# Prefer concise words over complex terms (EK00042)

import { Aside, Badge } from '@astrojs/starlight/components';

Concise phrasing removes filler and gets readers to the point faster. EkLine flags a wordy phrase that has a shorter equivalent and suggests the concise term (rule EK00042).

## Why does concise wording matter in documentation?

Wordy phrases like `a number of` add length without adding meaning, and they accumulate across a document. Tighter phrasing respects the reader's time and makes each sentence easier to scan. Concise words also translate more predictably.

## What EkLine flags

EK00042 flags a wordy phrase that has a shorter equivalent.

- ❌ **Incorrect:** a number of options
- ✅ **Correct:** several options
- ❌ **Incorrect:** a majority of users
- ✅ **Correct:** most users
- ❌ **Incorrect:** Long timeouts adversely impact performance.
- ✅ **Correct:** Long timeouts hurt performance.

## How to fix

Replace the flagged phrase with the concise term EkLine suggests.

## FAQ

### How do you make documentation more concise?

Replace wordy phrases with shorter equivalents — "a number of" becomes "several", and "a majority of" becomes "most". Each swap trims length without losing meaning.

### Why does concise writing help readers?

Tighter phrasing respects the reader's time, makes each sentence easier to scan, and translates more predictably.

## Rule details

| Property | Value |
|----------|-------|
| Rule ID | `EK00042` |
| Category | Sentences and phrases |
| Default severity | <Badge text="Suggestion" variant="note" /> |
| Enabled by default | Yes |

## Ignore this rule

To keep a flagged phrase on one line, add an inline comment with a reason:

```markdown
<!-- ekline-ignore-next-line EK00042 -- quoted survey question, preserve wording -->
"How would a number of outages affect your team?"
```

To disable the rule across your project, add it to the `ignore` list in your [configuration file](/reviewer/configuration/ignoring-rules/#ignore).

## Related rules

- [EK00038](/reviewer/rules/ek00038/) — Prefer simple, concise words
- [EK00043](/reviewer/rules/ek00043/) — Avoid idioms and colloquialisms