Examples:
BEFORE: Zeus deceived Hera on many separate occasions. (7 words)
AFTER: Zeus often deceived Hera. (4 words)
BEFORE: Robin had used the majority of his arrows. (8 words)
AFTER: Robin had used most of his arrows. (7 words)
BEFORE: Cinderella visited the palace on three separate occasions. (8 words)
AFTER: Cinderella visited the palace three times. (6 words)
BEFORE: You must keep this sword with you at all times. (10 words)
AFTER: You must always keep this sword with you. (8 words)
BEFORE: In the event that someone speaks to you, say nothing. (10 words)
AFTER: If someone speaks to you, say nothing. (7 words)
BEFORE: The dragon has the ability to see into your mind. (10 words)
AFTER: The dragon can see into your mind. (7 words)
BEFORE: At that point in time, Rama was living in the forest. (11 words)
AFTER: At that time, Rama was living in the forest. (9 words)
BEFORE: You will remain here until such time as the king summons you. (12 words)
AFTER: You will remain here until the king summons you. (9 words)
BEFORE: Despite the fact that I do not believe in ghosts, I'm still scared. (13 words)
AFTER: Although I do not believe in ghosts, I'm still scared. (10 words)
BEFORE: Beauty returned to the Beast's castle because of the fact that she loved him. (14 words)
AFTER: Beauty returned to the Beast's castle because she loved him. (10 words)
For more strategies to use in reducing your word count while improving your writing, see this list: Short and Sweet Writing Strategies.
