Journalism 101: Omit Verbal Deadwood

“EFFECTIVE WRITING IS CONCISE. Cut out the unnecessary words. Every word should tell. There is no reason
to call a spade ‘a long handled instrument for turning earth in the garden.’
“Here are some examples of verbal deadwood drawn from Asian newspapers and inter-office memoranda:
for the reason that - because
at the present time - now
tendered his resignation - resigned
affixed his signature - signed
told his listeners - said
united in Holy matrimony - married
used for fuel purposes - fueled
held a conference - met
in the immediate vicinity - near
was able to make his escape - escaped

“In the following samples, the words in italics should be omitted.

advanced prediction
fatal killing
definitely decided
new recruits
other alternative
free gift
a period of two weeks
past history
final conclusion
dead body

“The rule is: chop out the verbal deadwood. You’ll save on newsprint and stationery.”

Examples of Clichés, Jargon & Poor Writing

The following is a list of the most wanted culprits.

The "deadwood" is in bold; use the suggested term instead.

a majority of -- most

a sufficient amount of -- enough be in a position to -- can, be able

according to our data -- we find by a factor of two -- two times, double, twice

accordingly -- therefore, so by means of -- by

after the conclusion of -- after come to a conclusion -- conclude

along the lines of -- like despite the fact that -- although

as is the case -- as is true due to the fact that -- because

ascertain the location of -- find during the time that -- while

at such time as -- when equally as well -- as well, equally well

at the present time -- now fewer in number -- fewer

at this point in time -- now for the purpose of -- to, for

be deficient in -- lack for the reason that -- because

 for this reason -- thus, therefore is in a position to -- can

give indication of -- show, indicate, suggest it has been found that -- (nothing)

happen(s) to be -- am/is/are it has long been known that -- (nothing)

has been proved to be -- is it is a fact that -- (nothing)

if conditions are such that -- if it is evident that -- (nothing)

in a number of -- several, many it is interesting to note that -- note that

in all cases -- always it is noted that -- (nothing)

in case -- if it is our opinion that -- we think

in close proximity to -- near it is possible that -- perhaps

in excess of -- more than it is well known that -- (nothing)

in large measure -- largely it may be said that -- (nothing)

in many cases -- often make inquiry regarding -- ask about, inquire

about
in most cases -- usually
manner in which -- how
in no case -- never
not with standing the fact that -- although
in order that -- so that
on the basis of -- from, because, by
in order to -- to
on the order of -- about, approximately
in some cases -- sometimes
present in greater abundance -- more
in terms of -- in abundant

in the amount of -- for prior to -- before

in the case of -- for provided that -- if

in the event that -- if put an end to -- end

in the field of -- in reach a conclusion -- conclude

in the near future -- soon serves the function of being -- is

in the neighborhood of -- near, about, nearly subsequent to -- after

in the vicinity of -- near the question as to -- whether

in this case -- here there can be little doubt that -- probably

in view of the fact that -- because, since utilize or utilization -- use

is capable of -- can with reference to -- about

is found to be -- is with the exception that -- except that

Newspaper Headlines often include key words that may or may not be commonly used. They are chosen because
they are shorter and require less space and also because of the effect that they may produce on the learners.
Headlines are also written in a special style which basically consist of simplifying the grammar.

Therefore, in headlines, we usually find:

1. Short words instead of long ones and abreviations.

2. Dramatic adjectives and adverbs to attract readers attention.
3. Active verbs.
4. Cultural references.
5. A very condensed structure:

 articles and verb the "to be" are frequently omitted;

 verbs are simplified:
- the present simple refers to the present or the past;
- the infinitive refers to the future;
- the verb "to be" is also omitted in the passive and in continuous forms;
- the progressive -ing form is used to show something that is developing.
 nouns and adjectives are grouped together without any verbs or conjunctions.

