Log in
Register
Search
Search titles only
By:
Search titles only
By:
Log in
Register
Search
Search titles only
By:
Search titles only
By:
More options
Toggle width
Share this page
Share this page
Share
Facebook
Twitter
Reddit
Pinterest
Tumblr
WhatsApp
Email
Share
Link
Menu
Install the app
Install
Forums
Law Firm Events
Law Firm Deadlines
TCLA TV
Members
Leaderboards
Premium Database
Premium Chat
Commercial Awareness
Future Trainee Advice
Forums
Aspiring Lawyers - Applications & General Advice
Applications Discussion
How to get your applications within their word limits
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Jessica Booker" data-source="post: 74437" data-attributes="member: 2672"><p>After reviewing applications over the last 7-8 months, one of the most common issues for candidates is getting their answer within word limits. Often people find it difficult to cut their answers down, and in doing so usually cut out interesting content or points to ensure the answer meets any word limit criteria.</p><p></p><p>However, I notice that often people are using very long phrases to describe something and their verbosity throughout their answer means that this uses up the word count. If they were more ruthless with their phrases, saving 2-3 words per sentence, usually means by the end of a 300 word answer they have 30+ words that could be used to include more interesting or detailed content.</p><p></p><p>I thought it might be useful for me to post some of the regular phrases I am editing out of applications to allow you to see how you can potentially save yourself some extra words. Obviously you can keep them in if you want, it is just when you are struggling to say everything you want to, these can be the phrases/words you can often get rid of!</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 18px">�</span></p><table style='width: 100%'><tr><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px"><strong>Original phrase</strong></span></p> </td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px"><strong>Shorter version</strong></span></p> </td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px"><strong> Number of words saved</strong></span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"of the" - e.g. <em>"the current finances of the business" </em>or<em> "working with members of the team"</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Use an apostrophe instead - e.g. <em>"the business's current finances" </em>or remove it entirely, <em>"working with team members"</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Two</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"In order to" - e.g. <em>"In order to complete the task"</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">To - e.g. <em>"To complete the task" </em><br /> <br /> In most instances, "In order" is completely redundant.</span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Two</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"my own" - e.g. <em>"aligns with my own personal values"</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">My - e.g. <em>"aligns with my personal values"</em><br /> <br /> The "own" in this context is redundant as you have used "my" to substantiate your ownership</span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">One</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"allowed me to" - e.g <em>"My role allowed me to demonstrate my team working skills"</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Redundant - e.g. <em>"My role demonstrated my team working skills"</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Three</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"had the opportunity to" - e.g. "<em>I had the opportunity to attend the 2020 Finance Conference"</em><br /> <br /> Same goes for possibility</span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Redundant - e.g. "<em>I attended the 2020 Finance Conference"</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Four</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"would allow" - e.g. <em>"The small trainee intake would allow trainees to have greater levels of responsibility"</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Replace "would" with an s at the end of allow - e.g. <em>"The small trainee intake allows trainees to have greater levels of responsibility"</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">One</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"Was able to" - e.g. <em>"I was able to utilise my communication skills"</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Redundant - just change the verb to past tense e.g. <em>"I utilised my communication skills"</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Three</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"Period of time" e.g. <em>"During that period of time, I was responsible for..."</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Either time or period on its own still works - e.g. <em>"During that period, I was responsible for..."<br /> "During that time, I was responsible for..."</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Two</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"Makes it clear that" e.g. <em>"The 2020 Finance Award makes it clear that the firm leads in this practice area".</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Replace with demonstrates - e.g. <em>"The 2020 Finance Award demonstrates that the firm leads in this practice area".</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Two</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"the XXXX at" e.g. <em>"My preference for the work at international firms..."</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Replace with an apstrophe - e.g. <em>"My preference for international firms' work..."</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Two</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"I went on to become" e.g. <em>"I went on to become President of the Law Society"</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Just change to past tense - e.g. <em>"I became President of the Law Society"</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Three</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"I made the" e.g. <em>"I made the decision to delegate to my colleagues".</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Redundant - just change the verb to past tense e.g. <em>"I decided to delegate to my colleagues".</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Two</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"Taking into account" e.g <em>"By taking into account the financial aspects of the deal".</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Replace with considering, e.g. <em>"By considering the financial aspects of the deal".</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Two</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"Managed to" e.g.<em> "We managed to complete the task on time".</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Redundant - just change the verb to past tense e.g. <em> "We completed the task on time".</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Two</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"not only" e.g. <em>"It is not only important to build relationships with clients but also colleagues".</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Redundant - just remove and replace the but with and. e.g. - <em>"It is important to build relationships with clients and colleagues".</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Three</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"Across the world" e.g. "<em>With offices across the world".</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Replace with worldwide - e.g. "<em>With offices worldwide".</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Two</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"Be able to" e.g. <em>"Lawyers must be able to multitask and communicate effectively".</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Redundant - <em>"Lawyers must multitask and communicate effectively".</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Three</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"In spite of this"</span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"Despite this"</span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Two</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"I had to" e.g. <em>"I had to engage with clients on a regular basis".