SHSAT: Concise and precise expression
Learn to cut words that repeat meaning, choose the idiom or word that fits, and keep a writer's claim exactly as strong as it was.
When several choices are grammatical, how do you pick the clearest one?
Short answer
Pick the shortest version that keeps every bit of the meaning. Cut repeated ideas, use the standard idiom, and don't let a revision make the claim stronger, weaker or different.
Know first: Synonyms, Common prepositions
Step 1 of 6
Cut words that repeat an idea
A sentence is redundant when two words say the same thing: return back, collaborate together, end result. One word of the pair already carries the meaning, so the other adds nothing.
A wordy phrase uses many words where one will do: at this point in time means now. Concise doesn't simply mean short, though. A revision that drops part of the meaning is wrong even if it is shorter.
| Instead of | Write | Why |
|---|---|---|
| first began | began | Beginning already happens first. |
| repeat again | repeat | Repeat already means do again. |
| each and every | every | Two words, one idea. |
| due to the fact that | because | One word does the job. |
| the reason is because | the reason is that, or just because | Reason and because both state the cause. |
| combine together | combine | Combining already puts things together. |
Step 2 of 6
Keep the claim, the idiom and the exact word
Some revisions sound tighter but change what the writer claims. If the draft says results might indicate a trend, a choice that says they prove it is stronger than the evidence. If the draft compares two things with more, a choice with most turns it into a claim about everything.
Other questions test idioms, word pairs English uses by habit: agree on a plan, between two options, among several. Still others test precise words: the one that names the exact action, not a word that is merely related to the topic.
Step 3 of 6
Shorter only counts if the meaning survives
Worked example: Cut the repetition, keep the meaning
Which revision is most concise without changing the meaning? “The two classes joined together to raise money for the shelter.”
- AThe two classes joined to raise money for the shelter.
- BThe two classes raised money.
- CThe classes together joined to raise money for the shelter.
- DThe two classes competed to raise money for the shelter.
- 1
Find the repeat
Joined already means came together, so together repeats it.
- 2
Cut it and check
The two classes joined to raise money for the shelter keeps who, what and why.
- 3
See why the others are there
B is shortest but drops the shelter. C only reorders the redundancy. D changes cooperation into competition.
Answer
A. The two classes joined to raise money for the shelter.
Wrong: The survey proves that students sleep better after exercise.
Right: The survey suggests that students sleep better after exercise.
If the draft said the survey might show this, proves overstates it. Suggests keeps the cautious claim.
Step 4 of 6
Choose the version that says exactly enough
Check yourself · Question 1
Choose the correct completion: “Coach Ruiz had to decide ___ the two goalies for the final game.”
Answer: B
Between is the standard word for a choice of two.
Check yourself · Question 2
Which revision keeps the writer's cautious claim? “The test scores might indicate that the new schedule helps students focus.”
Answer: C
Suggest stays on the same cautious rung as might indicate.
Trap answer: The test scores show that the new schedule always helps students focus.
Confident wording that changes the claim
- Why it looks right
- Show sounds clear and direct, which can feel like an improvement.
- Why it's wrong
- Show and always make the claim much stronger than might indicate. A revision can sharpen the wording but not the claim.
- The right answer
- Suggest keeps the same cautious strength as the draft.
Check yourself · Question 3
Choose the word that fits: “Before the art show, the volunteers ___ each painting with the artist's name and title.”
Answer: B
Adding a name and title to a painting is labeling it.
Common mistake
I always choose the shortest answer on concision questions.
- Why it's tempting
- Concision questions reward fewer words, so the shortest choice seems like a safe bet.
- Do this instead
- The shortest choice is right only if nothing is lost. Check each short choice for missing details, a changed claim or a new meaning before you pick it.
Step 5 of 6
What to remember
Remember
- Cut words that repeat an idea already in the sentence.
- Keep every detail and the exact strength of the writer's claim.
- Use the standard idiom and the word that names the exact action.
Step 6 of 6
Practice on a real question
Use what you just learned on this question, then check the explanation.
In your own words
In the practice question, which two words repeated each other, and how certain was the measurement the writer described?