C.R.I.S.P. — The Core of the Style Revision Method (2.) — Letter R for REPLACE

The second letter of my acronym in the C.R.I.S.P. Method of Sentence Revision stands for REPLACE. In other words, rather than the deletion of unnecessary, ineffective words and phrases called for by CLARIFY, this set of tactics SUBSTITUTES more lively and powerful words and phrases for those that are weak and blandly ineffective.

As with all of the tactics or techniques of this method, there are several particular varieties of word choices and phrasings in almost all drafts that need replacement by a reconsideration of what more ideally might be written.

My list of particular rules for REPLACEMENT/SUBSTITUTION is as follows:

• The vague and general word with the vivid and specific. Exact choices for precise nuance of meaning are always better than generic ones.
• The multi-syllable word with the short, simple word (so long as precision of meaning is not lost.)
• The foreign language borrowing with the common English (in most cases, unless the foreign language usage is commonly or broadly understood by your “Ideal Readership” — EXAMPLES: déjà vu, bon voyage, sans, et cetera.)
• The uncommon word (those that draw attention to themselves AS words — thus making the meaning or message translucent or opaque rather than transparent) with the common and broadly known word.
• The longer clause or phrase (or series of phrases — as often happens with strings of prepositional phrases) with the shorter or single clause or phrase. EXAMPLE: “of the majority of the people of the United States” becomes: “of most Americans.”
• The clause or phrase with a single word. EXAMPLE: “the speaker of the famous quote ‘To be or not to be’…” becomes “Hamlet.”

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