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30.1 Tactful Wordiness (sample observations)
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The writer of this letter has used the passive voice and repetitive and empty phrases to pad a recommendation letter that is, in fact, a coded warning. Writers sometimes use words like "interesting" or phrases like "left a lasting impression" when they can think of nothing positive to say about the person or subject matter. "Mistakes were made" is a well-known passive construction designed to obscure the guilty agent (that is, Dennis, who caused the fire). The writer is friends with Dennis' father, and he can claim that he has written a substantial letter supporting Dennis. The three paragraphs, however, are full of wordy devices that fluff up another message: if you value your property, don't hire Dennis!
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