You know what the It refers to but the poor reviewer is left to guess. Consistency in terminology is a big help to readers. Make sure the same language that is used in the text is also used in the figures. If you choose to abbreviate certain terms, don t alternate between the abbreviation and the full word. Assigning matching numbers to specific aims and methods, and to budget items and the corresponding budget justification, is a big help to readers.
Brevity is a sign of clear thinking on the part of the writer and a courtesy to the reviewer.
In addition, if there are stringent page limitations, as in an NIH application, excess verbiage uses up precious space that could better be devoted to matters of scientific relevance. Also important in the written application are emphasis, style, and tone. Emphasis helps capture the reviewer s attention and to orient her or him to what you think is significant. Style can convey to the reviewer that you are a scientist of quality who pays careful attention to detail. A sloppy style may consciously or subconsciously convey to the reviewer that your style in the laboratory is equally casual.