I was reviewing a draft document today and after quiet restraint for at least the first two paragraphs I was reaching for my red pen. Yes, I still like to edit a long document the old fashioned way. Much to the despair of my teams. I digress though.

It was the use of the word ‘that’ which had me reaching for my pen. It’s a completely unnecessary word is my usual feedback and, if I’m in a mood for stronger feedback, a sign of lazy writing. “Try rephrasing it to say the same thing without the word that in the sentence” I often remark.

It’s not hard to rephrase something to ensure you don’t use it. A little punctuation, perhaps a semi colon, maybe an Oxford comma, even an Em Dash if you must. Anything but trying to save a few words by using the word that.

Easy it is. Try it sometime you should.

I’ll get down off my soap box and see myself out.