Trimming SentencesPSAT Prep

Trimming sentences- What is it?Defined as ignoring the “nonessential” parts

of a sentence.Helps spot subject/verb disagreementHelps to check the core of sentences and

helps to make sure writing is clear and effective.

How do you trim a sentence?Step I: Cross out all nonessential

prepositional phrasesPrepositions include: to, from, of, for, by, in,

before, with, beyond, or up. Can put them in this sentence and it will make

sense: The squirrel ran ______ the tree.Prepositional phrases start with a prepositions

and end with nouns (object of the preposition)

How do you trim a sentence?Step II: Cross out all interrupting phrases

Modifying phraseUsually separated from the main sentence by

commasInterrupts the flow of the sentence

How do you trim a sentence?Step III: Cross out any other nonessential

modifiers and modifying phrasesModifiers and modifying phrases include:

adjectives, adverbs, participial phrasesNot usually essential to the basic meaning of

the sentenceException: predicate adjectives: She is smart.

If smart were taken out, the sentence wouldn’t make sense.

What remains?Essential “core” of the sentence

Example:My chief concern with this budget,

which I have not voiced until today, are the drastic cuts in school funds.

Trimmed down: My concern are cuts.Not strong, s-v agreement isn’t there.Concern is singular, cuts is plural- need to

reviseHow could we improve?

Although I have not said so until today, I object to the drastic cuts in school funds that are proposed in this budget.

Trim to make sure there is a clear and forceful idea.Original: The lack of economic programs and

no big country being ready to join it symbolized the problems the League of Nations had in getting established.

Trimmed: The lack and no country being ready to join it symbolized the problems.

Not really clear or forceful.

Revision:The League of Nations never established

itself because it lacked viable economic programs and the support of the larger countries.