Periphrasis, or more commonly circumlocution, is what you do when you're 'beating around the bush'. It is a way of speaking or writing all around a topic without getting to the point. It's where you use fifteen words when just one or two would do. Here's an example. Look at this sentence: "The reason that I took your picture was in order to make a dartboard." Here it is again in more concise form: "I took your picture to make a dartboard." Periphrasis here is the use of extra words that really aren't needed, like 'the reason that' and 'in order' Periphrasis may be used on purpose, especially in writing, as a means of creating anticipation, through delay. Sometimes it's used to delay bad news too, with the use of euphemisms. Consider these words spoken by a school Principal: "In the course of the past several days, it has come to my attention that some certain members of the soon-to-be-graduating class have been behaving in what can only be described as an unseemly manner." What he is really trying to say is: "Recently I've noticed that the grade 12 class has been misbehaving." Periphrasis was more common in earlier centuries, where the writing and speech was far more 'flowery'. Such writing can still be found in poetry, as in phrases like "death's other self" for "sleep". Politicians are often masters of periphrasis; they use it to avoid giving a straight answer, or to make a statement that will be quoted often. Consider Winston Churchill's answer to a dumb question. He replied:              "The answer to your question, sir, is in the plural, and they bounce." In literature periphrasis is sometimes used for comic effect. If you've read much Shakespeare, you may be familiar with Falstaff ... his method of speaking is circumlocutious and humourous. When learning to write well, it is a good idea to avoid periphrasis. Keep your writing simple and concise, and avoid euphemisms. "Omit needless words" is excellent advice for any writer, especially a beginner. Recognizing Unwanted Periphrasis in Your Writing: Here are some word combinations to avoid: "The fact that"      This expression is often used in combination with 'because of', or 'in light of', or 'in view of', or 'due to'. It can all be replaced with the single word "because" Instead of saying: "In view of the fact that I haven't had a shower this week, please keep your distance", be much more concise and say "Because I haven't had a shower this week ...". "The reason ... "      This is often an unnecessary use of words. Just drop it. Instead of writing: "The reason he failed Math was because he missed thirty four classes", make it much simpler by saying: "He failed Math because he missed thirty four classes." "Basically ..." This word is overused. It shouldn't be used at all. Instead of saying "Basically, it's because he's lazy.", just say "It's because he's lazy." Periphrasis can also be used to generate a form of pun, by substituting uncommon words, or word phrases, for simpler ones. What does each sentence below really mean? 1. "Desist from enumerating your fowl prior to their emergence from the shell." 2. "It is in the realm of possibility to entice an equine member of the animal kingdom to a source of oxidized hydrogen; however, it is not possible to force him to imbibe." Find out if you guessed right, by clicking here. Curiosity is a sign of intelligence Resources