Revise Your Writing: How Gordon Can Improve Precision by Tweaking the Right Sentence

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Effective communication is essential in today's fast-paced world. People are inundated with information from various sources, and it falls on the communicator to convey their message accurately and concisely. In business, this becomes even more critical, as miscommunication can lead to lost opportunities, missed deadlines, and damaged relationships. One of the most common mistakes people make when communicating is using imprecise language. It can lead to confusion and misunderstanding, which ultimately undermines the effectiveness of the message. This article will focus on a specific example of imprecise language and explore how it can be revised to make it more precise.

The sentence in question is, The report was submitted late. At first glance, the sentence may seem perfectly fine. However, upon closer inspection, several questions arise. Who submitted the report? To whom was it submitted? How late was it? What were the consequences of the delay? All these questions remain unanswered, leaving the reader with an incomplete picture of what happened. This lack of information can be problematic, especially in a business setting where deadlines and accountability are paramount.

To make the sentence more precise, Gordon could revise it in several ways. He could provide more details about who submitted the report and to whom. For example, John submitted the report two days late to his supervisor. This revision provides the reader with specific information that was missing in the original sentence. The reader now knows who submitted the report, who received it, and how late it was.

Another way to make the sentence more precise is to include the consequences of the delay. For instance, Due to the late submission of the report, the client canceled the project. This revision not only clarifies who submitted the report and how late it was but also highlights the impact of the delay. It gives the reader a more complete understanding of the situation and emphasizes the importance of timely submission.

Using precise language is crucial in business communication. It helps to avoid misunderstandings and ensures that everyone is on the same page. As seen in the example above, a seemingly innocuous sentence can be improved by providing more specific details. By doing so, the communicator can convey their message clearly and effectively, ultimately leading to better outcomes.

In conclusion, Gordon should revise the sentence The report was submitted late to make it more precise. By including specific details such as who submitted the report, to whom, how late it was, and the consequences of the delay, he can provide the reader with a clearer understanding of what happened. Precision in language is essential in business communication, and by being mindful of this, communicators can ensure that their messages are delivered effectively.


Introduction

Being precise is a crucial aspect of effective communication. It is essential to articulate your thoughts in a manner that accurately conveys your message. In academic writing, precision is particularly crucial since it can impact the credibility of your work. In this article, we will discuss which sentence Gordon should revise to make it more precise and why.

The Sentence

The sentence in question is The study showed that people who exercise regularly have better health.

Why This Sentence Needs Revision

While this sentence seems perfectly acceptable, it is not precise enough. There are several issues with it that need to be addressed to improve its precision. First, it does not specify what kind of exercise the people in the study engaged in. Additionally, it does not define what is meant by better health. Finally, it does not indicate the extent to which exercise affects health. These issues make the sentence too vague and imprecise.

The Revised Sentence

A more precise version of the sentence could be: The study showed that individuals who engage in moderate aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes per day, five times a week, experience a 25% reduction in the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.

Why This Sentence is More Precise

This revised sentence provides more specific information about the type of exercise, the duration, and frequency of exercise, and the health benefits associated with it. By defining these parameters, the sentence becomes more precise and informative.

The Importance of Precision in Academic Writing

In academic writing, precision is vital because it helps to convey your ideas clearly and effectively. It enables readers to understand your arguments and conclusions, which increases the credibility of your work. Additionally, precision is essential when discussing complex topics that require accurate and concise language to avoid any misunderstandings or misinterpretations.

How to Improve Precision in Academic Writing

To improve precision in academic writing, you need to pay close attention to your choice of words, sentence structure, and overall clarity. One way to achieve this is by using precise language that accurately conveys your intended meaning. Additionally, you should use specific examples, statistics, and evidence to support your arguments and conclusions.

Using Precise Language

Using precise language means selecting words that accurately communicate your message. You should avoid vague or ambiguous expressions that can be interpreted in multiple ways. Instead, be specific and use concrete terms that leave no room for confusion.

