{"id":62444,"date":"2022-03-08T22:42:13","date_gmt":"2022-03-09T02:42:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/?p=62444"},"modified":"2022-03-18T11:40:46","modified_gmt":"2022-03-18T15:40:46","slug":"cluttered-writing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/cluttered-writing\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Fix Cluttered Writing: Stop Doing These 5 Things"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What exactly is cluttered writing? How does unnecessary wordiness compromise your writing? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In his book On Writing Well, <\/em>William Zinsser points out five common types of clutter: wordy phrases, euphemisms, adverbs, too many adjectives, and qualifiers. By reducing or eliminating these types of clutter in your writing, you will write more clearly and communicate your point more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s look at a few common types of cluttered writing and how to avoid them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Eliminate Clutter<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In his book On Writing Well, <\/em>William Zinsser asserts that simple writing<\/a> can\u2019t have clutter. Clutter is a word or phrase that doesn\u2019t add meaning to your sentence, thus needlessly increasing the number of words in your sentence. Zinsser believes that it\u2019s your job as a writer to carefully select the right words and delete clutter\u2014this is part of what makes writing a craft. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zinsser explains that by adding redundant words to your sentences, clutter forces the reader to do unnecessary work to understand your meaning. She might not have the patience to read a page of information that could be condensed to a paragraph. She\u2019ll lose interest and stop reading. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you think a word or phrase is clutter, Zinsser suggests bracketing it, rather than marking it out. Then you can analyze the sentence with and without the bracketed section. Decide if it adds anything to the sentence\u2014if not, it\u2019s clutter and should be deleted. Bracketing will train you to look for clutter and to make conscious decisions about what to include in your writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, imagine a memo that reads, \u201cWe\u2019re in the process of renovating our offices.\u201d This sentence could be revised to, \u201cWe\u2019re renovating our offices.\u201d Readers understand that renovations are a process, so \u201cin the process of\u201d is clutter and can be omitted without losing information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clutter and Cutting the Fat<\/strong>

Another way to think of clutter is to consider your writing like a nutritious meal. Eliminating clutter is \u201ccutting the fat<\/a>\u201d of writing\u2014anything that\u2019s unnecessary and doesn\u2019t add value to the \u201cmeat\u201d or substance of what you\u2019re saying. Then add descriptions to your writing\u2014this is like the fruits, vegetables, and sauces that add color and flavor to your meal. The key is to create a balanced meal by eliminating unhealthy fat.

If you\u2019re struggling to cut the fat (and bracketing doesn\u2019t work), try using an online editor like the Hemingway App<\/a>. This tool highlights hard-to-read sentences, adverbs, passive voice, and other ways your writing may sound confusing. Like Zinsser\u2019s bracketing technique, this lets you evaluate your writing and make thoughtful changes. But be careful not to rely exclusively on these kinds of tools<\/a>\u2014they shouldn\u2019t be a crutch. Rather, they should help you develop a keener eye for words that aren\u2019t doing necessary work. <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s look at a few common types of cluttered writing. If you come across them in your writing, bracket them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Wordy Phrases<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Zinsser argues that wordy phrases can be a source of clutter if those phrases take the place of single words that have the same meaning. For example, \u201cin the event that\u201d or \u201cfor the purpose of\u201d are both common phrases that create clutter. In this case, you can reduce these phrases to \u201cif\u201d and \u201cfor\u201d since these words concisely convey the idea of the phrases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To eliminate cluttered writing, choose the word instead of the phrase. The word is usually better at conveying the meaning anyway\u2014it has a purpose and a place in our language for a reason. For example, \u201cDuring the course of the investigation, prosecutors found evidence.\u201d \u201cDuring\u201d means \u201cthroughout the course or duration of.\u201d To say \u201cduring the course of\u201d is redundant, and could be simplified to, \u201cDuring the investigation, prosecutors found evidence.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t Clear Your Throat on Paper<\/strong>

Some experts refer to these wordy phrases as a form of \u201cthroat-clearing,\u201d or a preamble to your writing<\/a>. Throat-clearing prepares the reader for what they\u2019re about to read rather than getting to the point<\/a> of the sentence or story. This habit is the written equivalent of \u201clike,\u201d \u201cum,\u201d and \u201cuh\u201d for public speakers\u2014it\u2019s filler. It often has the effect of making a writer sound insecure or unsure of what she\u2019s writing. 

