220 CHAPTER 22 WORDINESS
WORDINESS exercise 1
DIRECTIONS: Correct wordiness errors in the following exercises. Be careful not to change the meaning of the original
sentences. Some may be correct.
1. Arthur asked the bald-headed man if he polished his head.
2. To save money, Eleanor had a combination of bologna sandwich and potato chips for dinner.
3. Funds were stolen by the student body president.
4. Power companies must give advance notice before shutting off electricity to homes with delinquent bills.
5. The city is lax about making arrests of prostitutes.
6. New innovations in technology have improved life in the 21st century.
7. Vandals damaged the ATM machine Sunday.
8. Because students were angry over the fee increase, the board of regents gave consideration to rescinding its
vote.
9. Because the Cooper County prosecutor had an open-and-shut case against him, Seth agreed to plead guilty if
he wouldn’t have to serve jail time.
10. Karl was kicked in his private parts by Bill.
WORDINESS exercise 2
DIRECTIONS: Correct wordiness errors in the following exercises. Be careful not to change the meaning of the original
sentences. Some may be correct.
1. It was Pete’s intention to sell the family farm once his father passed away.
2. The easier solution was preferred by the mayor when he was caught between a rock and a hard place.
3. There is a candy shop opening at Heartland Mall at 9 a.m. Monday.
4. Harold is one of those dyed-in-the-wool Republicans who have a tendency to oppose government
intervention.
5. Homeowners should set up feeding stations to help birds survive the winter months of December through
March.
6. It is a violation of state law for teenagers to use cell phones while driving.
7. Following the 5-inch snowfall, schools were closed by the superintendent.
8. The chemistry professor demonstrated the very unique properties of mercury.
9. Sanitation engineers decided in a vote to hold a strike for higher wages.
10. Police apprehended the suspect in close proximity to the jewelry store.
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