled to capacityfinal outcomenecessary requisitenew beginningpast historyrefer backserious danger

Trite and Outdated

as per your request

pursuant to your request

attached hereto

under separate cover

Modern

at your request

at your request

attached

separately

Avoid informal expressions that have changed meanings.

Avoid clichés. Substitute more precise words.

Try this

We could go no further.

Instead of this

We had reached the end of our rope.