Start with what isn't doing any work
Before cutting a single idea, look for words and phrases that add length without adding meaning. This first pass alone often removes 10–15% of a draft's word count without touching the actual content.
- Qualifiers: "very," "really," "quite," "somewhat" — usually removable outright, or replaceable by a stronger single word ("very tired" → "exhausted").
- Throat-clearing openers: "I believe that," "It is important to note that," "The fact that" — delete the opener, keep the actual point.
- Redundant pairs: "each and every," "first and foremost," "final outcome" — one word usually covers it.
Combine sentences that make the same point twice
Drafts often restate an idea in a second sentence for emphasis, especially in early versions. If two consecutive sentences are making essentially the same claim, merging them into one tighter sentence usually cuts words while keeping — or even strengthening — the point.
Cut examples down to the strongest one
If a paragraph gives three examples to support a point, ask whether the strongest single example would carry the argument just as well. Multiple examples are useful when they show range or address different angles; when they're just repeating the same idea in different words, one clear example plus its explanation is often more effective than three thin ones.
Remove your own summary of what you just said
Concluding sentences and paragraphs that restate everything already covered are a common, easy cut — particularly in shorter pieces where the reader hasn't had time to forget the argument. If your conclusion adds a new insight or implication, keep it; if it just repeats the body in miniature, it's often safe to cut or shorten significantly.
Check whether a whole paragraph is doing new work
Read through paragraph by paragraph and ask: does this tell the reader something the previous paragraphs haven't already established? If a paragraph exists mainly to add more words around an idea you've already made, it's a candidate to cut entirely, not just trim.
What to protect from cuts
Specific evidence, concrete examples, and any sentence carrying a claim your argument actually depends on should generally survive a word-count cut — these are what separates a convincing piece from a vague one. Cut around them, not through them.
Track your progress
Paste your draft into the WordlyCounter word counter to see your live word count as you edit, and use the writing suggestions to catch long sentences and repeated words that are often the easiest places to trim.