Avoiding Turgid Transition Words in Nonfiction Writing

Introduction

Many nonfiction writers find themselves overly reliant on turgid transition words such as consequently and therefore. These words, while important for connecting thoughts, can detract from the clarity and flow of your writing. Here, we will explore strategies to reduce their use and improve the overall quality of your work.

Understanding the Problem

Transition words like consequently and therefore serve a vital purpose by connecting ideas and indicating cause and effect. However, their overuse can make your writing sound overly formal or pretentious. This can alienate readers and diminish the impact of your message. Nonfiction can range from true-life stories to technical textbooks, so the approach to reducing turgid transition words may vary depending on your genre.

Strategies to Reduce Turgid Transition Words

Avoid Using Them: The simplest solution is to flag these words and then rewrite your sentences to avoid them. For example, instead of saying, “Consequently, the outcome was predictable,” you could write, “The outcome was predictable because of the circumstances.” Read Aloud: Reading your text aloud can highlight awkward phrasing and overly formal language. Try reading it in a tiled bathroom or have a friend read it aloud to get feedback. Simplify Your Language: Follow the principle of KISS — Keep It Simple, Stupid. Use shorter sentences and avoid legalese-like adverbs. Opt for simpler, direct language. For instance, replace “therefore” with “hence” or “thus,” but limit their use.

Alternative Sentence Structures

One effective method to substitute turgid transition words is to restructure your sentences. Look for other conjunctions like but, and, or or to connect ideas. For example:

Original: “The company experienced financial difficulties, and consequently, it had to cut costs.” Rewritten: “The company had to cut costs due to financial difficulties.”

Using a Thesaurus

Another approach is to use a Roget’s Thesaurus to find synonyms for your transition words. However, be mindful of the context and choose words that naturally fit the flow of your writing. For instance:

Original: “She was determined, therefore, to succeed in her endeavors.” Rewritten: “She was determined to succeed in her endeavors.”

Final Tips and Hints

Read The Elements of Style by Strunk and White: This book is invaluable for improving your writing style. It provides straightforward guidance on avoiding pretentious language and using natural, clear prose. Even though it's an American book, it's equally useful for British English. Seek Professional Help: Editing services can be beneficial, though they may come at a cost. Getting an editor to review your work can provide valuable feedback and ensure your writing is clear and engaging.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the use of turgid transition words in your nonfiction writing and enhance the readability and impact of your work. Remember, the goal is to convey your ideas clearly and effectively without sacrificing clarity or redundancy.