Following is a list of words that often appear in headlines and the meaning they usually have in this context:
Headline word Meaning
accord (n) agreement
aid (n/v) assist/ assistance
axe (v) cut, destroy
awe (v) veneration
back (v) support
ban (n/v) prohibition

bar (n/v) exclude, prohibit

bid (n) attempt
blast (n) explosion
blaze (n) fire
blow (n) injury/disappointment
boom (n/v) sudden beneficial increase
boost (n/v) help, incentive
bring (v) to cause, result in
bug (n) disease, virus
call (for) (n/v) demand
clash (n/v) argument, conflict
cop (n) policeman
coup (n) revolution, change in government
crook (n) criminal
curb (n/v) restrain, limit
cut (n/v) reduction
deal (n) agreement
drama (n) dramatic action,
drive (n) campaign, effort
envoy (n) diplomat
exit (n/v) leave
fear (n/v) anxious expectations
flee (v) escape rapidly
gems (n) jewels
go (v) be sold or knock down

go-ahead (n) approval

gunman (n) a man with a gun
hail (v) celebrate, acclaim
halt (n/v) stop
hammer (v) beat
haul (n/v) large quantity that has been stolen
head (n/v) direct, lead
hit (v) affect badly
hold (v) detain, keep in police custody
hurdle (n) obstacle
jail (n/v) prison
jet (n) aeroplane
jobless (adj) unemployed
key (adj) essential, vital
kid (n) child
killing (n) murder
link (n/v) connection

loom (v) approach (of something threatening)

mob (n) mafia/ uncontrolled crowd
net (v) to capture
no (n) refusal, rejection
ordeal (n) unpleasant experience

oust (v) push out, replace

output (n) production
pact (n) agreement, treaty
peril (n) danger
pledge (n/v) promise
plea (n) strong request
poll (n) election, public survey
press (v) to insist on something
press for (v) demand, ask for
probe (n/v) investigate
quit (v) leave, resign
quiz (v) interrogate
raid (n/v) attack, robbery
riddle (n) mystery
row (n) argument, disagreement
 scare (n) alarm
seek (v) request
shock (n) surprising revelation
slam (v) criticise severely
slash (v) reduce
smash (v) destroy
snub (v) reject, turn down
soar (v) increase dramatically
spark (v) cause, produce
split (n/v) divide
squeeze (n/v) shortage, scarcity
storm (n) violent disagreement

strife (n) conflict

sue (v) accuse, appeal
switch (n/v) change, deviation
swoop (n/v) sudden attack or raid
talks (n) discussions
threat (n) menace
toll (n) number of people killed
top (n) exceed
urge (v) recommend strongly
vow (n/v) promise, threaten
walkout (n) strike
wed (v) wedding
weep (v) cry, mourn
win (v) gain, achieve
woe (n) misfortune
woo (v) try to win the favour of

