Journalistic writing is lean.

Write short sentences. Use action verbs. Avoid fancy writing. Get to the point.

Reread your work with an eye toward trimming unnecessary words.

Cut ruthlessly.

Strive for clarity. Use all the words that you need. Cut everything that you don’t need.

Then read it again.

Cut more.

Writing well means rewriting. Writing well means cutting.

Please read this, then read this. Then please proceed to the following exercise.

Please type your name and email address. Afterwards, cut the unnecessary words from these sentences. See how short you can make them. Be sure to click "submit" after you finish.

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Name: *

E-Mail Address: *

1. During the onset of their escape from the scene the two suspects tried to run over the police officers who responded to the call.

2. The two offenders then successfully managed to use their vehicle to flee the scene.

3. An eyewitness to the collision called police while watching the suspects as they deserted their vehicle, then fled on foot down the block.

4. A trained K-9 unit was used in order to track the suspects who were still in hiding somewhere inside the police perimeter.

5. The mayor said the city budget has a $10 million difference between how much money there is and how much money is needed.

6. All of the employees of the company managed to escape from the burning factory building in time without being injured.

7. It is suspected that a disgruntled employee was responsible for setting the fire.

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