</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Redundant - just change the verb to past tense e.g<em>. "I engaged with clients on a regular basis".</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Two</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"Take part"</span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"Participate"</span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">One</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"Both" e.g. <em>"I enjoy both litigation and transactional work"</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Redundant - <em>"I enjoy litigation and transactional work"</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">One</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"involved in" e.g. <em>"I was involved in the design of a new product"</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Replace with helped - e.g. "<em>I helped with the design of a new product"</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">One</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"In the process of" e.g. <em>"I was in the process of collecting data".</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Replace with when - e.g. <em>"When I was collecting data"</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Three</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Absolutely/Certainly/Completely/Definitely - e.g. <em>"I absolutely agree with that concept". </em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Redundant - <em>"I agree with that concept". </em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">One</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"All of the" e.g. <em>"All of the team members agreed to the proposal"</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Redundant - <em>"The team members agreed to the proposal"</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Two</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"As to whether" e.g. <em>"We were uncertain as to whether we should go ahead".</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"As to" is redundant - e.g. "<em>We were uncertain whether we should go ahead".</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Two</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"For the purpose of" e.g. "<em>For the purpose of creating a new programme, we suggested"</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Replace with to - e.g. "To create <em>a new programme, we suggested"</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Three</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"Have the ability to" e.g. <em>"I have the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues"</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Replace with can - e.g. <em>"I can communicate effectively with colleagues"</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Three</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Just/Really/Very/Even - e.g.<em> "I really enjoyed my Contract law module"</em> or <em>"I even enjoyed Land law"</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Redundant - e.g. <em>"I enjoyed my Contract law module"</em> or <em>"I enjoyed Land law"</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">One</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">With regards/reference to - e.g. <em>"With regards to my work experience"</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Change to regarding/referencing - e.g. <em>"Regarding my work experience"</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Two</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"The fact that" - e.g. <em>"The fact that Joe Bloggs LLP have an office in China prompted me to apply"</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Redundant - e.g. <em>"Joe Bloggs LLP's office in China prompted me to apply"</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Five</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"Needless to say" e.g. <em>"Needless to say, the firm's secondment opportunities are appealing".</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Redundant - e.g. <em>"The firm's secondment opportunities are appealing".</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Three</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"It is important to note" e.g. <em>"It is important to note the firm's diversity policies are world-class"</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Redundant - e.g. <em>"The firm's diversity policies are world-class"</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Five</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"In the event of" e.g. <em>"In the event of further lockdowns, I will continue to study remotely"</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Replace with if & happen - e.g. <em>"In further lockdowns happen, I will continue to study remotely"</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Two</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"conducted research" e.g. <em>"I conducted research on the local economy"</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Conducted and on are redundant - e.g. <em>"I researched the local economy"</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Two</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"resulted in" e.g. <em>"My efforts resulted in an increase in membership"</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Redundant - e.g. <em>"My efforts increased membership"</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Four</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"Successfully completed" e.g. <em>"I successfully completed the marathon"</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Successfully is redundant - e.g. <em>"I completed the marathon"</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">One</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"As a result of" e.g.<em> "As a result of the latest lockdown, I have focused on training at home"</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Replace with "due to" or "because of" - e.g. <em>"Due to the latest lockdown, I have focused on training at home"</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Two</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"I was tasked with" e.g. <em>"I was tasked with leading the group".</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Redundant - just change the verb to past tense e.g<em>. "I led the group".</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Three</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"In the midst of" e.g. <em>"In the midst of my exams, I became unwell"</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Replace with during - e.g. <em>"During my exams, I became unwell"</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Three</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"At the present time" e.g.<em> "At the present time, I am working as a paralegal"</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Replace with "at present" - e.g. <em>"At present, I am working as a paralegal"</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Two</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"During the course" e.g. <em>"During the course of my studies, I held down a part-time job"</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"the course of" is redundant - e.g. <em>"During my studies, I held down a part-time job"</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Three</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"End result" e.g. <em>"The end result was that I achieved a first".</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">End is redundant - e.g. <em>"The result was that I achieved a first".</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">One</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"the entire" e.g. <em>"Throughout the entire period of school, I was bullied".</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Redundant - e.g. <em>"Throughout school, I was bullied".