uw-madison writing center writer's handbook

Follow the principles below to write sentences that are clear, to the point, and easier to read.

Reduce expletive constructions

Expletive constructions are phrases such as:

Try to avoid using them, since these constructions merely obscure the main subject and action of a sentence.

Examples

Expletive constructions	How to fix them
It was her last argument that finally persuaded me.	Her last argument finally persuaded me.
There are likely to be many researchers raising questions about this methodological approach.	Many researchers are likely to raise questions about this methodological approach.
It is inevitable that oil prices will rise.	Oil prices will inevitably rise.