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Interactive Grammar: Conciseness quiz

Write more clearly and efficiently by cutting unnecessary words, avoiding wordiness, and expressing ideas in the fewest words possible without losing meaning.

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Grammar Explanation · Authentic Examples · Practice Questions

Lesson progressNot started
Duration
~30 min
Questions
20
Level
Intermediate

Overview

Conciseness means expressing ideas clearly in as few words as necessary, removing redundant words and phrases. Wordy: 'due to the fact that' → Concise: 'because'. Cutting unnecessary words makes writing stronger, clearer, and more professional.

What is Conciseness?

  • Concise writing expresses ideas in the fewest words possible without losing meaning or clarity.
  • WordyDue to the fact that she was tired…
  • ConciseBecause she was tired…
  • WordyIn the event that it rains…
  • ConciseIf it rains…

Common Wordy Phrases to Cut

  • at this point in timenow
  • in spite of the fact thatalthough
  • make a decisiondecide
  • is able tocan
  • prior tobefore

Conciseness Strategies

  • Replace wordy phrases with single words.
  • Cut empty intensifiers: very, really, quite, rather.
  • Use active voice instead of passive where possible.
  • Avoid nominalisation: 'give consideration to' → 'consider'.

When to use

Business writing

Please confirm. (not: Please do not hesitate to confirm at your earliest convenience.)

Academic writing

The results show that… (not: The results are indicative of the fact that…)

Digital comms

Call me. (not: Give me a call when you get the chance.)

Journalism

He said… (not: He made the statement that…)

Conciseness — Multiple Choice

Choose the more concise version of each sentence.

Multiple Choice10 questions
1Which is more concise?
2Replace 'at this point in time' with one word.
3Which is more concise?
4Choose the concise version.
5Which phrase should be cut from: 'The results were very unique'?
6Choose the most concise version.
7Which is the most concise?
8Replace 'in spite of the fact that' with one word.
9Which version avoids nominalisation?
10Choose the most concise option.

Conciseness — Rewrite for Brevity

Rewrite each wordy sentence in a more concise form.

Transform10 questions

1Due to the fact that he was absent, he missed the test. → Use one word instead of 'due to the fact that'

2She made a decision to change her career. → Replace 'made a decision to'

3At this point in time, we are unable to proceed. → Replace 'at this point in time'

4He is able to speak four languages fluently. → Replace 'is able to'

5Prior to submitting the form, read the instructions. → Replace 'prior to'

6The committee conducted a review of the proposal. → Use a verb instead of 'conducted a review of'

7In the event that you need help, call reception. → Replace 'in the event that'

8She gave a description of what had happened. → Use a verb instead of 'gave a description of'

9It is necessary that all staff attend the meeting. → Rewrite more concisely

10In spite of the fact that it was raining, they played outside. → Replace 'in spite of the fact that'

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this lesson on conciseness cover?

Write more clearly and efficiently by cutting unnecessary words, avoiding wordiness, and expressing ideas in the fewest words possible without losing meaning.

Which CEFR level is this lesson designed for?

This lesson is designed for Intermediate (B1) learners and forms part of the Conciseness section on Grammartier.

What is the best approach for studying this grammar topic?

Start with the definition, then study the examples carefully to understand how the pattern works in context. Practise identifying the structure in authentic sentences before producing your own — this recognition-first approach builds a strong foundation for accurate, confident use.

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