Say This, Not That · Free
Same meaning. Half the words.
Concise writing isn't clipped writing. It's writing where every word is doing something, which usually means cutting phrases that only announce what the sentence is about to do.
Concise WritingAcademic WritingWork & Professional
Instead of
The movie was really good and very interesting.
Try
“The movie was compelling and unpredictable.”
Why it works
The original uses seven words to say “I liked it”. The rewrite uses two words that each say something different: it held attention, and it surprised you.
Tone · Precise
Instead of
Due to the fact that the shipment was delayed, we were unable to complete the installation.
Try
“The delayed shipment stopped us finishing the installation.”
Why it works
“Due to the fact that” is always “because”. Turning the noun phrase back into a verb removes half the sentence.
Tone · Concise · Casual
Instead of
We will conduct an analysis of the results and make a decision regarding next steps.
Try
“We'll analyse the results and decide what's next.”
Why it works
Buried verbs, conduct an analysis, make a decision, inflate sentences. Let the verb be the verb.
Tone · Professional
Instead of
In my personal opinion, I believe that we should probably consider postponing.
Try
“I'd postpone.”
Why it works
“In my personal opinion, I believe” stacks three ways of saying the same thing. One is plenty.
Tone · Direct · Professional
Instead of
There are several factors that contribute to the delay.
Try
“Three things caused the delay.”
Why it works
“There are… that…” pushes the real subject to the middle of the sentence. Starting with it is shorter and clearer.
Tone · Precise
Concise isn't cold
Cut throat-clearing, not courtesy. Please, thanks and a human greeting cost you three words and buy a lot.
No account, no credits, just pick the version that reads better.
Which version says more in fewer words?
“Due to the fact that” should almost always become…
Which is the strongest opening?
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Real-World Practice drops the same decisions into real situations. Free, no credits.
Try Real-World PracticeDelete the word. Read it again. Usually nothing is missing.
“I just wanted to just quickly check in about the thing we discussed.”
“Checking in about the pricing change we discussed.”
The first line decides whether the rest gets read.
“I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you today because…”
“Quick question about Thursday's workshop.”
The verb does the work. Let it.
“He walked quickly across the room.”
“He strode across the room.”
