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Chapter 7 of 10All chapters

Chapter 7 of 10

Padding to remove

Phrases that do nothing.

The usual suspects

Due to the fact that, in order to, at this point in time, it should be noted that, in terms of, the reason is because, needless to say.

  • If it is needless to say, do not say it.
  • Very, really and quite usually weaken the word they modify.

Hedging

Some hedging is honest: may, appears, suggests. Piling several together signals evasion rather than caution, and readers notice.