How to Shorten Your Sentences

27 Apr, 2025

Back in college, I had this writing mentor, Vince. He was a physical therapist by day, but a pretty sharp writer too, and a man of few words.

One of the first things he told me, advice that's stuck with me ever since, was simple: 'Chew the meat, throw the bone.'

It hit me because, honestly, you get bombarded with advice, opinions, and just stuff all the time, right? People tell you things, sometimes their actions don't match their words, and even well-meaning advice can be off-target.

You constantly have to sort through it – figure out what's actually valuable, the 'meat', and let go of the rest, the 'bone'. That advice has been gold for me over the years.

And you know what? Writing for the web, especially as a freelance blogger, feels a lot like that.

Your readers are bombarded with information. They're scrolling fast, juggling tabs, maybe reading on their phone while distracted.

They don't have time to sift through fluff. They need the meat, straight up.

If you make them work too hard to find it, they're gone. Stats show most folks skim online, and you've got maybe 15 seconds to prove your blog post is worth chewing on.

Why Short Sentences Help Deliver the Meat

Think about how you scan a page. Your eyes jump to the short, clear bits – headings, bullet points, punchy sentences.

Those long, winding paragraphs full of complex sentences? They look like a lot of bone you have to pick through to get to the good stuff.

In my experience, whether managing teams or even back in my nursing days explaining things clearly, getting straight to the point was key. Shorter sentences act like signposts.

They deliver one clear idea – one piece of meat – at a time. This breaks up the text, makes it less intimidating, and respects the reader's need to scan and find value quickly.

Making Things Easier to Digest

This isn't about serving up bland mush. It's about clarity.

Like Vince's advice, it's about getting rid of the unnecessary so the good stuff stands out. Even complex ideas can be presented clearly.

Shorter sentences force you to focus, to trim the fat.

Less mental juggling means the reader can actually absorb what you're saying. Studies confirm this: comprehension plummets when sentences get too long.

Keeping most sentences around 15-20 words is a good way to ensure you're serving up digestible bites, especially for readers who are likely distracted. You're making it easy for them to get the 'meat' of your message.

Keeping Readers at the Table (Reducing Bounce)

If readers can easily find and digest the valuable information (the meat!), they're more likely to stick around. It's logical.

When I hit a blog post that's clear and respects my time, I read on. If it's a tangled mess of words – too much bone – I'm out of there.

I bounce.

Those bounces aren't great. They signal that maybe your content isn't delivering the value efficiently.

Clear, concise writing, using shorter sentences, keeps readers engaged. They feel you value their time.

They get the core message without frustration, which builds trust and encourages them to stay longer.

What About SEO? Does Google Prefer Meat Over Bone?

Google doesn't rank you based on sentence length itself. But it does care if readers find your content valuable and easy to use.

When your shorter sentences improve readability, people stay longer and bounce less. Google sees these positive user signals and figures your page is delivering the goods.

So, indirectly, focusing on concise writing – serving the meat clearly – helps your SEO because it makes readers happier.

My advice? Don't twist your sentences into knots trying to please an algorithm.

Write for your reader. Focus on delivering the value, the 'meat', as clearly and directly as possible.

Chew on that core message and trim away the unnecessary bone. When you do that, the good signals that search engines notice tend to follow.

Spotting the Bones: Why Sentences Get Bloated

Alright, so we know shorter sentences are usually better online. But sometimes, our sentences get long without us really noticing.

Let's look at a few common ways this happens – think of these as the 'bones' you need to learn to spot and toss aside.

Watch Out for Passive Voice – It Hides the Action

You hear about "passive voice" a lot. Simply put, it's when the sentence is structured so the thing receiving the action comes first, and the person or thing doing the action is either mentioned later or left out completely.

Instead of "I rode the motorcycle," it's "The motorcycle was ridden by me." See how it's wordier and a bit backward?

Active voice ("I rode the motorcycle") is usually clearer and more direct. It tells you right away who did what.

Passive voice often makes sentences longer and can make your reader work harder to figure things out. Sometimes it has its place, like if you genuinely don't know who did the action, but for most blog writing, stick to active voice.

It keeps things moving and clear. It helps you serve the meat directly, without making the reader guess who cooked it.