Act: take action; do something

POWER CRISIS: GOVERNMENT TO ACT Appear: appear in court accused of a

crime
Aid: (noun) military or financial help MP TO APPEAR ON DRUGS CHARGES
Aid (verb): to help
MORE AID FOR POOR COUNTRIES Axe (verb): abolish, close down
UNIONS AID BANK STRIKERS Axe (noun): abolition, closure
POSTAL SERVICES AXED
Alert: alarm, warning SMALL SCHOOLS FACE AXE
TERROR ALERT IN THE CAPITAL
Back: support
Allege: make an accusation OPPOSITION BACKS PM
BLIND GIRL ALLEGES UNFAIR TREATMENT
Ban: forbid, refuse to allow something
GOVERNMENT BANS SMOKING IN PUBLIC
Bar: refuse
HOTEL BARS FOOTBALL FANS
Bid: attempt
WOMAN MAKES SUICIDE BID
Blast: explosion
Blast: criticize violently
BLAST AT AIRPORT
OPPOSITION BLASTS PM
Blaze: fire
SIX DIE IN TEMPLE BLAZE
Blow: bad news, unfortunate happening
SMITH ILL: BLOW TO WORLD CUP HOPES
Bond: political or business association
INDIA CUTS TRADE BONDS WITH CHINA
Boom: big increase; prosperous period
ECONOMIC BOOM: URBAN RICH TO
BENEFIT
Boost: encourage
GOVERNMENT PLANS TO BOOST EXPORTS
Brink: edge of disaster
GLOBAL WARMING: EARTH ON BRINK OF
DISASTER
Call for: demand/ appeal for
TRADE UNIONS CALL FOR STRIKE
Campaign: organized effort to achieve
social or political result
MP LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN FOR TAX
REFORMS
Claim (verb): make a statement that
something is true
US SCIENTISTS CLAIM CANCER
BREAKTHROUGH
Clamp down on: deal firmly with
POLICE TO CLAMP DOWN ON EVE TEASING
Clash: quarrel, fight
STUDENTS CLASH WITH POLICE
Clear: find innocent
MP CLEARED ON DRUG CHARGES
Con: swindle
TEENEGERS CON WIDOW OUT OF LIFE
SAVINGS
Crackdown: firm application of the law
GOVERNMENT PROMISES CRACKDOWN ON
INFILTRATORS
Crash: failure
TEN PEOPLE DIE IN PLANE CRASH
Curb: restrict
GOVERNMENT TO CURB ILLICIT LIQUOR
TRADE
Cut: reduce
US CUTS AID TO INDIA
Dash: make quick journey
PM IN DASH TO BLAST HOSPITAL
Deadlock: disagreement that cannot be
solved
DEADLOCK IN INDO-US NUCLEAR DEAL
Deal: agreement
INDIA SIGNS NUCLEAR DEAL WITH US
Drive: united effort
DRIVE TO SAVE PLANET
Drop (verb): give up; get rid of
Drop (noun): fall
GOVERNMENT TO DROP TERROR REFORMS
DROP IN FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT
Edge: move gradually
WORLD EDGES TOWARDS WAR
Firm: determined not to change
PM FIRM ON TAX REFORMS
Flak: heavy criticism
MINISTER FACES FLAK OVER RACIAL
REMARKS
Foil: prevent somebody from succeeding
GUARD FOILS BANK ROBBERY BID
Gag: censor; prevent from speaking
AFRICAN PRESIDENT ACTS TO GAG PRESS
Go: resign; be lost, disappear
PM TO GO?
Go for: be sold for
PICASSO PAINTING GOES FOR $5 MILLION
Go-ahead: approval
NUKE-PLAN GETS GO-AHEAD
Grab: take violently
INDIANS GRAB SHARES IN FOREIGN
COMPANIES
Grip: control; hold tightly
COLD WAVE GRIPS COUNTRY
Gun down: shoot
POLICE GUN DOWN TERRORISTS.
Hail: welcome; praise
PM HAILS PEACE PLAN
Halt: stop
AUTOMOBILE PLANT TO HALT
PRODUCTION
Haul: amount stolen in robbery, or seized
by police or customs
MAJOR ARMS HAUL IN CAPITAL
Head for: move towards
ECONOMY HEADING FOR DISASTER,
EXPERTS WARN
Hike: rise in costs, prices etc.
INTEREST HIKE WILL HIT REAL ESTATE
MARKET
Hit: affect badly
HEAVY RAINS HIT TRANSPORT
Hit out at: attack with words
