Your readers’ time is valuable. And the time you spend writing is valuable. That’s why it’s best to use as few words as possible to make your point. There’s no need to make phrases more complex than they need to be.
I see many wordy phrases when I edit, but the one I see most often—almost daily—is in order to. It’s often used repeatedly throughout a paragraph.
In order to isn’t necessary in writing. You can shorten it to the word to, and the meaning of your sentence will be maintained.
That’s right! Just two little letters, and you’re done.
Example One
I went to the market in order to get some blueberries.
I went to the market to get some blueberries.
Example Two
In order to learn the material, the student had to read the book.
To learn the material, the student had to read the book.
Do you see how in order isn’t needed? The meaning is the same without it.
So the next time you’re tempted to use the rambling, empty phrase, in order to, remember you can eliminate wordiness by using only to.
When you express your thoughts using only the necessary words, you make your writing easy to follow and your readers happy.
