Wordy phrases

Definition

Wordy phrases refer to unnecessarily lengthy or complicated expressions that can obscure meaning and make writing less clear. In journalism, concise language is essential for effective communication, so avoiding wordy phrases helps to deliver information quickly and clearly to the audience. Recognizing and eliminating these phrases improves the overall quality of news articles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wordy phrases can lead to reader confusion, as they may distract from the main point or message that the writer intends to convey.
2. Common examples of wordy phrases include expressions like 'due to the fact that' instead of simply saying 'because' or 'in order to' instead of just 'to'.
3. Journalists should aim for brevity, typically favoring shorter sentences that convey essential information without unnecessary embellishment.
4. Editing for wordiness often involves identifying redundancies and removing filler words that do not add value to the content.
5. A good practice in journalism is to read articles aloud during editing; this helps catch awkward phrasing and identify areas where clarity can be improved.

Review Questions

• How can eliminating wordy phrases improve the effectiveness of news articles?
  • Eliminating wordy phrases enhances the effectiveness of news articles by making the writing clearer and more direct. This allows readers to quickly grasp key points without getting bogged down in unnecessary complexity. A concise style maintains reader interest and improves overall comprehension, which is crucial in fast-paced news environments where clarity is paramount.
• What are some common strategies journalists can use to identify and reduce wordy phrases in their writing?
  • Journalists can identify and reduce wordy phrases by carefully reviewing their writing for common culprits such as redundant expressions or filler words. Using tools like readability checkers can also help pinpoint areas where sentences can be simplified. Additionally, seeking feedback from editors or peers can provide fresh perspectives on improving conciseness and clarity in writing.
• Evaluate the impact of using wordy phrases on reader engagement and understanding in journalism, particularly in a digital age.
  • Using wordy phrases can significantly diminish reader engagement and understanding, especially in today's fast-paced digital environment where audiences skim content for quick information. If articles are cluttered with unnecessary language, readers may lose interest or misunderstand key points, leading to decreased trust in the publication. Journalists must prioritize clear and concise communication to effectively reach their audience and hold their attention amidst an abundance of information available online.

Related terms

Conciseness:

Conciseness is the quality of expressing information clearly and in as few words as possible, which is crucial in journalism to maintain reader engagement.

Active Voice: Active voice is a grammatical structure where the subject of the sentence performs the action, making sentences more direct and lively compared to passive voice.

Clarity:

Clarity refers to the quality of being easily understood, which is essential in news writing to ensure that readers grasp the information without confusion.