Abstract
Authors are urged to write clearly, concisely and convincingly, but this can be difficult to achieve if they are unaware that they are using longwinded phrases, convoluted language and excessive hedging, also called “dead wood”. In this article, I provide some examples of how dead wood can be removed to improve readability. I also provide a sample exercise that readers can use to practice removing dead wood.
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References
- Møller C. New medical writing course in Copenhagen: Increasing chances of publication for non-native speakers. The Write Stuff. 2007;16(1):8–9.
- Laksáfoss Holbek B, Jessen Hansen H, Kehlet H, Horsleben Petersen R. Thoracoscopic pulmonary wedge resection without post-operative chest drain: an observational study. Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2016;64(10):612–7.
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