Long sentences and extra words hide your ideas. This guide shows you how to make your writing shorter, clearer and more powerful. For a simple example of clear writing, read the short paragraph on dog.
Why Long Writing Fails
~130 words
Many students believe that long sentences and big words make their writing look smart. The opposite is true. Long, crowded sentences force the reader to work hard just to understand a simple idea. By the time the reader reaches the end of a long sentence, he or she may have forgotten the beginning. Filler words like very, really, actually and in order to add length but add no meaning. A paragraph full of such words becomes boring, and the reader loses interest quickly. In an examination, a teacher who reads hundreds of answers wants to understand the point fast. Clear, short sentences show that the writer knows the topic well, while long, unclear sentences suggest confusion. The goal of writing is not to impress the reader with length; it is to pass on an idea. When you cut the extra words, your ideas become visible, and your writing gets more impact.
How to Cut Your Writing Down
~160 words
Cutting your writing is easy if you follow a few simple rules. First, remove filler words. Instead of writing in order to, write to. Instead of at this point in time, write now. Second, use one strong word instead of several weak ones. Instead of walked very quickly, write rushed or hurried. Third, avoid repeating the same idea twice in different words. Many writers say the same thing once in a long way and once in a short way, but one clear sentence is enough. Fourth, start each sentence with the subject and keep the verb close to it. A sentence like the reason why the plan failed was because of a lack of time becomes the plan failed because we ran out of time. Finally, read your work aloud. If a sentence makes you breathe twice, it is probably too long. Split it into two. Cutting words is not about losing ideas; it is about removing the fat so that the muscle of your writing can show.
Before and After: Examples
Before: In my personal opinion, I think that the reason why many students are unable to complete their homework on time is because they have a tendency to waste a lot of their valuable time on various social media platforms instead of studying. (41 words)
After: Many students fail to finish their homework because they waste time on social media instead of studying. (16 words)
Tips to Remember
- Remove filler words like very, really, actually and in order to.
- Use one strong word instead of several weak words.
- Split any sentence that is longer than two lines.
- Read your work aloud and cut every sentence that sounds heavy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does short writing lose meaning?
No. Short writing keeps all the important ideas and only removes the unnecessary words, so the meaning becomes clearer, not weaker.
How can I make my writing concise?
You can make your writing concise by removing filler words, using stronger words, avoiding repetition and splitting long sentences into short ones.