Wordy expressions are unnecessarily long phrases that clutter scientific writing, reduce clarity, and should be avoided for concise communication.
Understanding Wordy Expressions in Scientific Writing
In social science research, clear and precise writing is essential. Whether you’re preparing a research report, article, or presentation, how you express your ideas matters just as much as the content itself. One of the most common problems in scientific writing is the overuse of wordy expressions—phrases that are longer than necessary and make writing harder to read.
This entry explores what wordy expressions are, why they reduce clarity, how to recognize and revise them, and how avoiding them improves scientific communication. You’ll also find examples from different social science fields to illustrate the impact of wordiness in practice.
What Are Wordy Expressions?
More Words Than Necessary
Wordy expressions are phrases that use more words than needed to convey a simple idea. These expressions often include filler words, vague terms, or redundancy. Instead of helping the reader, they slow them down and blur the main point.
Here are a few examples of wordy expressions and more concise alternatives:
- “Due to the fact that” → “Because”
- “In order to” → “To”
- “A majority of” → “Most”
- “It is important to note that” → (Often unnecessary)
- “At the present time” → “Now”
Wordiness vs. Complexity
Wordy expressions are not the same as complex ideas. In social science, researchers often deal with complicated topics. But using long, vague phrases doesn’t make writing more sophisticated—it just makes it harder to understand.
Good scientific writing is about expressing complex ideas in clear, straightforward language.
Why Wordy Expressions Are a Problem
They Reduce Clarity
The main goal of scientific writing is to communicate ideas clearly. Wordy expressions get in the way. They make sentences longer, harder to follow, and more likely to confuse readers.
For example:
- Wordy: “It is necessary to conduct an analysis of the data in order to determine whether or not a relationship exists.”
- Clearer: “We analyzed the data to see if a relationship exists.”
They Waste the Reader’s Time
Scientific writing needs to get to the point. When writing is full of unnecessary words, readers must work harder to understand the main message, especially in abstracts, introductions, and conclusions.
They Obscure the Main Point
In long papers, wordiness can bury key findings. Readers may miss the most important ideas if they are hidden in extra words.
They Make Editing More Difficult
Wordy drafts are harder to revise. During editing, it’s tougher to spot weak arguments or unclear logic if each sentence is padded with filler.
Common Types of Wordy Expressions
Redundant Phrases
- “Each and every” → “Each”
- “End result” → “Result”
- “Past history” → “History”
Long-Winded Transitions
- “With regard to” → “About”
- “In the event that” → “If”
- “Despite the fact that” → “Although”
Unnecessary Lead-Ins
- “It is important to note that…” → (Often unnecessary)
- “There are many researchers who believe…” → “Many researchers believe…”
Inflated Language
- “Utilize” → “Use”
- “Prior to” → “Before”
- “Conduct an analysis of” → “Analyze”
Passive Voice Combined with Wordiness
- Wordy passive: “The data were subjected to an analysis in order to determine patterns.”
- Clearer: “Researchers analyzed the data to identify patterns.”
Strategies to Avoid Wordy Expressions
- Prefer active voice
- Replace long verb phrases with strong verbs
- Eliminate filler like “it is clear that…”
- Combine short, vague sentences
- Practice writing concisely and seek peer review
Examples in Social Science Writing
Psychology
Wordy: “In the present study, it is important to note that the participants were selected due to the fact that they had previously experienced anxiety.”
Clearer: “This study selected participants who had previously experienced anxiety.”
Education
Wordy: “At this point in time, most students are showing an improvement in their academic performance.”
Clearer: “Most students are now improving academically.”
Political Science
Wordy: “There are a large number of voters who express concern about economic issues.”
Clearer: “Many voters express concern about economic issues.”
Sociology
Wordy: “A survey was conducted in order to gather data regarding social attitudes.”
Clearer: “The survey gathered data on social attitudes.”
Criminal Justice
Wordy: “Due to the fact that recidivism rates remain high, it is necessary to examine current rehabilitation programs.”
Clearer: “Because recidivism remains high, current rehabilitation programs must be examined.”
Conclusion
Wordy expressions reduce clarity and slow down readers. By removing unnecessary words and using direct language, social science writers can strengthen their work and communicate findings more effectively.
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Last Modified: 04/02/2025