To the Point

February 1, 2014

In part one of this three-part update to his Dictionary of Concise Writing, Fiske (editor of the online Vocabula Review; Dictionary of Unendurable English) offers general grammar advice and suggestions such as avoiding euphemisms, jargon, and legalese. In part two, the author presents wordy phrases and suggested corrections in a dictionary format. The last section is laid out in columns that list "Concise" and "Wordy" usage. No need to "bring things to a close," for example, when one can simply "finish" or use "vast majority" when one can say "most." Fiske's frequent use of before and after sentences clearly illustrates his points and shows how to tighten flabby writing. VERDICT There is room for argument that nothing is saved by using "unproved" over "unproven" or that there are shades of difference in the concise "consent to" and the wordy "voice support for," but this title makes writers think about their readers' time and the value of each word. An enjoyable addition to most libraries, and something verbose word mavens may wish to purchase for themselves.--Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley Sch., Fort Worth, TX

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