PM HITS OUT AT CRITICS
Hitch: problem that causes delay
LAST-MINUTE HITCH DELAYS SATELLITE
LAUNCH
Hold: arrest; keep under arrest
POLICE HOLD TERROR SUSPECT
Key: important
KEY WITNESS IN THE POACHING CASE
VANISHES
Landslide: victory by a large majority in
election
LANDSLIDE FOR DEMOCRATS
Lash: criticize violently
OPPOSITION LASHES GOVERNMENT
REFORMS
Lead: clue (in police enquiry)
LEAD IN RESORT MURDER CASE
Leak: unofficial publication of secret
information
PM FURIOUS OVER TAX PLAN LEAKS
Leap: big increase
LEAP IN FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT
Life: imprisonment for life
LIFE FOR SERIAL MURDERER
Loom: threaten to happen
VAT ON FOOD: NEW ROW LOOMS
Mar: spoil
VIOLENCE MARS CUP FINAL
Mission: delegation (official group sent to
a conference etc)
UN MISSION ARRIVES TODAY
Mob: angry crowd
Mob: organized crime/Mafia
INFANT DIES: MOBS ATTACK HOSPITAL
MOB LEADERS HELD
Move: step towards a particular result
(often political)
MOVE TO BOOST TRADE LINKS WITH
CHINA
Nail: force somebody to admit the truth
CRIME BRANCH NAILS THE ACCUSED
Odds: chances, probability
MAYOR RE-ELECTED AGAINST THE ODDS
Opt (for) : choose
WALES OPTS FOR INDEPENDENCE
Oust: drive out, replace
DEMOCRATS OUSTED IN UNION
ELECTIONS
Over: about; on the subject of, because of
ROW OVER VAT ON FOOD
Pact: agreement
DEFENCE PACT GETS CABINET NOD
Peak: high point
INFLATION HITS NEW PEAK
Peg: hold (prices etc) at present level
BANKS PEG INTEREST RATES
Plea: call for help
BIG RESPONSE TO PLEA FOR FLOOD AID
Press: the newspapers
BID TO GAG PRESS OVER DEFENCE
SPENDING
Press for: ask for urgently
OPPOSITION PRESS FOR ENQUIRY ON
DEFENCE SCAM
Pull out: withdraw
PAKISTAN PULLS OUT OF PEACE TALKS
WITH INDIA
Push for: ask for, encourage
SCHOOLS PUSH FOR MORE CASH
Quit: resign, leave
OPPOSITION LEADER QUITS
Raid: enter and search
POLICE RAID DUCHESS’S FLAT
Rampage: riot
HOOLIGANS RAMPAGE THROUGH STREETS
Rap: criticize
DOCTORS RAP HEALTH MINISTRY PLANS
Riddle: mystery
MISSING TEENAGER RIDDLE: TWO MEN
HELD
Rift: division, disagreement
LABOUR RIFT OVER DEFENCE POLICY
Rock: shock, shake
BANK SEX SCANDAL ROCKS THE CITY
JAPAN ROCKED BY QUAKE
Row: noisy disagreement, quarrel
NEW ROW OVER WAGE CUTS
Rule out: reject the possibility of
PM RULES OUT MIDTERM ELECTION
Sack: dismissal from job
STRIKING DOCTORS FACE SACK
Scare: public alarm, alarming rumour
BIRD FLU SCARE IN MIDDLE EAST
Scrap: throw out as useless
GOVERNMENT SCRAPS DEFENCE DEAL
WITH ISRAEL
Seize: take especially in police and
customs searches
SMUGGLED ARMS SEIZED AT AIRPORT
Set to: ready to; about to
PROPERTY PRIZES SET TO RISE
Slam: criticize violently
OPPOSITION SLAMS DEFENCE POLICY
Slash: cut, reduce drastically
GOVERNMENT TO SLASH HEALTH
EXPENDITURE
Slump: fall (economic)
EXPORTERS FEAR NEW SLUMP
Spark: cause to start
REFEREE’S DECISION SPARKS RIOT
Spree: wild spending expenditure
BUS DRIVER SPENDS MILLIONS IN
CREDIT-CARD SPREE
Stake: financial interest
GERMANS BUY STAKE IN BRITISH
AIRWAYS
Storm out of: leave angrily
TRADE UNION LEADERS STORM OUT OF
MEETING WITH MINISTER
Toll: number killed
QUAKE TOLL MAY RISE
Urge: encourage
ENVIRONMENTALISTS URGE
GOVERNMENTS TO ACT ON POLLUTION
Vow: promise
EXILED PRESIDENT VOWS TO RETURN