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Cutting Words Down to Size

The Power of Subtraction and ConcisionThis animation demonstrates how to perform surgery on weak sentences to make them active and more effective. Please place the presentation in SLIDE SHOW MODE. CLICK the slide to start the presentation. The rest of the show is fully automated.

In this animation is a demonstration of an effective

approach to writing prose that is convincing and concise.

A Perfectly Fine Sentence

That Could Be Better

. . . Let’s get it in shape

. . .

Step 3: Where does the action occur in the sentence? Step 4: Replace the static noun with an active verb.demonstrates

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Step Five: Eliminate need for “that is” by moving the noun to follow the two adjectives that modify it.

Step Six: Remove all words no longer required.

A Simple Cure: Remove Excess Words and Passive Verbs

Are they active or passive?

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Step 2: Eliminate passive verbs.

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Is it a verb or noun?

Step Seven: Pull it all together

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This animation demonstrates an effective

approach to writing convincing

and concise prose .

Step 1: Find the verbs.

Let’s Compare Sentences

Convincing, Concise, and Conclusive

In this animation is a demonstration of an effective approach to writing prose that is

convincing and concise.

This animation demonstrates an effective approach to writing

convincingand concise prose .

The Original Sentence

The Revised Sentencewith the passive verbs and unnecessary words removed

Compelling

And only 12 Words

ConvincingConclusive

A Sentence of 18 Words