Unneccesary Words: On the use of 'problem'

On writing -

Editor Sir Harry Evans on how the description of the word 'problem' can overcomplicate:

'' The problem is of a considerable extent' v ''it's a big problem''.

Source: Do I Make Myself Clear? Why Writing Well Matters, p.154.

On the use of the word 'problem'

The example above shows in a small way how sometimes complication of language can, rather than increase nuance and clarity, act as a barrier. It can create a facade of fanciness, make something appear beyond a person's understanding when that may not be the case.

Clear writing I think, should try to break down, rather than reinforce such barriers. Think for example of the urgency in the phrase 'global debt is a big problem'. Some of the pressure of the phrase is let out if you say instead 'global debt is a problem of considerable extent'.

When we speak in the direct pressure and energy of day to day life, we are already more likely to avoid unnecessarily complex language. It makes much more sense to say 'we haven't got any food in for dinner- it's a big problem' than to say 'not having any food in for dinner is a problem of a considerable extent'. Similarly, such clarity can also make writing easier to read.

Something to practice

Next time you use the word 'problem' in your writing, think about how to quantify it. Try to quantify it in the most basic way you can think of and see the impact this has on the writing.