Skill: mariokarras/abm-copy-editing (version 1.0.0)

--- name: copy-editing description: "When the user wants to edit, review, or improve existing marketing copy. Also use when the user mentions 'edit this copy,' 'review my copy,' 'copy feedback,' 'proofread,' 'polish this,' 'make this better,' 'copy sweep,' 'tighten this up,' 'this reads awkwardly,' 'clean up this text,' 'too wordy,' or 'sharpen the messaging.' Use this when the user already has copy and wants it improved rather than rewritten from scratch. For writing new copy, see copywriting." metadata: version: 1.1.0 --- # Copy Editing You are an expert copy editor specializing in marketing and conversion copy. Your goal is to systematically improve existing copy through focused editing passes while preserving the core message. ## Core Philosophy **Check for product marketing context first:** If `.agents/product-marketing-context.md` exists (or `.claude/product-marketing-context.md` in older setups), read it before editing. Use brand voice and customer language from that context to guide your edits. If `.agents/brand-voice-guide.md` also exists, use it for voice attribute enforcement, style rules, and terminology checks. When both exist, brand-voice-guide takes precedence for voice, tone, and style decisions. Good copy editing isn't about rewriting—it's about enhancing. Each pass focuses on one dimension, catching issues that get missed when you try to fix everything at once. **Key principles:** - Don't change the core message; focus on enhancing it - Multiple focused passes beat one unfocused review - Each edit should have a clear reason - Preserve the author's voice while improving clarity --- ## The Seven Sweeps Framework Edit copy through seven sequential passes, each focusing on one dimension. After each sweep, loop back to check previous sweeps aren't compromised. ### Sweep 1: Clarity **Focus:** Can the reader understand what you're saying? **What to check:** - Confusing sentence structures - Unclear pronoun references - Jargon or insider language - Ambiguous statements - Missing context **Common clarity killers:** - Sentences trying to say too much - Abstract language instead of concrete - Assuming reader knowledge they don't have - Burying the point in qualifications **Process:** 1. Read through quickly, highlighting unclear parts 2. Don't correct yet—just note problem areas 3. After marking issues, recommend specific edits 4. Verify edits maintain the original intent **After this sweep:** Confirm the "Rule of One" (one main idea per section) and "You Rule" (copy speaks to the reader) are intact. --- ### Sweep 2: Voice and Tone **Focus:** Is the copy consistent in how it sounds? **What to check:** - Shifts between formal and casual - Inconsistent brand personality - Mood changes that feel jarring - Word choices that don't match the brand **Common voice issues:** - Starting casual, becoming corporate - Mixing "we" and "the company" references - Humor in some places, serious in others (unintentionally) - Technical language appearing randomly **Process:** 1. Read aloud to hear inconsistencies 2. Mark where tone shifts unexpectedly 3. Recommend edits that smooth transitions 4. Ensure personality remains throughout **After this sweep:** Return to Clarity Sweep to ensure voice edits didn't introduce confusion. --- ### Sweep 3: So What **Focus:** Does every claim answer "why should I care?" **What to check:** - Features without benefits - Claims without consequences - Statements that don't connect to reader's life - Missing "which means..." bridges **The So What test:** For every statement, ask "Okay, so what?" If the copy doesn't answer that question with a deeper benefit, it needs work. ❌ "Our platform uses AI-powered analytics" *So what?* ✅ "Our AI-powered analytics surface insights you'd miss manually—so you can make better decisions in half the time" **Common So What failures:** - Feature lists without benefit connections - Impressive-sounding claims that don't land - Technical capabilities without outcomes - Company achievements that don't help the reader **Process:** 1. Read each claim and literally ask "so what?" 2. Highlight claims missing the answer 3. Add the benefit bridge or deeper meaning 4. Ensure benefits connect to real reader desires **After this sweep:** Return to Voice and Tone, then Clarity. --- ### Sweep 4: Prove It **Focus:** Is every claim supported with evidence? **What to check:** - Unsubstantiated claims - Missing social proof - Assertions without backup - "Best" or "leading" without evidence **Types of proof to look for:** - Testimonials with names and specifics - Case study references - Statistics and data - Third-party validation - Guarantees and risk reversals - Customer logos - Review scores **Common proof gaps:** - "Trusted by thousands" (which thousands?) - "Industry-leading" (according to whom?) - "Customers love us" (show them saying it) - Results claims without specifics **Process:** 1. Identify every claim that needs proof 2. Check if proof exists nearby 3. Flag unsupported assertions 4. Recommend adding proof or softening claims **After this sweep:** Return to So What, Voice and Tone, then Clarity. --- ### Sweep 5: Specificity **Focus:** Is the copy concrete enough to be compelling? **What to check:** - Vague language ("improve," "enhance," "optimize") - Generic statements that could apply to anyone - Round numbers that feel made up - Missing details that would make it real **Specificity upgrades:** | Vague | Specific | |-------|----------| | Save time | Save 4 hours every week | | Many customers | 2,847 teams | | Fast results | Results in 14 days | | Improve your workflow | Cut your reporting time in half | | Great support | Response within 2 hours | **Common specificity issues:** - Adjectives doing the work nouns should do - Benefits without quantification - Outcomes without timeframes - Claims without concrete examples **Process:** 1. Highlight vague words and phrases 2. Ask "Can this be more specific?" 3. Add numbers, timeframes, or examples 4. Remove content that can't be made specific (it's probably filler) **After this sweep:** Return to Prove It, So What, Voice and Tone, then Clarity. --- ### Sweep 6: Heightened Emotion **Focus:** Does the copy make the reader feel something? **What to check:** - Flat, informational language - Missing emotional triggers - Pain points mentioned but not felt - Aspirations stated but not evoked **Emotional dimensions to consider:** - Pain of the current state - Frustration with alternatives - Fear of missing out - Desire for transformation - Pride in making smart choices - Relief from solving the problem **Techniques for heightening emotion:** - Paint the "before" state vividly - Use sensory language - Tell micro-stories - Reference shared experiences - Ask questions that prompt reflection **Process:** 1. Read for emotional impact—does it move you? 2. Identify flat sections that should resonate 3. Add emotional texture while staying authentic 4. Ensure emotion serves the message (not manipulation) **After this sweep:** Return to Specificity, Prove It, So What, Voice and Tone, then Clarity. --- ### Sweep 7: Zero Risk **Focus:** Have we removed every barrier to action? **What to check:** - Friction near CTAs - Unanswered objections - Missing trust signals - Unclear next steps - Hidden costs or surprises **Risk reducers to look for:** - Money-back guarantees - Free trials - "No credit card required" - "Cancel anytime" - Social proof near CTA - Clear expectations of what happens next - Privacy assurances **Common risk issues:** - CTA asks for commitment without earning trust - Objections raised but not addressed - Fine print that creates doubt - Vague "Contact us" instead of clear next step **Process:** 1. Focus on sections near CTAs 2. List every reason someone might hesitate 3. Check if the copy addresses each concern 4. Add risk reversals or trust signals as needed **After this sweep:** Return through all previous sweeps one final time: Heightened Emotion, Specificity, Prove It, So What, Voice and Tone, Clarity. --- ## Quick-Pass Editing Checks Use these for faster reviews when a full seven-sweep process isn't needed. ### Word-Level Checks **Cut these words:** - Very, really, extremely, incredibly (weak intensifiers) - Just, actually, basically (filler) - In order to (use "to") - That (often unnecessary) - Things, stuff (vague) **Replace these:** | Weak | Strong | |------|--------| | Utilize | Use | | Implement | Set up | | Leverage | Use | | Facilitate | Help | | Innovative | New | | Robust | Strong | | Seamless | Smooth | | Cutting-edge | New/Modern | **Watch for:** - Adverbs (usually unnecessary) - Passive voice (switch to active) - Nominalizations (verb → noun: "make a decision" → "decide") ### Sentence-Level Checks - One idea per sentence - Vary sentence length (mix short and long) - Front-load important information - Max 3 conjunctions per sentence - No more than 25 words (usually) ### Paragraph-Level Checks - One topic per paragraph - Short paragraphs (2-4 sentences for web) - Strong opening sentences - Logical flow between paragraphs - White space for scannability --- ## Copy Editing Checklist ### Before You Start - [ ] Understand the goal of this copy - [ ] Know the target audience - [ ] Identify the desired action - [ ] Read through once without editing ### Clarity (Sweep 1) - [ ] Every sentence is immediately understandable - [ ] No jargon without explanation - [ ] Pronouns have clear references - [ ] No sentences trying to do too much ### Voice & Tone (Sweep 2) - [ ] Consistent formality level throughout - [ ] Brand personality maintained - [ ] No jarring shifts in mood - [ ] Reads well aloud ### So What (Sweep 3) - [ ] Every feature connects to a benefit - [ ] Claims answer "why should I care?" - [ ] Benefits connect to real desires - [ ] No impressive-but-empty statements ### Prove It (Sweep 4) - [ ] Claims are substantiated - [ ] Social proof is specific and attributed - [ ] Numbers and stats have sources - [ ] No unearned superlatives ### Specificity (Sweep 5) - [ ] Vague words replaced with concrete ones - [ ] Numbers and timeframes included - [ ] Generic statements made specific - [ ] Filler content removed ### Heightened Emotion (Sweep 6) - [ ] Copy evokes feeling, not just information - [ ] Pain points feel real - [ ] Aspirations feel achievable - [ ] Emotion serves the message authentically ### Zero Risk (Sweep 7) - [ ] Objections addressed near CTA - [ ] Trust signals present - [ ] Next steps are crystal clear - [ ] Risk reversals stated (guarantee, trial, etc.) ### Final Checks - [ ] No typos or grammatical errors - [ ] Consistent formatting - [ ] Links work (if applicable) - [ ] Core message preserved through all edits --- ## Common Copy Problems & Fixes ### Problem: Wall of Features **Symptom:** List of what the product does without why it matters **Fix:** Add "which means..." after each feature to bridge to benefits ### Problem: Corporate Speak **Symptom:** "Leverage synergies to optimize outcomes" **Fix:** Ask "How would a human say this?" and use those words ### Problem: Weak Opening **Symptom:** Starting with company history or vague statements **Fix:** Lead with the reader's problem or desired outcome ### Problem: Buried CTA **Symptom:** The ask comes after too much buildup, or isn't clear **Fix:** Make the CTA obvious, early, and repeated ### Problem: No Proof **Symptom:** "Customers love us" with no evidence **Fix:** Add specific testimonials, numbers, or case references ### Problem: Generic Claims **Symptom:** "We help businesses grow" **Fix:** Specify who, how, and by how much ### Problem: Mixed Audiences **Symptom:** Copy tries to speak to everyone, resonates with no one **Fix:** Pick one audience and write directly to them ### Problem: Feature Overload **Symptom:** Listing every capability, overwhelming the reader **Fix:** Focus on 3-5 key benefits that matter most to the audience --- ## Working with Copy Sweeps When editing collaboratively: 1. **Run a sweep and present findings** - Show what you found, why it's an issue 2. **Recommend specific edits** - Don't just identify problems; propose solutions 3. **Request the updated copy** - Let the author make final decisions 4. **Verify previous sweeps** - After each round of edits, re-check earlier sweeps 5. **Repeat until clean** - Continue until a full sweep finds no new issues This iterative process ensures each edit doesn't create new problems while respecting the author's ownership of the copy. --- ## References - [Plain English Alternatives](references/plain-english-alternatives.md): Replace complex words with simpler alternatives --- ## Task-Specific Questions 1. What's the goal of this copy? (Awareness, conversion, retention) 2. What action should readers take? 3. Are there specific concerns or known issues? 4. What proof/evidence do you have available? --- ## Related Skills - **copywriting**: For writing new copy from scratch (use this skill to edit after your first draft is complete) - **page-cro**: For broader page optimization beyond copy - **marketing-psychology**: For understanding why certain edits improve conversion - **ab-test-setup**: For testing copy variations --- ## When to Use Each Skill | Task | Skill to Use | |------|--------------| | Writing new page copy from scratch | copywriting | | Reviewing and improving existing copy | copy-editing (this skill) | | Editing copy you just wrote | copy-editing (this skill) | | Structural or strategic page changes | page-cro |

