Wordiness creeps into everyone's writing.

Wordiness creeps into every writer's work. Here are just a few examples of common wordy phrases and their potential concise alternatives.

Wordy Phrase >>> Potential Alternative(s)
is able to >>> can
due to the fact that >>> because
in an effort to >>> to
in order to >>> to
in regard to >>> about or on
in the course of >>> during or in
in the near future >>> soon
in view of >>> since
in view of the above >>> so
afford an opportunity >>> allow
on a daily basis >>> daily
by means of >>> by

If you would like a dictionary of fancy words and wordy phrases set opposite their potential alternatives, the Plain English Campaign offers one you can download.

www.PlainEnglish.co.uk/guides.html

Note that this organization is based in the United Kingdom and that some words are spelled differently in British English than in American English. The most common difference is that British English often spells words with "ISE" that American English spells with "IZE." For example, o-r-g-a-n-i-s-a-t-i-o-n is the British spelling of organization.