Volume 26, Issue 1 - Writing better
Writing economically in medicine and science: Tips for tackling wordiness
Author: Barb Every
Abstract
Concise medical and scientific writing is clearer, more direct, and more pleasurable to read than wordy text. It is also more accessible to readers, including those outside the discipline and non-native speakers of English. An added benefit of limiting word clutter is that it helps reduce the word count to suit publication guidelines. In this article, I describe three ways for medical writers and editors to tackle wordiness: avoiding repetition, eliminating redundancy, and minimising purposeless words such as unnecessary qualifiers, weak verbs, and roundabout expressions. Using these techniques will help remove barriers to comprehension, encouraging readers to focus on important content.
Download the full article
References
- Purdue Online Writing Lab. Conciseness. 2013 [cited 2016 Dec 9]. Available from: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/572/01/
- Messenger WE, de Bruyn J, Brown J, Montagnes R. The Canadian writer’s handbook. 5th ed. Don Mills, Ont: Oxford University Press; 2008.
- Iverson C, Christiansen S, Flanagin A, et al. AMA manual of style: a guide for authors and editors. 10th ed. New York: Oxford University Press; 2007.
- Matthews JR, Matthews RW. Successful scientific writing. 3rd ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 2008.
- Zeiger M. Essentials of writing biomedical research papers. 2nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Health Profession Division; 2000.
Visit the EMWA website
Search
Articles
Member Login
Links
Editoral Board
Editor-in-Chief
Co-Editors
Managing Editor
Victoria White
Associate Editors
Section Editors
Biotechnology
Digital Communication
EMWA News
Gained in Translation
Getting Your Foot in the Door
Good Writing Practice
In the Bookstores
Manuscript Writing
Medical Communications/Writing for Patients
Medical Devices
My First Medical Writing
News from the EMA
Out on Our Own
Pharmacovigilance
Regulatory Matters
Regulatory Public Disclosure
Teaching Medical Writing
The Crofter: Sustainable Communications
Veterinary Writing
Editors Emeritus
Lay out Designer
Chris Monk