Campaign to Cut the Clutter: Ten Good Little Words

We continue our fall campaign to cut the clutter by honoring ten common words. Unfortunately, these words are so common that some writers try to avoid their company, favoring longer expressions that mean the same thing. Shorter isn't always better--but often it is.

• About
  is a quicker way of saying as regards, concerning the matter of, in connection with, in respect to, pertaining to, and with regard to.



• After
  beats subsequent to.



• Because
  is a few syllables shorter than based on the fact that, due to the fact that, for the reason that, in view of the fact that, on the grounds that, and owing to the fact that.



• Can
  is just as capable as have the capability to.



• During
  occurs during the course of and during the time that.



• If
  is more efficient than in the event that and if conditions are such that.



• Now
  is the same time as at the present point, at the present time, and at this point in time.



• To
  is more direct than in order to and so as to be able to.



• Until
  doesn't have to wait for until such time as.



• With
  usually does the job of through the use of and together with.

More Ways to Cut the Clutter:

• Practice in Cutting the Clutter
• Common Redundancies