Convoluted language isn’t clever, it’s irritating. It’s time to think of your customers and be clear.
A whole culture has grown up in modern business where simple words and phrases are padded out. This almost always obscures the meaning. When writing or editing, check if a convoluted phrase can be easily reduced to just one word. Examples below.
Afford an opportunity = allow
As to whether = whether
At a rapid rate = rapid
At this point in time = now
At the present time = now
Despite the fact that = although
Due to the fact that = because
During the time that = while
Effect modifications = change
Fewer in number = fewer
For the duration of = during
For the reason that = because
Gainful employment = work
Give consideration to = consider
Has a requirement for = needs
In a number of cases = some
In close proximity to = near
In respect to = about
In view of the fact that = because
Join together = join
On a daily basis = daily
On the grounds that = because
Place a major emphasis on = stress
Postpone until later = postpone
Quite a large quantity of = much
Relating to the subject matter of = about
Root cause = cause
Smaller in size = smaller
Subject matter = subject
With the minimum of delay = quickly
With the possible exception of = except