Trying to Say Too Much at Once (Clause Congestion)

Ever try to tell someone three things in one breath? That's kind of what happens when you cram too many ideas into one sentence using lots of "ands," "buts," "whiches," or semicolons.

I get it – sometimes ideas feel really connected in your head. But dumping them all into one long sentence can overload your reader.

Before they finish digesting the first point, you're already onto the next. This really trips people up when they're trying to scan quickly.

Often, where you put that "and" or semicolon, you could just put a period. Break it into two (or even three) shorter sentences.

Trust me, it makes a huge difference in readability. If the ideas are related, you can use transition words to show that connection clearly between the sentences.

Don't force-feed multiple chunks of meat in one go; serve them one at a time.

Cutting Out the Fluff (Word Inflation)

This one's huge. So many sentences get long just because they're filled with unnecessary words and phrases – filler, fluff, verbal padding, whatever you want to call it.

It’s all bone, no meat.

Think about phrases like "It is important to note that..." (just say the important thing!), "in order to" (just use "to"), or "due to the fact that" (just use "because"). Redundant pairs like "past history" or "true facts" also sneak in.

Words like "really," "very," "actually," "basically" often add nothing.

Also, watch out for turning verbs into nouns – like saying "conduct an analysis" instead of just "analyze," or "make a decision" instead of "decide". This tends to make sentences longer and sound more complicated than they need to be.

Be ruthless in your editing. If a word isn't adding real meaning, cut it out.

It makes your writing stronger and more direct.

Keep Your Words Simple (Vocabulary Hurdles)

Sometimes, especially when we know a topic well, we start using fancy or technical words without thinking. We forget what it's like not to know those terms – they call it the "curse of knowledge".

But using complex words your audience doesn't know is like putting a hurdle in their path. It slows them down, makes them work harder, and might even make them leave.

Good blog writing uses everyday words your readers will understand. This isn't about dumbing anything down; it's about being accessible.

Using simpler words ("use" instead of "utilize," "help" instead of "facilitate," "start" instead of "commence") makes your writing easier and faster to read. If you have to use a technical term, explain it simply the first time.

Remember, your goal is to communicate clearly, not to show off your vocabulary. Make it easy for your readers to get the message.

How to Actually Shorten Your Sentences: Four Tactics

Knowing why sentences get long is one thing. Fixing them is another.

Here are four practical ways you can trim the fat and make your writing punchier. Think of these as your tools for making sure you're serving up pure meat, no bone.

Technique 1: Break It Down (Divide and Conquer)

This is the most straightforward fix: if a sentence feels too long or tries to do too much, chop it up. Seriously, just break it into smaller sentences.

Aim for one main idea per sentence.

How do you know where to break it? Read it aloud.

Where do you naturally pause or run out of breath? That’s often a good spot for a period.

Look for connecting words. Words like "and," "but," "so," or even semicolons often signal where you could split one long thought into two (or more) simpler ones.

Replace the connector with a period and start a new sentence. Find the core actions.

If you have multiple "who did what" parts jammed together, separate them.

Sometimes when you split sentences, you might need to add a transition word (like "However," "Also," "Therefore," "Next,") at the start of the new sentence to keep things flowing smoothly and show how the ideas connect. Don't be afraid to use periods.

They're your friends for keeping things clear.

Technique 2: Cut the Fat (Eliminate Clutter)

This is pure "throw the bone" territory. Go through your writing specifically looking for words and phrases that add length but no real meaning.

Be ruthless.

Here’s what to hunt for: Filler words.

Things like really, very, actually, basically, just, kind of, generally. Often, they add nothing.

Zap 'em. Saying it twice.

Phrases like true facts, past history, end result, completely finish, close proximity. Pick one word, ditch the other.

Weak modifiers. Sometimes adjectives or adverbs don't add much.

If a word is weak, see if you can remove it or use a stronger verb/noun instead. Wordy phrases.

Lots of common phrases can be swapped for single words. This makes a huge difference.

"There is/There are" starters. Sentences starting with There is or There are can usually be rewritten more directly.

Instead of "There are three things you need to know," try "You need to know three things." Unnecessary "that".

