Lessons · Grammar/Writing
CLT Grammar/Writing · Lesson
Concision
If two choices are both correct, the shorter one is right, as long as it keeps the meaning. The test punishes saying the same thing twice.
- Look for repetition: "annual" and "every year," "first began," "returned back," "the reason is because."
- Cut words that add nothing: "in order to" can be "to"; "due to the fact that" can be "because."
- Consider OMIT or DELETE choices seriously. If the sentence works and loses nothing without the words, cut them.
Wrong The Board met annually every year to judge the clocks.
Right The Board met annually to judge the clocks.
"Annually" already means "every year."
- Shorter is not right if it changes the meaning or breaks the grammar. Check the short choice in the sentence first.
- The passive voice is often wordier ("was given by him"). Prefer the active version when it is clear.
Every practice question comes with a full explanation, including why each wrong choice is wrong. Free, with no account.