03/ 25/ 2002
Business writing is most effective when it is brief and straightforward. Business people don't have time to read flowery prose. Be specific and you'll get better results.
In today's Workshop, Jeffrey Moses lists 20 commonly used business phrases that can and should be shortened. If you avoid using these phrases, your writing will stand out and it and will be appreciated by your readers.
| Stilted or Lengthy Phrases | Preferred Wording |
| As of this day | Today |
| Aforesaid | Mentioned earlier |
| As to whether | Whether |
| Along these lines | Similarly |
| At the present time | Now (or Presently) |
| Attached please find | Enclosed |
| At your earliest convenience | [Specify a date or time, when possible] |
| After lengthy deliberation | [Omit] |
| Combined consensus | Consensus of opinion |
| Due to the fact | Because |
| Free of charge | Free |
| In compliance with your request | As requested |
| Please be cognizant of the fact that | Please know that |
| Thanking you in advance | Thank you |
| The reason is because | [Use either "reason" or "because"] |
| In the exact amount of | For |
| June the 5th | June 5 |
| In the month of June | In June |
