Some of the flab we find in our writing is when we use a phrasal verb instead of a simpler verb. Look for these as we proceed through "G to L".

26. "Get out of" - A very weak phrasal verb. We had to get out of the building. Improved version: We exited the building.

27. "Gather together" - When you gather things, they are together. A redundant phrase. Please gather together all your belongings and leave my house. Improved version: Gather your belongings and leave.

28. "Give in" - Another weak phrasal verb. Please don't give in to his demands. Improved version: Don't agree to his demands. (Stronger sentence)

29. "Go into" - I will go into detail about Wealthy Affiliate Network in my blog. Improved version: I will describe Wealthy Affiliate in my blog.

30. "Grew in size" - The city grew in size during the past decade. Improved version: The city grew during the past decade.

31. "Had a conversation about" - Far too wordy. We had a conversation about the Seattle Seahawks. Improved version: We talked about the Seattle Seahawks.

32. "Has/Have to be" - Very passive and clunky. I have to be strong for her. Improved version: I must be strong for her.

33. "Have a need for" - Do you have a need for a new laptop? The noun equivalent of a verb has been used here. Improved version: Do you need a new laptop?

34. "Helps keep" - Here's a combination of two flabby phrases. Advance planning helps keep a structure to a project. Improved version: Planning gives structure to a project.

35. "I believe that" - I believe that flabby speech stops us getting the most out of our writing skills. (Another double flabby sentence) Improved version: Flabby speech hinders good writing skills.

36. "If you need to" - If you need more customers, then a good marketing plan will help. Improved version: Market your business well and your clientele will grow. (9 words instead of 12)

37. "In my opinion" - In my opinion, the Seattle Seahawks are the best team in the NFL. Improved version: The Seattle Seahawks are the greatest. (If you are saying it, then it is your opinion.)

38. "In spite of the fact" - In spite of the fact that I live in Australia, I have never been to Ayers Rock. Improved version: Though I am Australian, I have never been to Ayers Rock.

39. "Integrate with each other" - The two design teams integrated with each other very well. Improved version: The two design teams integrated well.

40. "In terms of" - The job offer was very tempting in terms of salary. Improved version: The job's salary was tempting.

41. "Is in love with" - Chris is in love with Jennifer. Improved version: Chris loves Jennifer.

42. "It seems like" - It seems like Duncan hates the Miami Dolphins. Improved version: Duncan hates the Miami Dolphins. (Be definitive about something, give it strength)

43. "Join together" - The two ropes were joined together. Improved version: The two ropes were joined.

44. "Joint collaboration" - The joint collaboration between the Major and Minor Leagues was a failure. Improved version: The collaboration between the Major and Minor Leagues failed.

45. "Kneel down" - We all kneeled down to pray. Improved version: We kneeled to pray.

46. "Knowledgeable expert" - Al Michaels is a knowledgeable expert in American football. Improved version: Al Michaels is an expert in American football. (All experts are knowledgeable.)

47. "Lacked the ability to" - The villagers in Central Affica lacked the ability to read. Improved version: The villagers in Central Africa couldn't read.

48. "Later time" - Phone me at a later time. Improved version: Phone me later.

49. "Led to the destruction of" - Hurricane Andrew led to the destruction of many homes. Improved version: Hurricane Andrew destroyed many homes. (Use a powerful verb instead)

50. "Live studio audience" - Eric Clapton played before a live studio audience. (I really hope they were not dead) Improved version: Eric Clapton played before a studio audience.

We are halfway there. Are you enjoying them? Which ones do you use often? Ready to trim the fat a bit more? Read on...