Source: The Craft of Scientific Writing, Michael Alley

Avoid Redundancy and Unnecessary Phrases

The words in parentheses can be deleted. Unnecessary Phrases (already) existing introduced (a new) as a matter of fact it should be pointed out that (alternative) choices mix (together) I might add that the course of at (the) present (time) never (before) it is noteworthy that the fact that (basic) fundamentals none (at all) it is significant that the presence of (completely) eliminate now (at this time) as a matter of fact it should be pointed out that (continue to) remain period (of time) (currently) being start (out)

Use Only the Necessary Words Use Strong Verbs Excessive words … Reduced to .. Weak Verb Phrase Strong Verb at this point in time now made the arrangements for arranged at this point in time then made the decision decided has the ability to can made the measurement of measured has the potential to can performed the development of developed in light of the fact that because is beginning begins in the event that if is following follows in the vicinity of near is used to detect detects owing to the fact that because the question as to whether whether there is no doubt but that no doubt

Vary Sentence Openers Subject – Verb Mount St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980.

Prepositional Phrase Within minutes, the cloud devastated more than 500 square kilometers of forests and lakes.

Transition Words Recently, debate has arisen over the source of steam.

Introductory Clause Although the effects of the eruption were well documented, the origin is not well understood.

Infinitive Phrase To understand the source of steam in volcanic eruptions, we have to determine how much water the magma contains.

Verb (question) Is it ground water heated by magma or water originally dissolved in the magma itself?

Use Precise and Informative Language • Instead of "large", "long", and "near", give exact measurements, weights, dimensions, and ingredients. • Specify location and spatial relationships: "above", "behind", "adjacent", "overlappnig". • Specify position: "horizontal", "vertical", "parallel" • Avoid judgmental words such as "impressive", "poor", "beautiful" unless your judgment is

supported by facts