Providing Examples and Evidence

Providing examples and evidence is another effective way to improve precision in academic writing. By using specific examples, you can illustrate your point and provide context for your argument. Similarly, by using statistics and evidence, you can support your claims and demonstrate the validity of your argument.

The Benefits of Precise Writing

Precise writing has several benefits, including increased clarity, better understanding, and improved credibility. When you write precisely, your ideas are more accessible to your readers, and they can understand your arguments and conclusions more easily. Additionally, precise writing helps to establish your credibility by demonstrating your expertise and knowledge on a particular subject.

Conclusion

To conclude, precision is an essential aspect of effective communication, particularly in academic writing. Gordon's sentence was not precise enough and needed revision to convey the intended message accurately. By using specific language, providing examples and evidence, and defining key terms, you can improve the precision of your writing and enhance your credibility as a writer.


When it comes to communicating effectively, precision is key. Vague or subjective statements can lead to misunderstandings and confusion. Gordon should revise the sentence I want a big slice of cake to make it more precise. This sentence is too general and doesn't specify what kind of cake or how big the slice should be. To make it more specific, Gordon could say I would like a slice of chocolate cake that is at least two inches wide. By including specific details about the type of cake and the size of the slice, Gordon is able to communicate exactly what he wants. Similarly, Gordon should revise the sentence The restaurant was really good. This sentence is subjective and lacks concrete information. To make it more precise, Gordon should provide a detail that supports his opinion, such as The restaurant's seafood gumbo was the best I've ever tasted. By identifying a specific dish that stood out to him, Gordon is able to communicate why he thought the restaurant was good.Gordon should also revise the sentence The weather is terrible today. This sentence is too general and doesn't specify what's wrong with the weather. To make it more precise, Gordon should choose a specific aspect of the weather that's causing problems, such as The pouring rain is making it impossible to navigate the streets. By identifying a specific issue with the weather, Gordon is able to communicate the severity of the situation.When it comes to providing information about actions, Gordon should revise the sentence I'm going to the store. While this sentence conveys basic information, it could be improved by including details about what the speaker plans to do at the store. Gordon might revise it to say, I need to go to the store to buy milk and bread. By specifying the purpose of the trip, Gordon is able to communicate more effectively.For statements about people and their abilities, Gordon should aim to be more precise. For example, he should revise the sentence He's a great athlete. This sentence is subjective and lacks specific information about the athlete's abilities. To make it more precise, Gordon should provide details about the athlete's accomplishments, such as He holds the record for the fastest mile in his age group. By providing concrete information about the athlete's abilities, Gordon is able to communicate more effectively.When it comes to sharing experiences, Gordon should aim to be more descriptive. For example, he should revise the sentence I went to a concert last night. While this sentence conveys that the speaker attended a concert, it doesn't provide enough detail to give the reader a clear idea of what the experience was like. To make it more precise, Gordon should identify the band or artist that performed and describe what made the concert memorable. By including specific details about the experience, Gordon is able to communicate more effectively.For statements about needs or desires, Gordon should aim to be more specific. For example, he should revise the sentence I need a new car. This sentence is too general and doesn't provide enough information about what kind of car the speaker needs. To make it more precise, Gordon should specify the make, model, and year of the car he's looking for. By providing specific details about the desired car, Gordon is able to communicate more effectively.When it comes to discussing challenges or problems, Gordon should aim to be more specific. For example, he should revise the sentence My boss is difficult. This sentence is subjective and doesn't provide any specific examples of the boss's behavior. To make it more precise, Gordon should describe a particular action or situation that makes his boss difficult, such as My boss frequently changes the deadlines on projects without notifying the team. By identifying a specific issue with the boss's behavior, Gordon is able to communicate more effectively.Finally, when providing opinions about movies or other forms of media, Gordon should aim to be more specific. For example, he should revise the sentence The movie was good. This sentence is subjective and doesn't provide any specific information about the movie's strengths. To make it more precise, Gordon should describe a particular aspect of the movie that he enjoyed, such as The movie's cinematography was stunning. By identifying a specific aspect of the movie that stood out to him, Gordon is able to communicate his opinion more effectively.In conclusion, precision is key when it comes to effective communication. By choosing specific details and providing concrete examples, Gordon is able to communicate more effectively and avoid misunderstandings. Whether he is discussing food, weather, people, or media, Gordon should always aim to be as precise as possible in order to communicate his thoughts and opinions clearly and effectively.

