I was in elementary school the first time I realized I loved writing. However, I soon realized that writing the fiction I loved to read, and writing non-fiction, was very different.
When you’re writing your blogs or other content, every word should have meaning and tell your story. Using redundant phrases gets in the way of readability and lessens the impact.
Here are some common two-word redundant phrases to eliminate. Use one word or the other, not both:
- close proximity
- join together
- large in size
- past history
- past experience
- daily basis
- added bonus
- completely full
- circulate around
- final outcome
- invited guests
- general public
- future plans
- free gift
- armed shooter
- advance planning
- major breakthrough
- revert back
- sum total
- still continues
- true fact
- unexpected surprise
- unsolved mystery
- twelve midnight
Many write the way they talk. You may say, “It was an unexpected surprise!” however writing both is not necessary. Saying them isn’t either, but old habits are hard to break.
If you make “plans,” they are for the future. A”gift” is always “free” (at least it should be, or it’s not a gift). If something is “true,” then it is a “fact.”
Many are reading on devices, with limited time. Writing tight and concise gets to the point and drives a clear message.
Try it…let me know what you think.