Often, you can remove the word "that" without changing the meaning.

Here’s a quick list of common swaps I keep in mind – might be helpful for you too:

Technique 3: Get Active (Switch to Active Voice)

Remember how passive voice can make sentences longer and less direct? Switching to active voice is a powerful way to fix that.

Active voice makes your writing more energetic and usually shorter.

Here's how to flip a passive sentence to active: Spot the passive.

Look for a "to be" verb (is, was, were, been, etc.) plus a past action word (like written, edited, created). Find the doer.

Who or what actually did the action? Sometimes they're mentioned after the word "by," sometimes they're missing.

Put the doer first. Make that person or thing the subject of the sentence.

Use an active verb. Change the verb to its active form.

Put the receiver after. The thing that received the action now goes after the verb.

Example: Passive: "The blog post was edited by the freelancer."

Example: Active: "The freelancer edited the blog post." (Shorter, more direct!)

Example (Doer missing): Passive: "Mistakes were made."

Example (Doer missing): Active: "We made mistakes." (You have to figure out who the likely 'doer' was).

Making this switch consistently tightens up your writing significantly.

Technique 4: Use Plain English (Simplify Your Words)

Don't try to sound fancy by using big, complicated words your readers might not know. It just slows them down or makes them give up.

Stick to simpler, everyday words whenever possible. Again, this isn't about dumbing things down; it's about being clear and efficient.

Look for opportunities to swap complex words for simpler ones. Why write "utilize" when "use" works perfectly?

Why "commence" when you mean "start"?

Here are some common swaps to consider:

Keep a thesaurus handy if you need ideas, but always make sure the simpler word fits the meaning you intend. The goal is quick, easy understanding for your reader.

Seeing It Work: Before & After Examples

Talking about techniques is fine, but seeing them in action makes it click. Let's look at some typical clunky sentences you might find in a draft and how we can tighten them up, focusing on delivering the meat, faster.

Example 1: Blog Post Intro

• BEFORE (Lots of bone): Due to the fact that effective communication is absolutely essential for freelance bloggers who are endeavoring to build an audience and establish authority in their niche, it is incredibly important to take into consideration the significant impact that overly long and convoluted sentence structures can potentially have on reader engagement and overall comprehension. (55 words of fluff!)
• Analysis: Way too much filler ("due to the fact that," "absolutely essential," etc.) and complex phrasing. It takes forever to get to the point.
• AFTER (Just the meat): Effective communication is crucial for freelance bloggers building an audience and authority. Long, complex sentences hurt reader engagement and comprehension. (2 sentences, 23 words - split for rule)
  • This post explores how to write more concisely. (1 sentence, 7 words)
• (Or another way): Freelance bloggers need clear communication to build an audience and authority. Unfortunately, long sentences can hinder reader engagement and understanding. (2 sentences, 22 words)
  • Let's explore how to write more concisely. (1 sentence, 7 words)
• What we did: Cut the wordy phrases, zapped the weak modifiers, split it into focused sentences, and used simpler words. Much clearer, right?

Example 2: Explaining Something

• BEFORE (Complicated bone): The implementation of A/B testing protocols allows for the systematic evaluation of different versions of webpage elements, which subsequently provides marketers with the necessary data required in order to make informed decisions regarding optimization strategies that are designed to improve conversion rates. (48 words)
• Analysis: Passive voice, fancy words ("protocols," "subsequently," "regarding"), turning actions into nouns ("implementation," "evaluation"). Makes simple ideas sound complex.
• AFTER (Clear meat): A/B testing systematically evaluates different webpage elements. This gives marketers the data needed to make informed optimization decisions and improve conversion rates. (2 sentences, 27 words)
• (Or another way): Marketers use A/B testing to evaluate webpage variations systematically. The resulting data informs optimization decisions aimed at improving conversion rates. (2 sentences, 23 words)
• What we did: Switched to active voice, used simpler verbs ("evaluates," "gives," "informs"), cut unnecessary words, and split the sentence. Gets the point across faster.