Revising Sentences for Clarity

The Sentence in Question

Gordon is working on his thesis, but he knows that one sentence needs to be revised to make it more precise. The sentence in question is: The study found that many people are unhappy with their jobs.

Analysis of the Sentence

Before Gordon can revise the sentence, he needs to analyze it to identify the areas that need improvement. Here are some points to consider:

  • Subject: Who conducted the study?
  • Sample Size: How many people were surveyed?
  • Scope: Which jobs were included in the study?
  • Level of Unhappiness: What does unhappy mean in this context? Are people mildly dissatisfied or completely miserable?

Possible Revisions

After considering the above points, Gordon decides that the sentence could be revised in several ways. Here are some options:

  1. According to a survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management, 45% of respondents reported feeling moderately or extremely dissatisfied with their current job.
  2. Out of 500 participants in the study, 80% expressed dissatisfaction with their current job.
  3. The study focused on entry-level positions in the tech industry and found that 60% of respondents were unhappy with their current job.

Choosing the Best Revision

After reviewing the possible revisions, Gordon decides to go with option 3 because it provides the most specific information. By narrowing the scope of the study to entry-level positions in the tech industry, the sentence becomes more precise and useful for readers who are interested in that particular topic.

Keywords

  • Revision
  • Precision
  • Clarity
  • Subject
  • Sample Size
  • Scope
  • Level of Unhappiness
  • Survey
  • Dissatisfaction
  • Industry

Closing Message for Blog Visitors

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog post on sentence clarity and precision. We hope that our explanations and examples have been helpful in improving your writing skills.

As you continue to write, it's important to keep in mind the importance of clear and precise language. Ambiguous or confusing sentences can lead to misunderstandings and weaken the impact of your message.

Remember to always consider your audience and purpose when crafting your sentences. Use strong verbs, avoid unnecessary words and phrases, and make sure your meaning is clear.

In particular, pay attention to sentences that might be vague or imprecise. As we demonstrated in our example with Gordon, sometimes a small change can make a big difference in communicating your message effectively.

By practicing these skills, you can become a more effective writer and communicator. Whether you're writing a blog post, a business report, or an academic paper, clear and precise language will help you convey your ideas with confidence and impact.

Thank you again for visiting our blog, and we wish you all the best in your writing endeavors.


Which Sentence Should Gordon Revise To Make It More Precise, And Why?

Background

Gordon is a college student who is struggling with his writing assignments. He has received feedback from his professor that his sentences are not precise enough.

People Also Ask

1. What does it mean for a sentence to be precise?

A precise sentence is one that is clear, concise, and specific. It conveys a single idea or concept without any ambiguity or confusion.

2. Why is it important for sentences to be precise?

Precise sentences help to ensure that the reader understands exactly what the writer is trying to convey. They also help to make the writing more engaging and persuasive.

3. What are some common mistakes that can make a sentence imprecise?

Some common mistakes that can make a sentence imprecise include using vague or ambiguous language, using unnecessary words or phrases, and failing to clarify the subject or object of the sentence.

4. Which sentence should Gordon revise to make it more precise, and why?

Gordon should revise the following sentence: The new policy will affect everyone in the company.

This sentence is imprecise because it does not specify how the policy will affect people in the company. It is too general and does not provide any specific details or information. To make it more precise, Gordon could revise the sentence to say something like: The new policy will require all employees to attend mandatory training sessions, which will be held during regular work hours.

By including specific details about how the policy will affect employees, Gordon's revised sentence is much more precise and clear.

Conclusion

In order to improve his writing skills, Gordon should strive to make his sentences as precise as possible. This can be achieved by using clear, concise language and providing specific details and information. By doing so, Gordon will be able to communicate his ideas more effectively and engage his readers more fully.