omit needless words | Definition

“Omit needless words” advises scientific writers to remove redundant or irrelevant words, ensuring clarity and conciseness in communication.

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The Principle of “Omit Needless Words” in Scientific Writing

Clear and precise communication is essential in scientific writing. The principle of “omit needless words,” famously advocated by William Strunk in The Elements of Style, encourages writers to eliminate redundant words or phrases that add bulk without adding meaning. In scientific writing, where accuracy and efficiency are paramount, this principle guides authors to streamline their language, focusing on clarity and simplicity.

Using fewer words helps convey complex ideas in a way that is easier for readers to understand and process. By omitting needless words, scientific writers can communicate their findings more directly and effectively, facilitating better comprehension among peers, reviewers, and the wider public.

Why Redundancy Hurts Scientific Communication

Redundant language, such as extra adjectives, wordy phrases, and unnecessary qualifiers, can dilute the impact of scientific writing. This type of language:

1. Reduces Clarity: Unnecessary words make sentences more complex, making it harder for readers to follow the main point.
2. Increases Cognitive Load: Wordy passages require more mental energy to process, slowing down the reading process and risking misinterpretation of the information.
3. Distracts from Key Information: Extraneous details can overshadow the critical findings, reducing the effectiveness of the research report.
4. Consumes Valuable Space: Journal publications and grant proposals often have strict word or page limits. Concise writing helps ensure that the most critical points are made within these constraints.

Common Redundant Phrases in Scientific Writing

Certain phrases and constructions are frequent culprits in scientific writing. Recognizing and editing these phrases helps writers avoid unnecessary complexity. Below are some common examples of redundant phrases along with more concise alternatives:

• “Due to the fact that” → Replace with “because” or “since.”
• “In order to” → Use simply “to.”
• “It is important to note that” → Omit or, if necessary, start directly with the key point.
• “At this point in time” → Use “now” or “currently.”
• “The reason why is that” → Simplify to “because.”

Using concise alternatives to these phrases can substantially streamline scientific writing and make findings more accessible.

Strategies for Omitting Needless Words

Adopting concise language requires practice. Here are several strategies for making scientific writing more succinct:

1. Identify and Remove Redundancy

Look for phrases that add length but little value. For example:

• Instead of saying, “The study conducted by the researchers concluded that…” simplify it to “The study concluded that…”

2. Use Strong Verbs

Opt for precise verbs that convey meaning clearly without relying on additional qualifiers.

• Weak: “This study has an effect on…”
• Strong: “This study influences…”

3. Avoid Unnecessary Qualifiers

Words like “very,” “quite,” and “basically” are often unnecessary. Scientific writing benefits from confidence and specificity, so remove qualifiers that dilute the impact.

• Weak: “The results are quite significant.”
• Strong: “The results are significant.”

4. Condense Long Phrases

Long phrases often have shorter, more direct equivalents.

• Extended: “A majority of”
• Concise: “Most”

5. Eliminate Redundant Adjectives and Adverbs

Many adjectives and adverbs are unnecessary, especially in scientific writing where specificity is preferred.

• Redundant: “completely finished”
• Concise: “finished”

6. Avoid Repeating Information

In scientific writing, each sentence should contribute new information. Repeating the same idea in different words only adds length without adding value.

Examples of “Omit Needless Words” in Practice

Applying the principle to scientific writing often requires a careful read-through to identify areas for tightening. Here are examples of how to revise wordy sentences:

• Original: “It is interesting to note that the findings of the study indicate a high level of correlation between the two variables.”
• Revised: “The findings indicate a high correlation between the two variables.”
• Original: “There is a possibility that the treatment might be able to reduce symptoms in a significant number of cases.”
• Revised: “The treatment may reduce symptoms in many cases.”

Benefits of Concise Scientific Writing

Writing concisely has several benefits in the scientific field, all of which improve communication and understanding:

• Enhanced Readability: Shorter sentences with fewer words are easier to read, allowing readers to absorb information faster.
• Improved Comprehension: Readers are more likely to understand and retain information presented concisely.
• Increased Focus on Key Points: By eliminating unnecessary words, the primary message becomes clearer and more impactful.

Conclusion

The “omit needless words” principle is an invaluable guideline for scientific writers aiming to improve clarity, precision, and accessibility. By practicing concise writing, scientists can communicate more effectively, ensure that their findings are accurately understood, and make a greater impact in their field.

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Last Modified: 10/30/2024