Maximizing the value of each word

This entry was posted in Techniques Writing and tagged style writing on by

When I’m polishing text that I’ve written, I find myself thinking about the value each word contributes. Can I replace a long phrase with a short one with equal value? Can I use a high-value word in place of one that has relatively little?

By “value” I mean the precision and impact which each word contributes to the statement. A precise word has more value than one with a broad meaning. A straightforward word or phrase has more value than a cliché. A sentence with a high value per word has more impact than one that’s full of low-value words.

Don’t take this as meaning you should pack your sentences with high-energy words at the expense of everything else. The strongest word isn’t always the best. Meaning and clarity come first. Transitional words have a purpose. But if changing a word makes the sentence stronger, or if leaving one out doesn’t detract anything, you should do it.

Some overly specific rules, like “Don’t use adverbs,” try to get at this point, but they’re too rigid. Strong writing can’t be reduced to a formula. The attempt will make a piece sound formulaic.

These are some of the ways I try to improve the value per word when revising:

  • Limiting the use of hedging expressions. If words such as “probably” and “generally” are needed for clarity, I leave them in. If they’re excessively cautious, they can go.
  • Replacing linking verbs with active ones. Linking verbs connect the subject with the predicate but don’t indicate an action. “He was in the living room” is weaker than a more specific sentence such as “He waited in the living room.”
  • Considering a word’s connotations. Would you rather have a pigeon or a dove? Two words may have the same literal meaning but convey different emotional overtones. Using the right one clarifies the intent of the piece.
  • Avoiding repetition. Each use of a word in the same passage delivers diminishing returns. Synonyms, paraphrases, or pronouns add variety.
  • Resisting overstated words. The strongest word doesn’t always add the most value. Heavy use of “amazing,” “ultimate,” and “revolutionary” are standard in ad copy, but people just tune them out along with the whole message. Use them lightly to get the most impact out of them.
  • Finding an original way to say things. Clichés started out as powerful expressions. That’s why people used them so much. Excessive use has devalued them. There are now more distinctive ways to say the same thing.
  • Watching out for personally overused expressions. There are some words and phrases that I use to excess. I try to weed these out when revising.

Whenever possible, I have my computer read my articles aloud. That helps me to notice words that sound weak or unsuitable in context. Every word should be there for a reason.

Here are some good articles on choosing the highest-value words.