path: evals/evals.json
content: {
  "skill_name": "copy-editing",
  "evals": [
    {
      "id": 1,
      "prompt": "Edit this homepage copy for us: 'Welcome to CloudSync! We are very excited to offer you an innovative, cutting-edge platform that seamlessly integrates with your existing tools. Our powerful solution helps businesses of all sizes optimize their workflows and drive meaningful results. Get started today and experience the difference!'",
      "expected_output": "Should check for product-marketing-context.md first. Should apply the Seven Sweeps Framework systematically. Sweep 1 (Clarity): identify vague language ('optimize workflows,' 'drive meaningful results,' 'experience the difference'). Sweep 2 (Voice & Tone): flag 'Welcome to' as weak opening, 'we are very excited' as company-focused. Sweep 3 (So What): question what specific value is being offered. Sweep 4 (Prove It): note no proof points, stats, or evidence. Sweep 5 (Specificity): flag 'businesses of all sizes,' 'existing tools,' 'powerful solution' as generic. Sweep 6 (Heightened Emotion): assess emotional impact. Sweep 7 (Zero Risk): check for trust signals. Should provide a rewritten version addressing all issues.",
      "assertions": [
        "Checks for product-marketing-context.md",
        "Applies Seven Sweeps Framework",
        "Identifies vague language (Clarity sweep)",
        "Flags weak opening and company-focused language (Voice & Tone sweep)",
        "Questions missing value proposition (So What sweep)",
        "Notes missing proof points (Prove It sweep)",
        "Flags generic terms (Specificity sweep)",
        "Provides a rewritten version"
      ],
      "files": []
    },
    {
      "id": 2,
      "prompt": "Quick edit on this CTA section: 'Ready to take your business to the next level? Our team of dedicated professionals is standing by to help you achieve your goals. Click here to learn more about how we can help you succeed.'",
      "expected_output": "Should apply the quick-pass editing checks. Should identify: 'take your business to the next level' (cliché), 'team of dedicated professionals' (filler), 'standing by' (passive), 'click here' (weak CTA), 'learn more' (vague action), 'help you succeed' (generic). Should apply word-level, sentence-level, and paragraph-level checks. Should rewrite with specific value prop, active voice, and strong action-oriented CTA. Should be concise since this was requested as a 'quick edit.'",
      "assertions": [
        "Identifies clichés and filler phrases",
        "Flags 'click here' and 'learn more' as weak",
        "Applies word-level and sentence-level checks",
        "Rewrites with specific value and strong CTA",
        "Uses active voice in rewrite",
        "Keeps response concise for a quick edit"
      ],
      "files": []
    },
    {
      "id": 3,
      "prompt": "edit this product description, it feels too long and wordy: 'Our comprehensive project management solution provides teams with a robust set of tools that enable them to efficiently plan, execute, and monitor their projects from start to finish. With our intuitive interface, powerful analytics dashboard, and seamless integration capabilities, you can ensure that every aspect of your project is managed with precision and care. Whether you're a small startup or a large enterprise, our platform scales to meet your unique needs and requirements, helping you deliver projects on time and within budget every single time.'",
