In order (as in, “In order to…”)
What’s the difference between “in order to” and “to?”

 
Well (as in, “Well, that’s a good point…”)
Any difference between “Well, that’s a good point” and “That’s a good point?”

 
I believe (as in, “I believe we should…”)
Does “I believe we should” lose any meaning when you shorten it to “We should?”

 
As to (as in, “I’m not sure as to whether…”)
“I’m not sure whether” should do the trick.
 

Is using any of these extra words or phrases a big deal? Not really. But put enough of them in your writing, and your readers will feel the bloat of your words – and notice that you’re wasting their time.

An article today in my Phoenix-area newspaper lists the results of a recent survey of local restaurants by health inspectors.

In the area I’ve circled, you’ll see that they “explain” what the grades mean. I’d argue that A and B, for example, are self-explanatory, but I suppose they are just being thorough. Fair enough. But look at how they explain the only grade here that is not at all self-explanatory, “NP.”

Oh, now I understand: NP stands for NP. Thanks, editorial team, for cutting through the haze.