CMNS 122: WORDINESS…There is/ There Are Name: Cory Lazar

Directions: Revise each sentence below to eliminate There and It openers and needless prefaces. Start
sentences with stronger subjects and activate more meaningful verbs.

1. There was severe fire damage to the reactor.

Fire severely damaged the reactor.
2. There are several reasons why Jane left the company.
Jane left the company for several reasons.
3. It is essential that we act immediately.
Acting immediately is essential.
4. It has been reported by Bill that several safety violations have occurred.
Bill reported several safety violations that have occurred.
5. It is clear that the job application was not received on time.
The job application was not received in time.
6. There are several ways to improve communication in the department.
The department can improve communication in several ways.
7. I feel that the time that we meet at should be changed.
We should change the meeting time.

Directions: Rewrite this paragraph, making the description of Vernon stronger by removing filler words (such as
“there is”) and unnecessary repetitions. Also, where possible make the verbs strong and active.

It is beautiful in Vernon in the Spring. Visitors can take the opportunity to hike, bike and adventure through
fields and valleys. There are many locations bursting with blooms. There are also many our warm-water lakes
for activities such as swimming, boating, and paddle boarding, to name a few. Many visitors return again and
again. In the Fall, visitors may experience a great harvest season. There is beauty and bounty throughout the
season. In Winter, the snow resorts have powder snow and there are horse-drawn sleighs for visitors to ride and
drink wine.

Vernon is beautiful in the spring. Visitors can take the opportunity to adventure through fields and
valleys on bikes or hikes. Many locations are bursting with blooms. There are endless activities being
able to go swimming, boating or paddle boarding on our warm-water lakes. Over, and over again
visitors continue to return. We have a great harvest season to experience in the fall. Beauty and bounty
can be found throughout the seasons. Fresh powder at the snow resorts in the winter, with horse-drawn
sleighs to ride and world-class wine to drink.