Experts note that these \u201cthroat-clearing\u201d phrases can be omitted without losing any meaning<\/a>:

-It is important to note that\u2026
-I further point out that\u2026
-An important aspect, which must not be overlooked, is that\u2026
-It would appear to be the case that\u2026
-It should be emphasized that\u2026

Use these phrases to pinpoint ideas in your writing that need to be emphasized or developed. Then expand on those ideas, and delete those phrases from your draft. <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Euphemisms<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To achieve simplicity, Zinsser also recommends avoiding euphemisms: words or phrases that indirectly talk about a taboo or embarrassing topic. Euphemisms complicate your writing because readers must interpret your true meaning. For example, \u201cit left a lot to be desired\u201d is an indirect and more complex way of saying, \u201cit was bad.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cultural Context of Euphemisms<\/strong>

In addition to being a source of clutter, other experts believe that euphemisms are culturally dependent phrases and therefore may not be understood by people outside your culture. Misunderstandings can arise because euphemisms can be shaped by truths unique to particular nationalities<\/a>, so the full connotation of a phrase may not be readily apparent.

-For example, American euphemisms obscure words that aren\u2019t offensive to begin with. For example, \u201cin the family way\u201d replaces \u201cpregnant,\u201d and \u201cpreviously owned\u201d replaces \u201cused.\u201d Some researchers believe this reflects the American pursuit of perfection.\u00a0

-In contrast, euphemisms in China reflect a value of respect and politeness. For example, rather than directly turn down an invitation, someone might say that something is \u201cnot convenient,\u201d which people understand to mean \u201cno.\u201d\u00a0

While euphemisms serve a purpose in verbal communication, not everyone will understand the cultural context behind these phrases. Therefore, reconsider using euphemisms in your writing.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Adverbs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Zinsser contends that adverbs are one of the most common sources of clutter for writers, and they signal areas where you can condense two or more words into one. Adverbs modify verbs, explaining how<\/em> someone does something. They often end in \u201c-ly.\u201d For example, \u201cloudly,\u201d \u201cquietly,\u201d and \u201cslowly\u201d are all adverbs that describe how someone might perform an action. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adverbs are clutter because a verb already implies how someone is performing that action. For example, writing \u201cran quickly\u201d is redundant since \u201crun\u201d already implies quickness. So including \u201cquickly\u201d doesn\u2019t add anything to the reader\u2019s understanding. If a verb doesn\u2019t convey the meaning of the adverb, find a more specific verb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zinsser recommends that when you find yourself using many adverbs, go back and bracket them with the verb they modify. Decide if your verb already conveys the meaning of the adverb. If it does, delete the adverb. If it doesn\u2019t, consult your dictionary or thesaurus to find one word that captures the meaning of the two words you bracketed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, \u201cwhile the dog slept peacefully in the corner, a mouse quickly ran away from the cat.\u201d Bracket the adverbs with the verbs they modify: \u201cWhile the dog [slept peacefully] in the corner, a mouse [quickly ran] away from the cat.\u201d What word could replace \u201cslept peacefully\u201d? Consider slumbered, dozed, or napped. What word could replace \u201cquickly ran\u201d? Consider scurried, dashed, or darted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Avoid Adverbs: Describe Context, Not Action<\/strong>

Like Zinsser, Stephen King also advises against using adverbs<\/a>, particularly in dialogue. Weak writers use adverbs in dialogue to break up the monotony, as in \u201c\u2018Put down the gun,\u2019 Sean pleaded tentatively.\u201d King recommends deleting the adverb and defaulting to the simple \u201che said, she said\u201d dialogue construction. 

