10.3 Reduce metadiscourse
Metadiscourse is writing about the piece of writing. You need never say that you're writing or that the reader is reading; you need not say "it will interest the reader to note that" or "It is interesting to note that." Likewise, many statements such as "we believe" or "we think" are needless metadiscourse. And you are writing needless metadiscourse any time you are leading the reader from section to section, as in "In the next section, Section 3A, the architecture will be outlined . . ."
Examples
1. Just a quick note to let you know that Fred Roberts will be meeting with the Space Needs Committee on February 11th.
Rewrite: Fred Roberts will be meeting with the Space Needs Committee on February 11th.
2. It is important to consider that if, at the time of each issue, market conditions are not attractive to them, they will not necessarily place the instruments because they have other alternatives like the bank market.
Rewrite: If market conditions are undesirable at the time of each issue, they may place the instruments elsewhere because they have alternatives like the bank market.
3. It is worth mentioning that for certain tax related advantages, legal lending limits and other reasons, there is a portion of its loan portfolio which is booked off-shore at the Pacific Bank (a Grand subsidiary) and General Grand Corp.
Rewrite: For certain tax-related advantages, legal lending limits and other reasons, it books a portion of its loan portfolio off-shore at the Pacific Bank (a Grand subsidiary) and General Grand Corp.
4. I believe Acme should increase its production capacity but at a controlled rate. I believe the consumer will wait for the Acme product but not forever. I also believe if product sales grow overseas, then I would consider opening a production plant there as well.
Rewrite: Acme should increase its production capacity at a controlled rate since consumers will wait some time for the Acme product. Furthermore, if product sales grow overseas, then Acme should consider opening a production plant there as well.
5. It is important to note that any changes to name, address, etc. must be reflected on the next payment or filing for all federal and state agencies.
Rewrite: Any changes to name, address, etc. must be reflected on the next payment or filing for all federal and state agencies.
==>Guidelines ==>Conciseness