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Guidelines for writing Poems, Stories and Tales

How can I trim my word count and still be proud of what I’ve written?

Asked by: Mary Robinson

How do you drastically cut down a word count?

Here are a few simple tricks you can use to quickly tighten your text and meet the limit.

  1. Delete “The” …
  2. Erase “That” …
  3. Remove Adverbs and Adjectives. …
  4. Use Shorter Words. …
  5. Trim Wordy Phrases. …
  6. Choose Active Voice. …
  7. Revise Needless Transitions. …
  8. Eliminate Conjunctions.

How do I shorten the word count in an essay?

How to Reduce Your Essay Word Count

  1. Rank Your Arguments. If you find you’re well above your word count maximum, the first step is to rank the points you use to substantiate your argument. …
  2. Focus on the Main Point. …
  3. Use the Best Verb. …
  4. Remove Adverbs. …
  5. Remove Adjectives.


Does Grammarly reduce word count?

Grammarly’s tautology check helps you cut redundant words and leaves you with stronger, more direct sentences.

Is there an app that reduces word count?

Word Counter tells you how many words you have written. Edit Counter allows you to put in a finished first draft and see whether you increase or decrease your word count while editing.

Do citations count in word count?

Are in-text citations included in my word count? Yes, they are counted in your word count. However, you reference list and bibliography are not counted in your word count.

How do you cut words out of a manuscript?

12 Tips to Reduce Manuscript Word Count

  1. Tip 1! Add Exact and Specific Actions. This may sound counterproductive. …
  2. Tip 2! Use Gerunds. …
  3. Tip 3! Use Abbreviations. …
  4. Tip 4! Remove “that” …
  5. Tip 5! Remove “the” …
  6. Tip 6! Hyphenate. …
  7. Tip 7! Pluralize. …
  8. Tip 8! Remove Filler Words.

How do you shorten a sentence app?

Hemingway App makes your writing bold and clear.

  1. The app highlights lengthy, complex sentences and common errors; if you see a yellow sentence, shorten or split it. …
  2. You can utilize a shorter word in place of a purple one. …
  3. Adverbs and weakening phrases are helpfully shown in blue.

How do you shorten a long sentence?

If your average is more than 20, here’s how to make those sentences shorter:

  1. Split super-long sentences in two.
  2. Cut redundant words.
  3. Avoid adverbs.
  4. Use the active voice.
  5. Avoid words ending in –tion.
  6. Strive to add a few super-short sentences.


How do you shorten a long paragraph?

Look for ways to shorten your paragraphs by cutting sentences, phrases and words. Break it up with bullets. If you have a series of three or more items, then break them out of the paragraph in a bulleted or numbered list. Bullets not only break up a paragraph, they also cut words by eliminating transitions.



How do you make a sentence easier to read?

  1. 10 quick strategies to improve readability. …
  2. 1 | use concise sentences. …
  3. 2 | choose short words whenever possible. …
  4. 3 | avoid complicated language. …
  5. 4 | if you must use obscure language, provide an explanation. …
  6. 5 | use the active voice rather than the passive voice. …
  7. 6 | break up your content into small paragraphs.
  8. How do you fix a sentence that is hard to read?

    Keep your main verb (‘doing word’) as close as possible to the subject (‘do-er’) of the sentence. Don’t separate them with intervening verbiage. For your sentence’s main verb, choose something dynamic – a word that shows your sentence’s main character or characters taking action.

    How can I make my writing more readable?

    Here are 7 strategies to simplify your writing and improve the readability of what you write:

    1. Use short, easy words. …
    2. Shorten your sentences. …
    3. Nix some of your adjectives and adverbs. …
    4. Drop the jargon. …
    5. Use reader-friendly fonts. …
    6. Break up your copy.

    How can I understand what I read?

    7 strategies to improve your reading comprehension skills

    1. Improve your vocabulary. …
    2. Come up with questions about the text you are reading. …
    3. Use context clues. …
    4. Look for the main idea. …
    5. Write a summary of what you read. …
    6. Break up the reading into smaller sections. …
    7. Pace yourself. …
    8. Eliminate distractions.

    Why can’t I retain what I read?

    After reading, you may find it almost impossible to retain the information acquired. It may be due to lack of adequate sleep and rest, distractions while reading, poor nutrition, failure to choose the right book, or memory issues such as decay or shallow processing.

    Why can’t I concentrate on reading?

    Stress. If you are worried and stressed out, and thinking about many things that are pressuring you, you will most likely not be able to concentrate at all on the book you are reading. In fact, you may become even more stressed out because you see the time going by without any progress in your reading. Boredom.



    Why do I forget what I read instantly?

    Lack of revision or rehearsal. It is normal to forget most of what is learned within a few days after learning it unless it is constantly revised to keep it fresh in mind. As I earlier stated, your brain constantly reorganizes information, as new experiences come.

    Why is my memory poor?

    Memory and other thinking problems have many possible causes, including depression, an infection, or medication side effects. Sometimes, the problem can be treated, and cognition improves. Other times, the problem is a brain disorder, such as Alzheimer’s disease, which cannot be reversed.

    How can I study and never forget?

    And you want to get as specific as you can about the thing right because the more specific you get about the topic that you're gonna learn the easier it is for you to learn that topic.

    How do I stop forgetting what I learned so quickly?

    Every time you revisit the subject you are trying to learn, the more you reinforce the idea into your long term memory. Give yourself a few hours and try to recall it yourself without looking at the study material. If you feel stuck, read the formula/concept again and try to recall it again a few hours later.

    What are the 4 types of forgetting?

    The four main theories of forgetting apparent in the study of psychology are as follows:



    • Cue-dependent forgetting.
    • Organic causes.
    • Interference theories.
    • Trace decay theory.


    Why am I so forgetful and absent minded?

    There are different reasons for forgetfulness. Stress, anxiety, attention deficit and self organisation abilities might be the reasons working on lifestyle and work/academics have a better focus and motivation, so interest develops.