Writing clearly and succinctly can challenge both new and seasoned writers. Among the common obstacles is the presence of ‘fluff’ – unnecessary content that adds no value. This guide is designed to help identify and eliminate fluff, improving the quality of your writing.
What is Fluff?
Fluff refers to unessential and irrelevant content that inflates word count but does not add any value to the main topic. It can appear in the form of long-winded descriptions, filler words, irrelevant details, abstract language, or generalizations. Fluffy content strays from the main point and can make the piece harder to understand, decreasing readability for the audience.
Spotting Fluff
Keyword here is relevance. Evaluate each sentence or paragraph: does it support the central idea? If not, it’s likely fluff. Here’s what to look for:
- Unnecessary adverbs and adjectives: Often, words like ‘very’ or ‘really’ don’t add meaning and can be removed.
- Redundant expressions: Phrases like “in order to” (use ‘to’) and “due to the fact that” (use ‘because’) are examples.
- Wordy expressions: Overusing idioms, clichés and common phrases can add to word count without adding value.
- Generalizations: Vague statements can indicate fluff. The reader does not gain much from general statements.
Techniques to Eliminate Fluff
With recognition comes elimination. Here are helpful techniques:
- Respect Your Audience: Avoid assuming the reader requires basic explanations for your topic. Answer their questions succinctly.
- Plan Your Content: Before writing, outlining your point allows you to focus on relevant content and avoid divagations.
- Use Concrete Examples: Specific examples, numbers, or statistics fortify your content, replacing abstract content.
- Keep It Simple: Simple sentence structures and clear language make your content more accessible and easier to understand.
Tools to Help
Helpful tools like Grammarly, Pro Writing Aid, and Hemingwayapp can highlight potential fluff areas: wordy sentences, passive voice, adverbs, and complex terms. Reading your work out loud can also expose awkward phrases or unnecessary details.
Conclusion
Writing without fluff improves the quality of your content and leads to a better reading experience for your audience. Remember, the goal is clear, concise, meaningful content. Practice thorough planning, respect for your audience, the use of concrete examples, and the application of simple expressions to create quality, fluff-free writing.