3.4 Improving Readability for Ease of Evaluation Readability is determined by how easy it is for an evaluator to understand what you have written. As you revise, look for common writing hazards that weaken your proposal and obstruct clarity. Common writing hazards to remedy are wordiness, passive voice, cliches, and using false subjects. Reducing Wordiness Some writers mistakenly believe that longer sentences communicate better phras- ing or clarity. However, more words do not mean better writing. As you revise the proposal, look for phrases that can be shortened or replaced with a single-word synonym. Figure 21 shows examples of shorter replacements for wordy phrases.
Wordy Simple
have the ability to
can
conduct an investigation
investigate
make a modification to modify
make use of use
with the result that so that
Figure 21. Simplify Wordy Phrases. Use the shortest word or phrase possible without changing the meaning.
36 See Gobbledygook, Jargon, and Redundant Words in the Shipley Proposal Guide .
Powered by FlippingBook