Then, instead of describing how he said something, describe the context of the situation. For example, you might explain that Sean felt his heart rate quicken or noticed his breath becoming shallow. If you describe a timid character in a frightening situation (such as having a gun pointed at him), the reader will make the connection that he was tentative or scared when he said, \u201cPut down the gun.\u201d Thus the context will provide more information than overexplaining how an action was performed.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4. Adjectives<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Zinsser cautions against using too many adjectives because they can be redundant, thus creating cluttered writing. Adjectives describe nouns and provide detail. But some nouns already convey the idea of the adjective. For example, writing \u201cthe green grass\u201d is redundant because grass is naturally green. But if the grass was \u201cbrown\u201d or \u201cdying,\u201d including those adjectives adds detail your reader didn\u2019t already know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zinsser believes you should use adjectives sparingly. Then when you do use an adjective, it\u2019ll be more impactful because it\u2019ll add detail that the reader couldn\u2019t have inferred from the noun or verb. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interpretive vs. Descriptive Adjectives<\/strong>

Since Zinsser advises against using many adjectives, how do you provide detail in your writing? Other writers argue that the type<\/em> of adjective you use matters. They recommend that you avoid interpretive adjectives<\/a>, or adjectives that are imprecise because they are up to the reader\u2019s interpretation. For example, \u201cthe impressive building\u201d doesn\u2019t provide much detail. \u201cImpressive\u201d is up to the reader\u2019s interpretation\u2014what kind of building does she think is impressive? Two impressive buildings might not look anything alike.

Instead of interpretive adjectives, opt for descriptive adjectives. These are adjectives that are less likely to be misinterpreted because they reflect an objective truth or observation. For example, saying \u201cthe ornate Victorian manor\u201d or \u201cthe contemporary white house\u201d is more descriptive than \u201cimpressive building.\u201d<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

5. Qualifiers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another way to simplify your writing is to avoid qualifiers, or words that modify the meaning of other words (particularly nouns) rather than adding meaning of their own. For example, \u201creally,\u201d \u201cprobably,\u201d \u201cI think,\u201d and \u201cvery\u201d are all qualifiers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To simplify your writing, Zinsser recommends finding one word that encapsulates the meaning behind your modifier and the word it\u2019s modifying. For example, instead of writing \u201cfairly cold,\u201d consider \u201ccool.\u201d You\u2019ll use fewer words while also providing a more accurate description, thus achieving simpler writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Identify Your Crutch Words<\/strong>

For many writers, qualifiers fall under the category of \u201ccrutch words<\/a>.\u201d These are the words that each writer personally falls back on and uses too often. One expert recommends always<\/em> deleting \u201cvery,\u201d \u201cquite,\u201d and \u201creally\u201d since they make your writing sound weaker.

She also suggests creating a list of your personal crutch words. To do this, read through your writing and find your most overused words and phrases. You can also use a text reading software to read your work to you. Often, hearing your work can highlight your crutch words.

Once you\u2019ve identified your common crutch words, refer to this list when editing your drafts. If you\u2019re using a computer, try using a Find or text search tool to search for each word or phrase. Then eliminate your crutch words or find synonyms to replace them with a more precise word.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What exactly is cluttered writing? How does unnecessary wordiness compromise your writing? In his book On Writing Well, William Zinsser points out five common types of clutter: wordy phrases, euphemisms, adverbs, too many adjectives, and qualifiers. By reducing or eliminating these types of clutter in your writing, you will write more clearly and communicate your point more effectively. Let\u2019s look at a few common types of cluttered writing and how to avoid them.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":62537,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[34,15],"tags":[588],"class_list":["post-62444","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-communication","category-education","tag-on-writing-well","","tg-column-two"],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Fix Cluttered Writing: Stop Doing These 5 Things - Shortform Books<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Cluttered writing is redundant, confusing, and frustrating. 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