      "expected_output": "Should trigger on casual phrasing. Should apply the Clarity and Specificity sweeps primarily. Should identify: redundancy ('plan, execute, and monitor' overlaps with 'from start to finish'), filler words ('comprehensive,' 'robust,' 'efficiently,' 'seamless,' 'unique'), hedge phrases ('ensuring every aspect,' 'with precision and care'), and generic claims ('scales to meet your needs,' 'on time and within budget every single time'). Should cut the copy significantly (probably by 50%+). Should provide a tighter rewrite that says the same thing in fewer, more specific words.",
      "assertions": [
        "Triggers on casual phrasing",
        "Identifies redundancy in the copy",
        "Identifies filler words and hedge phrases",
        "Identifies generic claims",
        "Cuts copy significantly (50%+ reduction)",
        "Provides tighter rewrite with specific language"
      ],
      "files": []
    },
    {
      "id": 4,
      "prompt": "Review this testimonial section and improve it: 'CloudSync is great! It really helped our company. The team was very responsive and the product works well. We would recommend it to anyone looking for a solution. - John S., CEO'",
      "expected_output": "Should apply the Prove It and Specificity sweeps. Should identify the testimonial as too vague to be persuasive ('great,' 'really helped,' 'works well,' 'anyone looking for a solution'). Should recommend replacing with specific results ('reduced project delivery time by 30%'), specific context ('team of 45 engineers'), and specific outcomes. Should suggest questions to ask the customer for a better testimonial. Should not fabricate specific numbers but should provide a template showing what a strong testimonial looks like.",
      "assertions": [
        "Applies Prove It and Specificity sweeps",
        "Identifies testimonial as too vague",
        "Recommends specific results and context",
        "Suggests questions to get better testimonial",
        "Does not fabricate specific numbers",
        "Provides template for strong testimonial"
      ],
      "files": []
    },
    {
      "id": 5,
      "prompt": "I need you to apply the 'So What' and 'Zero Risk' sweeps to this pricing page copy: 'Our Pro plan includes unlimited projects, advanced reporting, priority support, and custom integrations. Starting at $99/month.'",
      "expected_output": "Should apply specifically the So What and Zero Risk sweeps as requested. So What: for each feature, ask 'so what does this mean for the customer?' — unlimited projects (what does that enable?), advanced reporting (what decisions can they make?), priority support (what does that mean in practice? response time?), custom integrations (which ones? what workflow does it enable?). Zero Risk: identify missing trust signals — no guarantee, no trial mention, no social proof near pricing, no 'cancel anytime' assurance. Should provide rewritten copy addressing both sweeps.",
      "assertions": [
        "Applies So What sweep to each feature",
        "Translates features to customer benefits",
        "Applies Zero Risk sweep",
        "Identifies missing trust signals",
        "Suggests guarantee, trial, or cancel-anytime language",
        "Provides rewritten copy addressing both sweeps"
      ],
      "files": []
    },
    {
      "id": 6,
      "prompt": "Write fresh homepage copy for our new product. We're launching a CRM for real estate agents.",
      "expected_output": "Should recognize this is a copywriting-from-scratch task, not copy editing. Should defer to or cross-reference the copywriting skill, which handles writing new copy from scratch. Copy-editing is specifically for improving existing copy. Should make this distinction clear.",
      "assertions": [
        "Recognizes this as writing new copy, not editing existing copy",
        "References or defers to copywriting skill",
        "Explains that copy-editing is for improving existing copy",
        "Does not attempt to write full page copy from scratch"
      ],
      "files": []
    }
  ]
}


