Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a synonym for 'very quickly' that improves the clarity of the sentence?
What is a synonym for 'very quickly' that improves the clarity of the sentence?
- sprinted (correct)
- quick
- speedily
- rapidly
Which of the following phrases is an example of redundancy?
Which of the following phrases is an example of redundancy?
- unexpected surprise
- safe haven
- advanced planning
- past history (correct)
What is the proper function of the word 'carefully' in the phrase 'carefully scrutinise'?
What is the proper function of the word 'carefully' in the phrase 'carefully scrutinise'?
- To modify the subject
- To emphasize the action (correct)
- To replace the main verb
- To provide a contrasting idea
Which of the following phrases could be considered a tautology?
Which of the following phrases could be considered a tautology?
Which of the following replacements reduces unnecessary words effectively?
Which of the following replacements reduces unnecessary words effectively?
What is a common misconception about writing that can lead to wordiness?
What is a common misconception about writing that can lead to wordiness?
Which of the following phrases is an example of eliminating wordiness?
Which of the following phrases is an example of eliminating wordiness?
What should be avoided in formal papers according to the rules?
What should be avoided in formal papers according to the rules?
Which of the following best replaces 'in the event of/that' to eliminate wordiness?
Which of the following best replaces 'in the event of/that' to eliminate wordiness?
What type of modifiers should be avoided to prevent meaningless language?
What type of modifiers should be avoided to prevent meaningless language?
What is the main reason for the individual being late to class?
What is the main reason for the individual being late to class?
What does the report aim to study?
What does the report aim to study?
What does the author imply about a dip in the stock market?
What does the author imply about a dip in the stock market?
Which psychological factor is mentioned as influencing American industrial productivity?
Which psychological factor is mentioned as influencing American industrial productivity?
What is suggested to happen if enough people protest the policy?
What is suggested to happen if enough people protest the policy?
What does the individual believe about governmental intervention in the economy?
What does the individual believe about governmental intervention in the economy?
What perspective does the individual have on American industrial productivity?
What perspective does the individual have on American industrial productivity?
Which of the following sentences eliminates unnecessary emphasis without changing the meaning?
Which of the following sentences eliminates unnecessary emphasis without changing the meaning?
What is implied about grievances filed by employees?
What is implied about grievances filed by employees?
Which sentence demonstrates the simplification of sentence structure effectively?
Which sentence demonstrates the simplification of sentence structure effectively?
When rewriting sentences that begin with 'there are' or 'it is,' what is a best practice?
When rewriting sentences that begin with 'there are' or 'it is,' what is a best practice?
Which of the following changes correctly combines sentences that start with 'this' or 'these'?
Which of the following changes correctly combines sentences that start with 'this' or 'these'?
Which option best represents a simplified version of the following sentence: 'There are many types of fruits in the basket.'?
Which option best represents a simplified version of the following sentence: 'There are many types of fruits in the basket.'?
Which of the following sentences best demonstrates the elimination of redundancy?
Which of the following sentences best demonstrates the elimination of redundancy?
Identify the statement that best eliminates excess wording.
Identify the statement that best eliminates excess wording.
What is the best approach for sentences that start with 'it is'?
What is the best approach for sentences that start with 'it is'?
Study Notes
Eliminating Wordiness
- Rule 1: Avoid using "I" and "we" in formal writing.
- Rule 2: Use the shortest and most precise word, avoiding multiple words when one will do.
- Example: "it is possible that" → "might"
- Rule 3: Avoid meaningless modifiers.
- Example: "true fact" → "fact"
- Rule 4: Replace vague intensifiers like "very" and "extremely" with more specific words.
- Example: "very quickly" → "sprinted"
- Rule 5: Simplify sentence structure by removing unnecessary clauses.
- Example: "which is an igneous rock" → "an igneous rock"
- Rule 6: Combine sentences that begin with "this," "these," or "that."
- Example: "The couch and the table belong to my roommate. These will not be sold." → "The couch and the table belong to my roommate and will not be sold."
- Rule 7: Rewrite sentences starting with "there are," "it is," and similar phrases.
- Example: "There are many factors contributing to the obesity epidemic" → "Many factors contribute to the obesity epidemic"
Exercise 1
- Original: "He found his neighbour who lived next door to be attractive in appearance."
- Revised: "He found his neighbor attractive."
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Description
This quiz focuses on essential rules for eliminating wordiness in formal writing. By applying these rules, you can enhance clarity and precision in your text. Test your understanding of how to simplify language effectively.