Example 3: Call to Action

• BEFORE (Fluffy bone): Therefore, for all intents and purposes, it would be advantageous for freelance writers who are serious about improving their writing efficiency and clarity to make the decision to utilize the aforementioned readability tool in their regular editing process. (43 words)
• Analysis: Packed with filler ("for all intents and purposes," "it would be advantageous," "make the decision to"), complex words ("advantageous," "utilize," "aforementioned"). Buries the simple request.
• AFTER (Direct meat): Want to improve your writing efficiency and clarity? Use this readability tool in your editing process. (2 sentences, 17 words)
• (Or another way): Serious freelance writers: Use this readability tool regularly to improve efficiency and clarity. (1 sentence, 16 words)
• What we did: Chopped all the filler, used simple words ("use" not "utilize"), made the call to action direct. Tells the reader exactly what to do.

See the pattern? Applying these techniques consistently cleans up the writing, making it much easier for your readers to get the value – the meat – you're offering.

Digital Helpers: Tools That Can Spot the Bones

You don't have to do all this spotting and fixing manually. Thankfully, there are tools out there that can help analyze your writing and flag potential issues, like sentences that are too long or use passive voice.

Think of them as helpful assistants, but remember, you are still the writer in charge.

Understanding Readability Scores

Many tools give you "readability scores" (like Flesch Reading Ease or Grade Level). These basically try to guess how easy your text is to read based on things like sentence length and word complexity.

Aiming for scores that suggest an 8th or 9th-grade reading level is often a decent target for general online audiences.

These scores can be useful flags. If a score is really high (meaning very complex), it might signal you need to simplify things.

But don't obsess over the numbers. They're just algorithms looking at surface stuff.

They don't understand your actual message, flow, or if you're writing for a specialized audience that does know the jargon. Use the scores as a hint to take a closer look, not as a final grade.

Always apply your own judgment – chew the meat, throw the bone, even with tool suggestions.

Grammar, Style, and Readability Checkers

Here are some popular tools that can help you spot issues beyond basic spelling: Grammarly checks grammar, spelling, punctuation, clarity, and tone.

It flags wordiness and passive voice pretty well. Hemingway Editor really focuses on making writing bold and clear.

It highlights long sentences, passive voice, adverbs, and complex words, suggesting simpler options. It's quite direct.

Readable gives scores from various formulas and highlights long sentences, complex words, and passive voice. ProWritingAid offers detailed reports on style, including sentence length variation, "sticky" sentences (too many common glue words), passive voice, etc.

Yoast SEO (WordPress Plugin): If you use WordPress, its readability check flags long sentences (often over 20 words), passive voice, and lack of transition words. Microsoft Word Editor has built-in readability stats you can turn on in the settings.

There are plenty of others too. These tools are great for catching things you might miss during editing.

They automate finding potential 'bones' like passive voice or filler words.

Using AI Rewriters Carefully

You've also got AI writing tools now that can rewrite sentences or summarize text (like QuillBot, Copy.ai, etc.). Some even have modes specifically for shortening or simplifying.

Can they be helpful? Sometimes.

They might give you a different way to phrase something if you're stuck, or quickly shorten a complex sentence. But – and this is a big 'but' – you absolutely need to check their work.

AI doesn't truly understand context, nuance, or your specific voice. Its suggestions might sound okay but be slightly inaccurate, change your meaning, or just sound bland and robotic.

I've seen AI spit out stuff that's grammatically fine but completely misses the point or sounds nothing like the original author.

Think of AI rewriters as brainstorm buddies or maybe a first-pass editor's assistant, not as a replacement for your own thinking and writing. You must review, edit, and refine anything an AI produces.

Use it as a tool, don't let it dictate your writing. Apply that "chew the meat, throw the bone" principle hard here – take useful suggestions, discard the garbage, and always add your own judgment and voice.

Your clients hire you for your human touch, remember?

Finding Your Flow: It’s Not Just About Short Sentences

Okay, we've spent all this time talking about making sentences shorter. But here's a crucial point: writing well isn't only about short sentences.

You need variety.

Why Non-Stop Short Sentences Get Boring

If every single sentence is short and simple, your writing can end up sounding choppy, robotic, or even childish. Like listening to a drumbeat that never changes – tap-tap-tap-tap.

It gets monotonous fast.

