Why rule-based editing
- Predictable: You see exactly what changes - no surprises or hallucinations.
- Budget friendly: No tokens or API fees. Great for large drafts and classrooms.
- Private: Everything runs in-browser, ideal for sensitive work.
How the expander and shortener work
Expander rules add clarity phrases and scaffolding:
- Introduce transitions (for example, in addition, however).
- Add brief definitions or context to key terms.
- Convert compressed modifiers into clearer phrases.
Shortener rules remove noise without losing meaning:
- Trim filler (really, very, in order to, due to the fact that).
- Collapse wordy passives and redundancies.
- Prefer specific verbs over weak verb + noun stacks.
Set a target percentage (for example, 80% to tighten or 120% to expand), run the transform, then review diffs side by side. Need deeper rewording? Switch to our Paraphrasing Tool for mode based options like Concise or Fluent.
A fast workflow with SnipText tools
- Draft your paragraph. If it is messy, clean structure with Text to List - List to Text.
- Shorten or expand with the Sentence Expander/Shortener until you hit the target length.
- Polish mechanics using the Grammar Checker.
- Tidy formatting with Whitespace & Formatting Cleaner and Case Converter.
- Optional deep rewrite in Paraphrasing Tool and check integrity with Ethical Paraphrasing in Academia.
Before and after examples
Original: “The committee met in order to discuss issues that were already largely understood by everyone present.”
Shorten (≈80%): “The committee met to discuss issues everyone already understood.”
Expand (≈120%): “The committee met to discuss the key issues, providing a brief recap so everyone shared the same understanding.”
Original: “Our pilot improved onboarding metrics, but the results varied by cohort.”
Shorten: “The pilot improved onboarding, with results varying by cohort.”
Expand: “The pilot improved onboarding metrics overall; however, the effect differed by cohort, suggesting targeted follow up.”
- Sentence keeps the original meaning and claim.
- Tone matches audience (academic, business, or casual).
- No filler, redundancies, or vague hedges remain.
- Formatting is clean: check with Whitespace & Formatting Cleaner.
FAQ
- Is this different from paraphrasing
- Yes. The Expander/Shortener focuses on length and surface clarity using rules. For structural changes or tone shifts, use the Paraphrasing Tool and review our guide Paraphrase vs Rewrite vs Summarize.
- Will shortening hurt my tone
- Not if you review the result. The rule set removes fluff but preserves sense. If tone feels too blunt, add a transition or hedge manually, or try a smaller target like 90%.
- What is a good target percentage for college essays
- Try 90% to tighten or 110% to expand. Then polish with the Grammar Checker and verify formatting.
- Can I batch process paragraphs
- Yes. Paste multiple paragraphs, apply a target, and then skim diffs. Use Remove Empty Lines to normalize spacing before export.
Rule-based editing gives you fast control over sentence length without AI cost. Combine it with SnipText’s grammar, paraphrasing, and formatting tools to move from draft to delivery with clarity and speed.