Trim The Fat Of Your Words
Trim is sexy or so they say. Normally acquainted with weigh tloss, trim is also sexy when it comes to words. By cutting out the fluff in our conversation we manage to attract. Like showing off a fit body we can also show our buff writing when we compose posts.
I have a confession to make. Lately I’ve been checking myself out. Opposed to the mirror where I steal the occasional glimpse I’ve been checking out my word fat. While doing this I noticed an interesting trend.
My most popular posts are those when I write at my best. Namely using short sentences. Concise, to the point without embellishments. I admit, I can ramble on a bit if I fail to watch myself.
The worst bits of fat in my writing are words like:
- and
- that
- which
- don’t (and all other negative senses)
- get
- there is/there are
- plus overused phrases
Admittedly it does take some concentration to eliminate those fatty bits when I construct a post. On the other hand this exhilarating exercise helps me to become better. So I decided to set myself a challenge.
In the next week I will totally eliminate those fatty, ugly words from my writing. I’m sure it is a bit of a challenge, but hey, I’m up for it.
Plus, I will put my word where my mouth is. The first person to call me out on using either of those words in the next week will win a copy of Ebele’s ebook titled Blood, Sweat & Coffee. Courtesy of “my humble self” here at Freelance Writing.
Would you like to join me in trimming some fat of your words too?
Monika
About the Author: I'm a passionate freelance writer and problogger. To further build my business I'm also in the process of building my own niche empire which pays me residual income.
Lillie Ammann | Jun 17, 2008 | Reply
Monika,
We’ve been thinking alike again.
I recently wrote a guest post at Poewar Writers Resource Center titled Get Rid of Ugly Wordiness: How to Cut Your Novel Down to Size.
Monika | Jun 17, 2008 | Reply
@ Lillie: It seems we did too. By the way, I received both of your comments, they were stuck in moderating hell instead.
Thanks for that link too, I’m hoping over there now.
Kathy | Jun 18, 2008 | Reply
ACK! I wish I thought like you do!!!
Great post! Great article! I’ve got a client who needs a writer and I’m sending her this post!
Thanks again Monika!
jay | Jun 18, 2008 | Reply
ya,u r right.
almost each blogger face this problem but some have nicely trimmed writing.
Brett Legree | Jun 18, 2008 | Reply
Monika,
I try to do this at my “day job” as well – so often my company generates 50 page reports when a 3 page memo would suffice. Brevity is a good thing.
You are right – it is not easy to do this.
Hey, I love that big green monster
Thanks for the words today – Brett
Daniel Smith | Jun 18, 2008 | Reply
Monika,
Great post! (And great stuff over the past week, actually – I’ve just been so busy I’ve been following in Reader, but I apologize for not clicking through to comment again until now.)
I remember my favourite English teacher of all time once told us
(Of course sometimes I do like to use it anyway… for rhythm?)
thatthe word “that” could be cut out of sentences 90% of the time. When you stop to think about it, you can’t help but seethatit’s true.And you can add me to the great-minds-think-alike group today – I just wrote a post yesterday on the importance of brevity in writing, and how Twitter can help us hone our craft of concision.
As always, keep up the great work, and good luck cutting out the fat this week!
Daniel Smith
Smithereens Blog:
Persuasion, Productivity & Prose
Monika | Jun 18, 2008 | Reply
@ Kathy: I’m sure you do. Judging by your great blog you have nothing to worry about.
Thank you for sending clients my way. I surely appreciate this. Might have to start dishing out spotters fees like the real estate agents. Come to think about it… Glad you like the post. It will be challenging to cut out the fat but I will try real hard.
Monika | Jun 18, 2008 | Reply
@ Jay: Thank you. I see it is your first visit here. I look forward to seeing you back sometime.
Monika | Jun 18, 2008 | Reply
@ Brett: Isn’t the monster kind of cute? I thought so myself and it fits the message well I think.
Just like you said I think a lot of paper clutter could actually be saved by eliminating fatty words. It isn’t just great for the looks of the written product but also for the environment.
Maybe we should con it “green writing”.
Monika | Jun 18, 2008 | Reply
@ Daniel: It’s ok, you are here now, aren’t you? I appreciate you took the time to stop over. I know how busy most of us are. I just read your post too, it is very well written.
Your English teacher must have been a very clever man. What he said makes perfect sense. You also managed to demonstrate this rather well, so thank you for doing this. Nothing drives a point home stronger than an actual exercise.
ebele (ze mango queen) | Jun 19, 2008 | Reply
…and she said “There is a saying that that which don’t kill ya will get yo ass stronger’er than a horse’s hoofity hoof.
hugs…
ebele (ze mango queen) | Jun 19, 2008 | Reply
I think my comments are going into your spam box, again. (sniffle, sniffle)
Monika | Jun 19, 2008 | Reply
@ Ebele: nah my friend, you are cool. It’s just my lazy bum not being attentive enough.
Ta for the fatty words.
Brett Legree | Jun 19, 2008 | Reply
@Monika,
That’s what you feel and look like after you eat lunch at a local burger joint
but the burgers are so good (no fried egg & beetroot, unfortunately)
That’s an excellent idea. Green writing.
-Brett
Patricia | Jun 21, 2008 | Reply
Hi there, trimming fatty words is a good idea. It makes sentences shorter and smarter. Been practicing the idea since January. Great observation.
Cath Lawson | Jun 23, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika – This is a great competition idea. I never noticed excessive fat in your writing but I’ll be watching out for it if there’s a chance of winning a good book.
Monika | Jun 24, 2008 | Reply
@ Patricia: Thank you, I guess I came upon the idea because I see myself rambling on at times. Putting a stop to it is a challenge but a fun one.
Monika | Jun 24, 2008 | Reply
@ Cath: You better. I have this really cool book (you know). If nobody catches me out it will only collect digital dust.