Monotony kills engagement just as much as overly complex writing does. When everything sounds the same, the reader's brain kind of tunes out.

They get bored. Think about riding a motorcycle – you don't just stay in first gear the whole time, right?

You shift gears, speed up, slow down. Good writing needs that same kind of rhythm and flow to keep the reader interested.

A mix of sentence lengths creates texture and keeps the reader actively engaged.

Mixing It Up: Finding Your Rhythm with Sentence Length

So, we know non-stop short sentences are boring. The real key to writing that flows well and keeps readers hooked is mixing it up.

You need a blend of short, medium, and maybe even some longer sentences. Think of it like music – you need changes in rhythm to keep it interesting.

Longer Sentences: These let you explain complex ideas, add detail, or paint a picture. They can create a smooth flow, like cruising on an open road.

They slow the reader down a bit, giving them time to absorb. Short Sentences: Bam!

These deliver punch. Use them for strong statements, key takeaways, or quick summaries.

They speed things up, create emphasis, like a quick burst of acceleration. Medium Sentences: These are your workhorses, connecting the ideas between the punchy short ones and the descriptive long ones.

They keep the story moving steadily.

By consciously mixing these lengths, you control the pace. You guide the reader, speed them up here, slow them down there, matching the rhythm to what you're trying to say.

It keeps things from getting monotonous and makes the reading experience much more engaging.

Using Short Sentences Like a Spotlight

While variety is key, don't forget the power of a short sentence used deliberately. Stick a short, sharp sentence right after a longer one, and it stands out.

It’s like hitting a single clear note after a flowing melody.

Use short sentences strategically to: Nail the main point.

Summarize a key takeaway clearly. Create impact.

Deliver a punchline or a strong closing thought. Make 'em pause.

Force a stop to let an important idea sink in. Stand alone.

Sometimes, a very short sentence as its own paragraph hits hardest.

When you're editing, think about the most important message in a section. Could you make it pop by putting it in a short sentence, especially after a longer explanation?

Reading it aloud will help you feel if that contrast works.

Bringing It Home: Final Checks for Clear, Concise Writing

Alright, we've covered a lot – why short sentences matter online, what makes them bloated, how to fix them, using tools wisely, and finding a good rhythm. Mastering this stuff is huge for freelance bloggers like us who need to grab attention fast and deliver value clearly.

It makes your writing easier to read, keeps folks engaged, and even helps indirectly with SEO.

Think of it like packing for a trip. You don't just throw everything you own into the bag.

You figure out what's essential, what you really need to get where you're going, and leave the unnecessary stuff behind. Vince's advice holds true here too: "Chew the meat, throw the bone."

Focus on delivering that core value clearly.

Here’s a final checklist of the key things to keep in mind – like that last walk-around check before you start the engine:

• Clarity First: Always think about your audience. Use words they know. Keep it understandable.
• Keep 'Em Short (Mostly): Aim for most sentences to be reasonably concise (under 20-25 words is a good guide for online). Easier to scan, easier to get.
• One Idea = One Sentence: Don't try to stuff too much into one sentence. Break complex thoughts down.
• Be Active: Use active voice most of the time. It's clearer and punchier. Hunt down passive voice in your edits.
• Cut Ruthlessly: Ditch filler words, repetitive phrases, weak modifiers, jargon, and wordy constructions. If it doesn't add meaning, it's bone – throw it out. (Remember those tables!)
• Simple Words: Use everyday language. Don't use a five-dollar word when a fifty-cent one works better.
• Mix It Up: Vary your sentence lengths! Use short, medium, and long sentences to create rhythm and keep readers engaged.
• Tools Help, You Decide: Use readability and grammar tools as assistants to flag things. But you make the final call. Double-check anything AI suggests.
• Read It Aloud: Seriously, do this. Your ears will catch awkward phrasing and long sentences your eyes might miss.
• Format Smart: Use short paragraphs, headings, lists, and white space to make your concise writing even easier to scan online.

Getting good at this takes practice. It's not a one-time fix; it's something you pay attention to every time you write and edit.

But by focusing on clarity, respecting your reader's time, and cutting out the fluff, you'll produce blog posts that connect better, deliver more value, and ultimately work harder for you.

#Technique