path: references/plain-english-alternatives.md
content: # Plain English Alternatives

Replace complex or pompous words with plain English alternatives.

Source: Plain English Campaign A-Z of Alternative Words (2001), Australian Government Style Manual (2024), plainlanguage.gov

---

## Contents
- A
- B
- C
- D
- E
- F
- G-H
- I
- L-M
- N-O
- P
- R
- S
- T-U
- V-Z
- Phrases to Remove Entirely

## A

| Complex | Plain Alternative |
|---------|-------------------|
| (an) absence of | no, none |
| abundance | enough, plenty, many |
| accede to | allow, agree to |
| accelerate | speed up |
| accommodate | meet, hold, house |
| accomplish | do, finish, complete |
| accordingly | so, therefore |
| acknowledge | thank you for, confirm |
| acquire | get, buy, obtain |
| additional | extra, more |
| adjacent | next to |
| advantageous | useful, helpful |
| advise | tell, say, inform |
| aforesaid | this, earlier |
| aggregate | total |
| alleviate | ease, reduce |
| allocate | give, share, assign |
| alternative | other, choice |
| ameliorate | improve |
| anticipate | expect |
| apparent | clear, obvious |
| appreciable | large, noticeable |
| appropriate | proper, right, suitable |
| approximately | about, roughly |
| ascertain | find out |
| assistance | help |
| at the present time | now |
| attempt | try |
| authorise | allow, let |

---

## B

| Complex | Plain Alternative |
|---------|-------------------|
| belated | late |
| beneficial | helpful, useful |
| bestow | give |
| by means of | by |

---

## C

| Complex | Plain Alternative |
|---------|-------------------|
| calculate | work out |
| cease | stop, end |
| circumvent | avoid, get around |
| clarification | explanation |
| commence | start, begin |
| communicate | tell, talk, write |
| competent | able |
| compile | collect, make |
| complete | fill in, finish |
| component | part |
| comprise | include, make up |
| (it is) compulsory | (you) must |
| conceal | hide |
| concerning | about |
| consequently | so |
| considerable | large, great, much |
| constitute | make up, form |
| consult | ask, talk to |
| consumption | use |
| currently | now |

---

## D

| Complex | Plain Alternative |
|---------|-------------------|
| deduct | take off |
| deem | treat as, consider |
| defer | delay, put off |
| deficiency | lack |
| delete | remove, cross out |
| demonstrate | show, prove |
| denote | show, mean |
| designate | name, appoint |
| despatch/dispatch | send |
| determine | decide, find out |
| detrimental | harmful |
| diminish | reduce, lessen |
| discontinue | stop |
| disseminate | spread, distribute |
| documentation | papers, documents |
| due to the fact that | because |
| duration | time, length |
| dwelling | home |

---

## E

| Complex | Plain Alternative |
|---------|-------------------|
| economical | cheap, good value |
| eligible | allowed, qualified |
| elucidate | explain |
| enable | allow |
| encounter | meet |
| endeavour | try |
| enquire | ask |
| ensure | make sure |
| entitlement | right |
| envisage | expect |
| equivalent | equal, the same |
| erroneous | wrong |
| establish | set up, show |
| evaluate | assess, test |
| excessive | too much |
| exclusively | only |
| exempt | free from |
| expedite | speed up |
| expenditure | spending |
| expire | run out |

---

## F

| Complex | Plain Alternative |
|---------|-------------------|
| fabricate | make |
| facilitate | help, make possible |
| finalise | finish, complete |
| following | after |
| for the purpose of | to, for |
| for the reason that | because |
| forthwith | now, at once |
| forward | send |
| frequently | often |
| furnish | give, provide |
| furthermore | also, and |

---

## G-H

| Complex | Plain Alternative |
|---------|-------------------|
| generate | produce, create |
| henceforth | from now on |
| hitherto | until now |

---

## I

| Complex | Plain Alternative |
|---------|-------------------|
| if and when | if, when |
| illustrate | show |
| immediately | at once, now |
| implement | carry out, do |
| imply | suggest |
| in accordance with | under, following |
| in addition to | and, also |
| in conjunction with | with |
| in excess of | more than |
| in lieu of | instead of |
| in order to | to |
| in receipt of | receive |
| in relation to | about |
| in respect of | about, for |
| in the event of | if |
| in the majority of instances | most, usually |
| in the near future | soon |
| in view of the fact that | because |
| inception | start |
| indicate | show, suggest |
| inform | tell |
| initiate | start, begin |
| insert | put in |
| instances | cases |
| irrespective of | despite |
| issue | give, send |

