wordiness

Wordiness is the use of more words than necessary to convey meaning. It encompasses redundancy, pleonasm, circumlocution, and overly long sentences. Wordy writing can obscure the message, slow comprehension, and reduce reader engagement in prose, speeches, and technical material.

Common sources include filler words (for example, basically, well), nominalizations (the realization of the plan), long noun phrases, duplicative modifiers (free gift, true fact), tautologies, and unnecessary qualifiers. While passive voice is not inherently wordy, it can contribute to wordiness when it substitutes for clearer expression. Jargon and legalistic phrasing can also inflate length without adding substantive value.

Reducing wordiness involves deliberate revision and style choices. Identify the core idea first, then cut redundancies and replace phrases with single, precise words. Prefer active voice when appropriate, and choose concrete nouns and strong verbs over vague or multiword expressions. Limit unnecessary adjectives and adverbs, and split long sentences into shorter ones to improve clarity. Reading aloud, applying editing checklists, and seeking outside feedback can help detect wordiness that escapes the initial draft. In many contexts, concise writing enhances readability and sustains reader attention while preserving accuracy and nuance.