6 ways to create simpler, clearer writing.

Since I started reading Ann Handley 's Everybody Writes, I've found myself critiquing every piece of content I come across. Doing this has helped me practice my newly gained knowledge frequently. And I’m loving the outcome.?

Part one of the book talked more about critical thinking, the ugly first draft, and editing methods that allow you to keep your voice.

In the second part, I learned more about grammar and usage. Which I now use to make my writing simpler and clearer.?

Here are 6 ways to make your writing better today

1. Use real words: Write in a way that comes naturally

Everyone’s trying too hard to sound professional; they end up sounding the same—but professionals are humans with unique voices too.

So, how can you sound like you?

Avoid buzzwords and jargon.

Buzzwords are words used imprecisely or pretentiously, for example: downsize, cutting edge, holistic, paradigm, and synergy.

Jargon can be a speaking-in-code type of language (great writing is clear writing).?

Bonus tip: Avoid words that have the additives -ize, -ism, or -istic at the end of them.?

2. Don't use weblish (words you wouldn't use with your sweetheart in the dark):

Using the example Ann used in the book, will you tell your lover that you don't have the bandwidth to handle a task for them, or will you simply say I do not have the time to handle that task for you?

Bonus tip: Always ask yourself, In what way would I have said this to my sweetheart?

P.S. Please don’t tell your customers they make your heart throb *rolling eyes*

3. Know the difference between passive and active voices:

In the active voice, the sentence's subject performs the action on the action's target.

In the passive voice, the target of the action is the main focus, and the verb acts upon the subject.

Let me explain with some examples,

Passive voice: The book is being read by him.

Active voice: He is reading the book.?

Passive voice: The show was canceled by the committee.

Active voice: The committee canceled the show.?

Passive voice is harder to read and understand, and it adds fluff to your writing. Active voice makes your content zippier and more alive.

Bonus tip: use Grammarly or Hemingway Writer to cut out the passive voice in your writing.?

4. Ditch weakling verbs, use bold action words, and use expressive verbs:

Weak verbs are words you can add -ed, -t, or -d to their end to form a past tense or past participle

Examples of weakling verbs:

-ed: hunt becomes hunted, need becomes needed, and collect becomes collected.

-t: Spend becomes spent, dream becomes dreamt, and spell becomes spelt

-d: mumble becomes mumbled, receive becomes received, and taste becomes tasted.

Powerful verbs are more descriptive verbs that can make a huge difference in your writing.?

Examples of a powerful verb:

Instead of: “Don’t worry,” I said. “It was George who upset her.”

Say this instead: “Don’t worry,” I explained/ whispered/ or stated, “It was George who upset her.”

Powerful verbs are more expressive and paint a vivid picture in the reader's mind. It changes the reader’s interpretation of the scene.

5. Ditch adverbs, except when they adjust the meaning:

Adverbs (often but not always) end in -ly, e.g., frequently.?

If your room needs cleaning, how are you going to clean it? This is where an adverb comes in

You can clean your room quickly or slowly

An adverb is a word that can modify or describe a verb, an adjective, another adverb, or an entire sentence. It fully describes what’s going on with the words around it.

You can use Adverbs to show manner (how something happens), degree (to what extent), place (where), and time (when)

An adverb of manner describes how an action is performed or how something happens. E.g., Sarah is chewing loudly

Adverbs of degree are used to qualify verbs, adjectives, or adverbs by expressing extent or degree. E.g., The food is almost ready

An adverb of place provides information about the location of an action E.g., I see birds flying everywhere?

Adverbs of time (e.g., “yesterday,” “today,” and “tomorrow”) describe when something happens. E.g., I won't be coming to work tomorrow?

Bonus tip: when you take away an adverb, does it adjust the description? If yes, keep it. If not, ditch it.??

6. Use cliches only once in a blue moon:

They are overused similes/metaphors, and unoriginal thoughts.

“All fingers are not equal.” You’ve probably heard this expression a thousand times, it is a cliché.

A cliché is a phrase or idea that has been used so often that it has lost its original meaning. It can show a lack of original thought and make your writing appear unimaginative and lazy

Bonus tip: find words or phrases to replace the idea behind the cliche you want to use.?

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Hey, I'm Praise. A SaaS content writer and strategist. I talk about content marketing, writing, freelancing, mental health, and self-development. Send me a DM if you need content marketing services.