Comm 313, Editorial Processes
Instructor: Ross Collins

Word clutter and clichés

Editors usually faced with too many words for the space they have available try to make stories as concise as possible, also welcomed by readers who find it tedious to read through unnecessary verbal deadwood. Below is some clutter particularly common in mass media writing.

All of a sudden. Just say suddenly.

This morning/this evening. Not necessary when using AP style a.m. and p.m.

Completely destroy. Destroy is complete. Otherwise it's damaged.

Located. Usually not necessary. ("It is located downtown"; It is downtown.")

Due to the fact that. Just say because.

A total of. Usually not necessary.

At the present time. Just say now.

"Asked if he" phrases. Usually not necessary. Just repeat the source's response.

He said/she said. Perfectly acceptable to use over and over. Avoid the stilted "he stated" or "commented." On the other hand, variety freshens an article. To jog your creativity, here's a rich thesaurus of alternatives.

Make a study of/investigation of. Just say studied/investigated.

Two twins/four quadruplets. Just say twins/quadruplets.

Party, parties. Cop shop talk for people. Be specific.

Facility. Jargon for buildings, etc. Be specific.

Exact replica. Just say replica.

To be held at. Held and at are not usually necessary. ("The meeting will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in Memorial Union;" "The meeting will be 2 p.m. Friday in Memorial Union.")

At its regular meeting Friday. Just say the day.

It cost the sum of...in cash. Just say it cost.

New record. Just say record.

Noon luncheon. Just say luncheon.

Guest speaker. Just say speaker.

Qualified experts. Just say experts.

Detailed information. Just say details.

General public. Just say public.

Clichés

Words and phrases which were cute and original once, but loved to death like an old teddy bear. Three levels:

1. Common old expressions and journalism jargon. ("Beehive of activity. Alert policeman. Long-smouldering. Finalized. Impact used as a verb. The bottom line. Chicken with his head cut off.")

2. Fad TV and movie expressions. ("Been there, done that. You are the weakest link. It's a no-brainer. Yessss!")

3. Stereotypes (sometimes sexist and racist). ("Snake-infested swamp; Lazy college student; Absent-minded professor; pretty co-ed; Mideastern terrorist.")