Simple Sentences: Periods Only Challenge

Rewrite a complex paragraph using only simple sentences with periods — no commas, semicolons, or other punctuation allowed.

Below is a paragraph from a real brief. Each sentence is overly complex, stuffed with dependent clauses, parenthetical asides, and convoluted structure.

Your Challenge: Rewrite the paragraph using no punctuation except periods.

This constraint forces you to convey the same substance using simple sentences — each containing just a subject, verb, and object. You'll need to:

Break long sentences into multiple short ones
Eliminate unnecessary clauses and asides
Get to the point directly
Preserve the essential information

This exercise builds the skill of writing clear, direct prose. Once you can write simply, you can add complexity strategically — but most legal writers add complexity by accident.

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Improve clarity, conciseness, and legal precision

Your Edited Version

In the matter at hand, in which the plaintiff, Mrs. Jessica Thompson, has asserted her legal right to sue the defendant, Mr. Robert Greene, based on an alleged act of negligence, it is incumbent upon us to recognize the urgency of this situation. Taking into consideration, as we must, the provided documentation in which the details of the accident, a collision between the plaintiff's and defendant's vehicles at the intersection of Third and Elm, are laid out in a comprehensive manner, we find the evidentiary trail to be robust. It should be further noted that during this regrettable incident, the traffic light system, which is maintained by the city and has been the subject of previous complaints, was malfunctioning, as per the testimony of several eyewitnesses. As per the assertion of the plaintiff, who has retained legal counsel with a strong reputation in such matters, the defendant was allegedly negligent in operating his vehicle. Consequently, the plaintiff's attorney has submitted a motion for summary judgment, striving to expedite the legal proceedings to the best of his ability.

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Simple Sentences: Periods Only Challenge

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