How to Avoid Being Wordy, Verbose, or Prolix?

Here are some brief definitions that will help you as you read the article.

• Wordy—using or expressed in too many words.
• Verbose—using more words than necessary.
• Motormouth—a person who talks excessively.
• Prolix—too long and drawn out.

Let’s just start out by clarifying that being wordy, verbose, or prolix is not a compliment. I think the word, motormouth is self-explanatory. So, if anyone has ever told you that you are verbose, they were simply telling you that you talk too much. But understand that this is a common trap that second language learners fall into naturally. Why? Because you start out by using simple vocabulary just to become familiar with the language. Then you go on to learn grammar and proper sentence structure. And to do this, you have to know where to place the nouns, the adjectives, the verbs, and so on. So naturally, we learn phrases and sentences that we go on to repeat. We get a rush of adrenalin as we hear ourselves repeat the whole sentence or phrase. And when the time comes, we speak to a native speaker, and we do what? Repeat the whole phrase or sentence again. We feel so excited as they smile at us and tell us what a great job we’re doing.

It’s not until we have gotten enough vocabulary under our belt, along with knowing common phrases and sentences, that we are told, “You’re being very wordy.” And you say to yourself: What! Wordy? I thought I was doing good!  

Now just hold your horses. Calm down. Take a chill pill. It’s not the end of the world. And actually, you can pat yourself on the back (just a little bit) and say to yourself, “Good job!” Why? Because to be told “you are wordy” means that you are speaking the language! But it also means that it’s time to level up and learn how to twiddle down the phrases you’ve learnt and learn new ways of expressing the same thought in fewer words.

So, here are some examples of just a few common phrases. Feel free to copy this list for yourself to help remind you of some ways to be less verbose, less prolix, and less wordy.

More Slang and Casual with Friends and Family

• Yes / No: Yeah / Yep / Yeppers / Sure / No problem / Nope / Naw.
• Hello: Hi / hey / wha’sup (what’s up).
• How are you?: You good? / You ok? / You’re alright?
• Good morning: mornin’ / hey.
• Good afternoon: wha’sup / hey.
• Goodnight: night.
• Goodbye: bye / see ya / cat-cha later.
• Hello. My name is…: hi, I’m…
• What is your name?: your name / you are…
• I’m sorry, I don’t remember your name. What is it?: your name again...
• Nice to meet you: good deal / good meeting you.
• Today is a beautiful day: nice day / perfect day.
• Do you need any help?: need help? / you got it?
• Thank you. I appreciate it: ‘preciated it / thanks, thx.
• No, thank you. I don’t want any: no, thank you / thx (shake head).
• Can you help me, please?: hey, help me / come here.
• Can you tell me where the restrooms are located?: restroom?
• I will see you tomorrow: check you later / tomorrow.
• Are you feeling better? (Physically ill): feelin’ ok?  / any better?
• Are you feeling better? (Mentally or emotionally): you alright? / you good?
• Where are you from?: where you from? / you from where?
• May I have a cup of water, please?: water, please / grab me water.
• It’s very good. Thank you: Delicious / it’s good / man, this is good.
• I hope you enjoyed your lunch: lunch good? /  good lunch? /  enjoy.
• I will see you later: Later / check you later / I'm out.

More Formal on The Job and With Strangers

• Yes / No: Yes, Sir / Yes, Ma’am / No, Sir / No, Ma’am.
• How are you doing?: How are you? / Are you doing well?
• Good morning: Morning.
• Good afternoon: Afternoon.
• Goodnight: See you tomorrow
• Goodbye: Have a nice day
• Hello. My name is….: Hello. I am ….
• What is your name?: Your name, please?
• I’m sorry, I don’t remember your name. What is it?: Remind me of your name, please. / Remind…..again.
• Nice to meet you.: It was nice to meet you. / It’s a pleasure to meet you.
• Today is a beautiful day: It’s beautiful outside.
• Do you need any help?: Can I help you? / If you need any help, just let me know.
• Thank you. I appreciate it: Thanks. I appreciate it. / Appreciate it.
• No, thank you. I don’t want any: No, thank you. / Thank you (shaking head)
• Can you help me, please?: Can I borrow you for a minute?
• Can you tell me where the restrooms are located?: Can you point me to the men’s room? (Ladies room)
• I will see you tomorrow: See you tomorrow. / Enjoy the evening
• Are you feeling better? (Physically ill): How are you feeling today? / Hope you are feeling better.
• Are you feeling better? (Mentally or emotionally stressed): I hope your day goes well.
• Where are you from?: Can you remind me where you are from?
• May I have a cup of water, please?: Can I bother you for some water, please?
• It’s very good. Thank you: This is delicious. Thank you very much.
• I hope you enjoyed your lunch: I hope you had a good lunch.
• I will see you later: See you tomorrow.