“Make every word tell”: this sound advice from The Elements of Style speaks not only to making your texts concise, but to ensuring you stick to strong language and avoid wasting words. Why write “exceeding the speed limit” when “speeding” is less wordy and more powerful? Check out our latest list of superfluous words to strike from your writing.
Reduce
overexaggerate
oftentimes
it is possible that nothing will come of the situation nothing may come of it
Reduce to one word
any particular type of
feedback received
full gamut
overall focus
might possibly
brand new
skirt around
exceed the speed limit
as is often the case
awkward predicament
orbit around
neighbor next door
Replace with one word
a piece of writing text
last but not least lastly; finally
up in the air unknown
during the time when
believe but cannot confirm assume