Which of the following words hurt naval writing by stretching sentences, delaying meaning, and hiding responsibility?

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The word "it" in "it is" can detract from the clarity and directness of naval writing. In formal communication, especially within military contexts, being concise and straightforward is essential to convey messages effectively. The phrase "it is" often introduces unnecessary complexity by adding a layer of abstraction that can cloud the actual point being made.

Using longer constructions like "it is" can also delay delivering the core message, making communications less effective. For instance, saying "It is important to meet deadlines" could be more directly stated as "Meeting deadlines is important," which clearly identifies the subject and the action without adding excessive words.

Additionally, phrases that involve "it" can obscure who is responsible for the actions discussed. In military writing, accountability is key, and phrases like "it is" remove the directness needed to hold individuals accountable or to specify actions clearly.

On the other hand, words like "you are" or "I am" establish responsibility more clearly, as they point directly to a person and their actions. "Request you" can also clarify intent without diluting the message. Hence, avoiding vague constructions like "it is" enhances the precision and impact of naval writing.

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