---

## L-M

| Complex | Plain Alternative |
|---------|-------------------|
| (a) large number of | many |
| liaise with | work with, talk to |
| locality | place, area |
| locate | find |
| magnitude | size |
| (it is) mandatory | (you) must |
| manner | way |
| modification | change |
| moreover | also, and |

---

## N-O

| Complex | Plain Alternative |
|---------|-------------------|
| negligible | small |
| nevertheless | but, however |
| notify | tell |
| notwithstanding | despite, even if |
| numerous | many |
| objective | aim, goal |
| (it is) obligatory | (you) must |
| obtain | get |
| occasioned by | caused by |
| on behalf of | for |
| on numerous occasions | often |
| on receipt of | when you get |
| on the grounds that | because |
| operate | work, run |
| optimum | best |
| option | choice |
| otherwise | or |
| outstanding | unpaid |
| owing to | because |

---

## P

| Complex | Plain Alternative |
|---------|-------------------|
| partially | partly |
| participate | take part |
| particulars | details |
| per annum | a year |
| perform | do |
| permit | let, allow |
| personnel | staff, people |
| peruse | read |
| possess | have, own |
| practically | almost |
| predominant | main |
| prescribe | set |
| preserve | keep |
| previous | earlier, before |
| principal | main |
| prior to | before |
| proceed | go ahead |
| procure | get |
| prohibit | ban, stop |
| promptly | quickly |
| provide | give |
| provided that | if |
| provisions | rules, terms |
| proximity | nearness |
| purchase | buy |
| pursuant to | under |

---

## R

| Complex | Plain Alternative |
|---------|-------------------|
| reconsider | think again |
| reduction | cut |
| referred to as | called |
| regarding | about |
| reimburse | repay |
| reiterate | repeat |
| relating to | about |
| remain | stay |
| remainder | rest |
| remuneration | pay |
| render | make, give |
| represent | stand for |
| request | ask |
| require | need |
| residence | home |
| retain | keep |
| revised | changed, new |

---

## S

| Complex | Plain Alternative |
|---------|-------------------|
| scrutinise | examine, check |
| select | choose |
| solely | only |
| specified | given, stated |
| state | say |
| statutory | legal, by law |
| subject to | depending on |
| submit | send, give |
| subsequent to | after |
| subsequently | later |
| substantial | large, much |
| sufficient | enough |
| supplement | add to |
| supplementary | extra |

---

## T-U

| Complex | Plain Alternative |
|---------|-------------------|
| terminate | end, stop |
| thereafter | then |
| thereby | by this |
| thus | so |
| to date | so far |
| transfer | move |
| transmit | send |
| ultimately | in the end |
| undertake | agree, do |
| uniform | same |
| utilise | use |

---

## V-Z

| Complex | Plain Alternative |
|---------|-------------------|
| variation | change |
| virtually | almost |
| visualise | imagine, see |
| ways and means | ways |
| whatsoever | any |
| with a view to | to |
| with effect from | from |
| with reference to | about |
| with regard to | about |
| with respect to | about |
| zone | area |

---

## Phrases to Remove Entirely

These phrases often add nothing. Delete them:

- a total of
- absolutely
- actually
- all things being equal
- as a matter of fact
- at the end of the day
- at this moment in time
- basically
- currently (when "now" or nothing works)
- I am of the opinion that (use: I think)
- in due course (use: soon, or say when)
- in the final analysis
- it should be understood
- last but not least
- obviously
- of course
- quite
- really
- the fact of the matter is
- to all intents and purposes
- very


Security scan verdicts — ClawScan: clean | static analysis: clean | VirusTotal: clean | SkillSpector: clean (LOW)