Mix & Match
Which principle applies? “not often → rarely.”
Change negatives to affirmatives.
Replace this phrase: “prior to the end of the training”
Before training ends.
Change “Doesn’t neglect” into an affirmative.
Pays attention
What is “metadiscourse”?
Words that guide the reader (intentions, directions, structure) rather than add new content.
Revise:
The findings underscore the necessity of developing adaptive policies capable of responding to dynamic market conditions and unforeseen disruptions.
The findings underscore the need for policies that adapt to market shifts and disruptions.
Simplify: “a free gift.” Which principle?
Replace phrase with word (Gift)
Principle 1 suggests...
It suggests using a single word instead of a long phrase to make writing concise.
Which is clearer?
A) “She doesn’t disregard the ethical implications of her choices.”
B) “She considers the ethical implications of her choices.”
B.
Identify the metadiscourse:
“The last point I would like to make is that men and women…”
“The last point I would like to make is that…”
Revise:
“Most likely, a majority of all patients who appear at a public medical clinical facility do not expect special medical attention, because their particular health problems are not major and usually can be adequately treated without much time or attention.”
Most patients at public clinics don’t expect special attention because their minor health issues can usually be treated quickly and easily.
Revise this:
“There is no reason not to believe that malfunctions cannot be anticipated.”
It's reasonable to expect malfunctions. (Change negatives to affirmatives.)
Replace the following phrase:
We received several complaints in connection with the new policy.
We received several complaints regarding/about/concerning the new policy.
Why is it better to write affirmatives instead of negatives?
Affirmatives are shorter, clearer, and avoid confusing readers with double negatives.
Rewrite without metadiscourse: It is important to note that climate change affects all regions
Climate change affects all regions.
Revise:
Although the initial forecasts were optimistic, subsequent data revealed several unforeseen risks that necessitated a revision of the project timeline and budget.
Though forecasts were optimistic, new data revealed risks requiring a revised timeline and budget.
Revise this:
“I aim to demonstrate that the rapid advancement of technology has significantly altered global communication patterns, which, in turn, necessitates a reevaluation of existing regulatory frameworks.”
The rapid advancement of technology has significantly altered global communication patterns and requires reevaluation of regulatory frameworks.
Rewrite: “There is a need for more careful inspection of welds.”
Inspect welds more carefully.
Rewrite this negative:
“The government will not have difficulty paying its debts.”
The government will easily pay its debts.
Revise:
“There seems to be some evidence to suggest that certain differences between Japanese and Western rhetoric could derive from cultural isolation.”
Evidence suggests Japanese and Western rhetoric differ because of cultural isolation.
Revise:
In accordance with established protocols, all findings from the investigation must be documented meticulously and submitted to the oversight committee within the stipulated timeframe.
Following protocols, all investigation findings must be documented carefully and submitted to the oversight committee on time.
Revise this sentence using all three principles (1, 2, and metadiscourse):
“In regard to this matter, I want to say that it is not unlikely that it will possibly require a careful and thorough consideration at this point in time.”
This issue will require careful consideration.
Revise:
“The study aims to look into the reasons for the decline in biodiversity.”
The study aims to investigate the decline in biodiversity.
Revise this sentence:
“It is not uncommon for experts to fail to recognize subtle errors in complex data sets.”
Experts often overlook subtle errors in complex data sets.
Revise:
“It is worth noting that, although the findings may initially appear inconclusive, they nonetheless provide valuable insights that contribute significantly to our understanding of economic fluctuations.”
Although the findings initially seem inconclusive, they enhance understanding of economic fluctuations.
Revise:
The multifaceted campaign, integrating digital, print, and experiential marketing tactics, aimed to enhance brand visibility while simultaneously fostering consumer engagement across diverse demographics.
The campaign combined digital, print, and experiential tactics to enhance brand visibility and engage diverse consumers.