When we sit down to write, it can sometimes take awhile to get going. It might take a few sentences, or even a few paragraphs, before we get around to the key points. But by then, we may have already lost our readers' attention.

Writing "warm-up" sentences in your first draft is fine, but be sure to go back and edit your work to eliminate them. If you see these 13 phrases in your writing, try to cut them out and get to your point more quickly.

• It has been found that . . .
• It is well known that . . .
• It is a fact that . . .
• It can be said that . . .
• It is evident that . . .
• It is interesting to note that . . .
• I wanted to let you know that . . .
• I am writing to you today because . . .
• I wish to take this opportunity to . . .
• The purpose of this memo is to . . .
• She is a person who . . .
• The goal of the project is to . . .
• The project is designed to. . .

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