Avoid Clichés and other Unnecessarily Long Phrases
While it may me tempting to infuse your writing with flowery sentences and phrases that you think add flair, using clichés and wordy phrases often creates writing that is hollow. Instead, avoid using clichés or at the very least use them sparingly. Also, edit long phrases for conciseness. Your reader will thank you.
Examples of Clichés: "Actions speak louder than words," "All's fair in love and war," and "As far as the eye can see"
Examples of Unnecessarily Long Phrases: "The cheerful Labrador puppy quickly and ecstatically ran to its owner in order to be gently rubbed by the hands of its master."
The above sentence could be edited to be read as follows: "The puppy ran to its owner to be petted."
It could also be broken into two complete thoughts: "The puppy ran to its master; it sought to be gently
petted."
Examples of Clichés: "Actions speak louder than words," "All's fair in love and war," and "As far as the eye can see"
Examples of Unnecessarily Long Phrases: "The cheerful Labrador puppy quickly and ecstatically ran to its owner in order to be gently rubbed by the hands of its master."
The above sentence could be edited to be read as follows: "The puppy ran to its owner to be petted."
It could also be broken into two complete thoughts: "The puppy ran to its master; it sought to be gently
petted."