</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Four</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"gives me the opportunity to" e.g. <em>"Lockdown gives me the opportunity to spend more time with my family"</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Replace with allows - e.g. <em>"Lockdown allows me to spend more time with my family"</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Two</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Reached out</span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Replace with "contacted"</span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">One</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size: 18px">"a variety of" e.g. "<em>which spans across a variety of practice areas"</em></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 18px">Replace with various - e.g. <em>"which spans across various practice areas"</em></span></td><td><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Two</span></p> </td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></table></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Jessica Booker, post: 74437, member: 2672"] After reviewing applications over the last 7-8 months, one of the most common issues for candidates is getting their answer within word limits. Often people find it difficult to cut their answers down, and in doing so usually cut out interesting content or points to ensure the answer meets any word limit criteria. However, I notice that often people are using very long phrases to describe something and their verbosity throughout their answer means that this uses up the word count. If they were more ruthless with their phrases, saving 2-3 words per sentence, usually means by the end of a 300 word answer they have 30+ words that could be used to include more interesting or detailed content. I thought it might be useful for me to post some of the regular phrases I am editing out of applications to allow you to see how you can potentially save yourself some extra words. Obviously you can keep them in if you want, it is just when you are struggling to say everything you want to, these can be the phrases/words you can often get rid of! [SIZE=5]�[/SIZE] [TABLE] [TR] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5][B]Original phrase[/B][/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5][B]Shorter version[/B][/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5][B] Number of words saved[/B][/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"of the" - e.g. [I]"the current finances of the business" [/I]or[I] "working with members of the team"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Use an apostrophe instead - e.g. [I]"the business's current finances" [/I]or remove it entirely, [I]"working with team members"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Two[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"In order to" - e.g. [I]"In order to complete the task"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]To - e.g. [I]"To complete the task" [/I] In most instances, "In order" is completely redundant.[/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Two[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"my own" - e.g. [I]"aligns with my own personal values"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]My - e.g. [I]"aligns with my personal values"[/I] The "own" in this context is redundant as you have used "my" to substantiate your ownership[/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]One[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"allowed me to" - e.g [I]"My role allowed me to demonstrate my team working skills"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Redundant - e.g. [I]"My role demonstrated my team working skills"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Three[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"had the opportunity to" - e.g. "[I]I had the opportunity to attend the 2020 Finance Conference"[/I] Same goes for possibility[/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Redundant - e.g. "[I]I attended the 2020 Finance Conference"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Four[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"would allow" - e.g. [I]"The small trainee intake would allow trainees to have greater levels of responsibility"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Replace "would" with an s at the end of allow - e.g. [I]"The small trainee intake allows trainees to have greater levels of responsibility"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]One[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"Was able to" - e.g. [I]"I was able to utilise my communication skills"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Redundant - just change the verb to past tense e.g. [I]"I utilised my communication skills"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Three[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"Period of time" e.g. [I]"During that period of time, I was responsible for..."[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Either time or period on its own still works - e.g. [I]"During that period, I was responsible for..." "During that time, I was responsible for..."[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Two[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"Makes it clear that" e.g. [I]"The 2020 Finance Award makes it clear that the firm leads in this practice area".[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Replace with demonstrates - e.g. [I]"The 2020 Finance Award demonstrates that the firm leads in this practice area".[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Two[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"the XXXX at" e.g. [I]"My preference for the work at international firms..."[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Replace with an apstrophe - e.g. [I]"My preference for international firms' work..."[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Two[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"I went on to become" e.g. [I]"I went on to become President of the Law Society"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Just change to past tense - e.g. [I]"I became President of the Law Society"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Three[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"I made the" e.g. [I]"I made the decision to delegate to my colleagues".[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Redundant - just change the verb to past tense e.g. [I]"I decided to delegate to my colleagues".[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Two[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"Taking into account" e.g [I]"By taking into account the financial aspects of the deal".[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Replace with considering, e.g. [I]"By considering the financial aspects of the deal".[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Two[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"Managed to" e.g.[I] "We managed to complete the task on time".[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Redundant - just change the verb to past tense e.g. [I] "We completed the task on time".[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Two[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"not only" e.g. [I]"It is not only important to build relationships with clients but also colleagues".[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Redundant - just remove and replace the but with and. e.g. - [I]"It is important to build relationships with clients and colleagues".[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Three[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"Across the world" e.g. "[I]With offices across the world".[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Replace with worldwide - e.g. "[I]With offices worldwide".[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Two[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"Be able to" e.g. [I]"Lawyers must be able to multitask and communicate effectively".[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Redundant - [I]"Lawyers must multitask and communicate effectively".[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Three[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"In spite of this"[/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]"Despite this"[/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Two[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"I had to" e.g. [I]"I had to engage with clients on a regular basis".[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Redundant - just change the verb to past tense e.g[I]. "I engaged with clients on a regular basis".