20 Words and Expressions That
Good Writers Avoid Name _________________
You can improve your writing by avoiding the following wordy expressions and poor
word choices.
1. And also. This expression is usually redundant.
2. And/or. Outside the legal field this expression is unnecessary. Use one word or the
other.
3. As to whether. The single word whether is sufficient.
4. Basically, essentially, and totally. Eliminate these overused and empty words
because they seldom add anything useful to your writing.
Name ___________________________
Words and Expressions to Avoid
Revise the following sentences to avoid the poor expressions discussed here.
1. Many companies are limiting the use of personal cell phones in the workplace on
account of the jangle of beeps and tunes coming from them.
2. A total of 53 percent of employees said that they felt impatient and/or angry when a
coworker stops a conversation because of an incoming wireless call.
7. Firstly, cell phones in the workplace are noisy. Secondly, they disrupt the work
environment. Thirdly, they reduce productivity and etc.
8. Employees are totally exasperated at coworkers who leave a cell phone essentially
blasting away unanswered.
9. Equally as important is the safety issue, as per a recent report.
Solutions
1. Many companies are limiting the use of personal cell phones in the workplace on
account because of the jangle of beeps and tunes coming from them.
2. A total of 53 percent of employees said that they felt impatient and/or and [or or]
angry when a coworker stops a conversation because of an incoming wireless call.
3. A lot of Many employees said that their No. 1 pet peeve at work was the ringing of
cell phones.