Concept 5

Avoid awkward phrasing by tightening sentence structure.

Tighten the sentence so the main action and verb stand out.

Core Idea

Awkward sentences usually hide the main action inside extra words. Tighten the structure so the key subject and verb stand out.

Understanding

Rule: Awkward sentences usually hide the main action inside extra words. Tighten the structure so the key subject and verb stand out.

ACT often includes choices that are understandable but stiff or tangled. Watch for stacked prepositional phrases, weak verbs like is or has, and roundabout wording that delays the point.

A tighter sentence puts the main actor close to the main verb and removes detours that do not add meaning.

Step by Step

  1. Find the sentence's main subject and verb.
  2. Remove extra words that hide the action or make the sentence feel stiff.
  3. Choose the option that says the same thing more directly.

Misconceptions

  • Keeping a sentence just because it is grammatical.
  • Preferring longer phrasing that buries the main action.
  • Mistaking wordy structure for formal style.
Question

Worked Example

The committee made a decision to postpone the concert because of the storm. Which choice is best?

Select an answer to see the explanation