[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Two[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"Take part"[/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]"Participate"[/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]One[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"Both" e.g. [I]"I enjoy both litigation and transactional work"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Redundant - [I]"I enjoy litigation and transactional work"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]One[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"involved in" e.g. [I]"I was involved in the design of a new product"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Replace with helped - e.g. "[I]I helped with the design of a new product"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]One[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"In the process of" e.g. [I]"I was in the process of collecting data".[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Replace with when - e.g. [I]"When I was collecting data"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Three[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]Absolutely/Certainly/Completely/Definitely - e.g. [I]"I absolutely agree with that concept". [/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Redundant - [I]"I agree with that concept". [/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]One[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"All of the" e.g. [I]"All of the team members agreed to the proposal"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Redundant - [I]"The team members agreed to the proposal"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Two[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"As to whether" e.g. [I]"We were uncertain as to whether we should go ahead".[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]"As to" is redundant - e.g. "[I]We were uncertain whether we should go ahead".[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Two[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"For the purpose of" e.g. "[I]For the purpose of creating a new programme, we suggested"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Replace with to - e.g. "To create [I]a new programme, we suggested"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Three[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"Have the ability to" e.g. [I]"I have the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Replace with can - e.g. [I]"I can communicate effectively with colleagues"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Three[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]Just/Really/Very/Even - e.g.[I] "I really enjoyed my Contract law module"[/I] or [I]"I even enjoyed Land law"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Redundant - e.g. [I]"I enjoyed my Contract law module"[/I] or [I]"I enjoyed Land law"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]One[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]With regards/reference to - e.g. [I]"With regards to my work experience"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Change to regarding/referencing - e.g. [I]"Regarding my work experience"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Two[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"The fact that" - e.g. [I]"The fact that Joe Bloggs LLP have an office in China prompted me to apply"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Redundant - e.g. [I]"Joe Bloggs LLP's office in China prompted me to apply"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Five[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"Needless to say" e.g. [I]"Needless to say, the firm's secondment opportunities are appealing".[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Redundant - e.g. [I]"The firm's secondment opportunities are appealing".[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Three[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"It is important to note" e.g. [I]"It is important to note the firm's diversity policies are world-class"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Redundant - e.g. [I]"The firm's diversity policies are world-class"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Five[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"In the event of" e.g. [I]"In the event of further lockdowns, I will continue to study remotely"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Replace with if & happen - e.g. [I]"In further lockdowns happen, I will continue to study remotely"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Two[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"conducted research" e.g. [I]"I conducted research on the local economy"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Conducted and on are redundant - e.g. [I]"I researched the local economy"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Two[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"resulted in" e.g. [I]"My efforts resulted in an increase in membership"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Redundant - e.g. [I]"My efforts increased membership"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Four[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"Successfully completed" e.g. [I]"I successfully completed the marathon"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Successfully is redundant - e.g. [I]"I completed the marathon"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]One[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"As a result of" e.g.[I] "As a result of the latest lockdown, I have focused on training at home"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Replace with "due to" or "because of" - e.g. [I]"Due to the latest lockdown, I have focused on training at home"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Two[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"I was tasked with" e.g. [I]"I was tasked with leading the group".[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Redundant - just change the verb to past tense e.g[I]. "I led the group".[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Three[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"In the midst of" e.g. [I]"In the midst of my exams, I became unwell"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Replace with during - e.g. [I]"During my exams, I became unwell"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Three[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"At the present time" e.g.[I] "At the present time, I am working as a paralegal"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Replace with "at present" - e.g. [I]"At present, I am working as a paralegal"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Two[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"During the course" e.g. [I]"During the course of my studies, I held down a part-time job"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]"the course of" is redundant - e.g. [I]"During my studies, I held down a part-time job"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Three[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"End result" e.g. [I]"The end result was that I achieved a first".[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]End is redundant - e.g. [I]"The result was that I achieved a first".[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]One[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"the entire" e.g. [I]"Throughout the entire period of school, I was bullied".[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Redundant - e.g. [I]"Throughout school, I was bullied".[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Four[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"gives me the opportunity to" e.g. [I]"Lockdown gives me the opportunity to spend more time with my family"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Replace with allows - e.g. [I]"Lockdown allows me to spend more time with my family"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Two[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]Reached out[/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Replace with "contacted"[/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]One[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][SIZE=5]"a variety of" e.g. "[I]which spans across a variety of practice areas"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][SIZE=5]Replace with various - e.g. [I]"which spans across various practice areas"[/I][/SIZE][/TD] [TD][CENTER][SIZE=5]Two[/SIZE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Our company is called, "The Corporate ___ Academy". What is the missing word here?
Post reply
Forums
Aspiring Lawyers - Applications & General Advice
Applications Discussion
How to get your applications within their word limits
Top
Bottom
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
Accept
Learn more…