Make the edits: a quiz on awkward sentences

The following sentences are awkwardly written in one way or another. Put your editing skills to the test, and see if you have what it takes to clean up these common writing mistakes.

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* 1. The office could be chaotic because of the construction next door.

The construction next door could make the office chaotic.

The office could be chaotic. because of the construction next door.

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* 2. It's still in question whether a project of this size is something to independently do.

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It's still in question whether a project of this size is something to do independently.

It's still in question whether a project of this size is something indendently to do.

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* 3. Our plan works best when there is more than one data point in use, otherwise we don't have a balanced focus to work with.

Our plan works best with multiple data points and a more balanced project focus.

Our plan works best with a multitude of data points overall, in the interest of a more balanced project focus.

With a balanced project focus, from multiple data points, our plan is more likely to succeed.

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* 4. Before people get impatient, go make sure to quickly pack up everything.

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Make sure to pick up quickly, everything, before people get impatient.

Make sure to pick up everything quickly, before people get impatient.

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* 5. I know I handed you the file after, I just need to know what happened.

I know I handed you the file after lunch, I just need to know what happened from there.

I know I handed you the file after, I just need to know what happened after.

I know I handed you the file back there, tell me what happened after.

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* 6. From what I have in my notes, that last email that I sent you, we still have progress to work on, if that is still the main plan.

You might remember that email I sent you last week, but from those notes there is still progress we can make.

From what I have in my notes, you might remember from that email I sent last week, we still have progress to make.

From what I have in my notes, there is still possible progress.

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* 7. By 3 p.m. I need you to quietly sneak out the sidedoor, so I can take a work call and we can still set the house up for game night, don't forget it's our week to host.

By 3 p.m. I need you to sneak out quietly so I can take a work call and we can still set up the house for game night, it is our week to host after all.

I need you to quietly sneak out by 3 p.m. while I am on a work call and then I can help with game night set up.

By 3 p.m. I need you to sneak out quietly, since I'll be on a work call. But I can help you with game night set up after that.

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* 8. The reports were sidelined by a last minute crash in the file system, because an unscheduled update caused a reboot for the whole thing.

An unscheduled update for the file system put off a number of reports.

The reports were pushed back due to an unscheduled update in the file system.

Due to a crash in the file system, and the slow progress of an update, all reports for the week were pushed back.

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* 9. Don't forget to drop your latest analysis on my desk, or if the printer is out of ink again then email me the pdf, but don't forget I need that data before you leave today.

I need that latest analysis before you leave today, either drop the printed report on my desk or email the pdf.

The printer might be out of ink again, if that is the case then just email me the pdf of your analysis report, either way I need it before the end of today.

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If you're looking to brush up on common sentence mistakes, read Top reasons you might have an awkward sentence.