Which version is more concise?

• A. In order to evacuate the building.
• B. Evacuate the building quickly to leave.
• C. The building should be evacuated.
• D. To evacuate the building.

Answer: (D)

Conciseness means saying the idea with the fewest words while keeping the meaning clear. The version that says “To evacuate the building” is the most concise because it uses the smallest amount of language to express the action. The first option adds extra words with “in order to,” which doesn’t change the meaning but makes it longer. The second option also adds “quickly” and repeats the idea with “to leave,” which adds wordiness. The third option turns it into a full sentence with a subject and modal-like structure, making it longer and more formal. So the infinitive phrase is the most concise way to express the idea.