The document provides tips for writing concisely in 3 or fewer sentences. It advises eliminating unnecessary words, combining short sentences, avoiding filler phrases, using the active voice and active verbs. Specific unnecessary words are listed. Examples show converting wordy sentences to more concise ones by removing extra words, making the subject the sentence actor, and using active verbs instead of "be" verbs or infinitives.

1. University College – Senior Project

2.  Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence
should contain no unnecessary words, a
paragraph no unnecessary sentences for the
same reason that a drawing should have no
unnecessary line and a machine no
unnecessary parts. This requires not that
the writer make all his sentences short, or
that he avoid detail and treat his subjects
only in outline, but that every word tell.

3. When you write concisely you use the strongest,
not just the fewest words, to convey your ideas
to your readers. There are a few rules you can
follow to accomplish the goal of writing
concisely.

4. Instead of:
Working as a student under someone who
builds houses was an experience that really
helped me learn a lot.
Use:
Working as a carpenter’s apprentice was an
educational experience.

5.  Omit unnecessary words.

6.  The following words and phrases are
frequently used as filler and can usually be
eliminated:
 Particular
 Kind of
 Basically
 For all intents and purposes
 Definitely
 Actually
 Really
 Generally
 Individually
 Specific

7.  Past memories
 Various differences
 Each individual ___________
 Basic fundamentals
 True facts
 Important essentials
 Future plans
 Terrible tragedy
 End result
 Final outcome
 Free gift
 Past history

8.  Large in size
 Often times
 Of a bright color
 Heavy in weight
 Period in time
 Round in shape
 Of cheap quality
 Honest in character
 In a confused state
 Unusual in nature
 Extreme in degree
 Of a strange type

9.  Instead of:
 I bought a new car. It is red.
 Use:
 I bought a new red car.

10.  Make the actor of the sentence the subject of
that sentence.
 For example, this sentence uses passive
voice:
 The ball was thrown by John.
 John is the actor, but he is NOT the subject.

11.  John threw the ball.
 John is the actor so he is the subject of the
sentence.
 Place the subject of the sentence near the
front of the sentence to aid reader
comprehension.

12.  Use active forms of verbs as the main verbs in
your sentences instead the “be” verb or
infinitives (to+verb).
 This sentence uses the infinitive form of
verbs:
 It is the job of the president to sign or to veto
bills.

13.  The president signs or vetoes bills.
 It uses fewer, stronger words.

14.  To write concisely:
 Eliminate unnecessary words.
 Combine short sentences.
 Do not use phrases or sentences to express
one word.
 Use the active voice.
 Use active verbs.