$8.$ Expressing Your Thoughts Clearly by Avoiding Wordy Verb Construction

Another way to minimize wordiness is to use the shortest verb construction possible. Consider these examples:

Concise

Wordy

Shakespeare presented several complex themes in all of his comedies and tragedies. Shakespeare was presenting several complex themes in all of his comedies and tragedies.

Many bestselling female authors want their work to be taken more seriously. Many bestselling female authors are wanting their work to be taken more seriously.

Select from the dropdown menu to complete each sentence with the most concise verb phrasing.

Author Jennifer Weiner with her readers through social media outlets like Twitter and Facebook.

That historic night, everyone the moon landing on television.

Our plane at $8$:$00$ p$.$m$.\text{'}$