GUIDELINES TO NRDC feb 24 2014

Eliminating Wordiness, ContinuedNeedlessrepetitionandredundancyAvoid needless repetition of words or phrases. While intentional repetition canunify a paragraph and reinforce understanding, too much makes writing appearjuvenile and cluttered.Example:BeforeIn the absence of a general officer orcivilian equivalent, nonconcurrencesmay be signed by a substituteofficially designated and acting for ageneral officer or civilian equivalent.AfterIf a general officer or civilianequivalent is not available, anauthorized substitute may signnonconcurrences.RedundantexpressionsRedundancy is a form of needless repetition. In the examplesbelow we've deleted the redundant words:x Separate out.x Seldom or ever.x Basic fundamentals.x Actual facts.x Start over again.x Really glad.x Symmetrical in form.x Honest truth.Overuse ofthe,that, or whichNouns asmodifiersUse these words to clarify meaning; otherwise, leave them out. Examples:x The regulations won't allow it.x I feel that it's a good decision.x The report that I'm writing is nearly finished.In some cases this may require modifying the sentence somewhat. Examples:BeforeAfterIn this section, give the one or two In this section summarize yoursentences that summarize your position in one or two sentences.position.We think that the change that theywant will result in an engine that isunreliable.The change they want will make theengine unreliable.Don't use long strings of nouns as modifiers. Revising the sentence may add aword or two, but it's easier to read:Instead of sayingTry sayingMaterial replacement alternatives Alternatives for material replacement.Increased high cost area allowances Increased allowances for high cost areas.NRDC GRC – Staff Handbook 7-10