Day 109: Simplify three common, weak phrases.

Vigorous, direct, and persuasive writing is concise. Here are three common weak phrases and their concise replacements.

in order to—to
This is a simple replacement. The sentence “I will use my card in order to buy snacks” becomes “I will use my card to buy snacks.”

there is a—a
This will likely require additional revision, but the result will be better. The sentence “I see that there is a dog on the couch” becomes “I see a dog on the couch.”

with/in regards to—regards
This changes the verb to regards. The sentence “This letter is in regard to your delinquent account” becomes “This letter regards your delinquent account.”