Good composition includes slashing all needless words from your business writing. But to do that, you must make a conscious effort to spot them. Reviewing our list of superfluous words will help you stay attentive to when they crop up. Here’s a new list to start the new year, with 20 examples that will help you clarify your language:

Eliminate 

quite clearly

when all is said and done 

 

Reduce

cooperate together

drop down

over exaggerate

oral conversation

protest against

every single

joyous celebration

witness first hand

 

Replace with one word 

all of a sudden    suddenly

almost never    seldom

in all probability    probably

in the vicinity of    near

in the midst of    during

it seems at first glance    initially

extend an invitation    invite

make a determination    determine

(the) manner in which    (the) way

regardless of the fact that    although