Conciseness
When two choices say the same thing, choose the shorter one, as long as no meaning is lost.
The rules
- Look for repeated ideas: "past history," "future plans," "each and every," "completely finished."
- Cut empty phrases like "due to the fact that" (because) and "in order to" (to).
- Choose the active voice when it is shorter and clearer.
- Only cut what is repeated. If a word adds information, keep it.
Watch out: Choosing a short answer that drops something the sentence needs. Check that the meaning is the same.
Worked example
The meeting was scheduled for 3:00 p.m. in the afternoon. Which version is more concise?
- "p.m." already means afternoon.
- "In the afternoon" repeats it.
- Delete the repeated phrase.
Answer: The meeting was scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
Try it yourself
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