diff --git a/source/applications/optimization.txt b/source/applications/optimization.txt
index e72b313e501..bd4ed4d62bd 100644
--- a/source/applications/optimization.txt
+++ b/source/applications/optimization.txt
@@ -4,9 +4,9 @@ Optimization Strategies for MongoDB
 
 .. default-domain:: mongodb
 
-There are many factors that affect database performance and
+There are many factors that can affect database performance and
 responsiveness, including index use, query structure, data models,
-application design, and architecture, as well as operational factors
+application design and architecture, as well as operational factors
 such as architecture and system configuration.
 
 This section describes techniques for optimizing application