Writing clearer sentences
If you tend to put key information late in the sentence, you may lose your reader.Move the following highlighted words to earlier in the sentence… Read More »Writing clearer sentences
clarity
Overloaded sentences in organizational writing
In governmental and organizational writing, sentences are often overloaded with subordinate clauses, prepositional phrases and embedded lists. How can you simplify them? Example from an… Read More »Overloaded sentences in organizational writing
Style tips – start your sentence with an information word
If you begin your sentence with an information word or phrase, you draw your reader in right away! Impersonal beginnings such as “This is” “There… Read More »Style tips – start your sentence with an information word
Brackets (uses and misuses)
Brackets are useful The third use should be in moderation. Overuse makes you look indecisive or as though you are giving irrelevant information. It can… Read More »Brackets (uses and misuses)
Why do you ask us to write simply and clearly? What about literature?
Sometimes I get feedback from my audience asking “do we really need to dumb down? Will our vocabulary become poorer as a result of plain… Read More »Why do you ask us to write simply and clearly? What about literature?
How to address people in work-related correspondence
Use of Miss, Mrs., Ms. and Dr.Titles and their usage often vary from one culture to another. In French, for example, Mademoiselle and Madame relate… Read More »How to address people in work-related correspondence
Getting rid of old-fashioned words and phrases
If you tend to use any of these in your writing, find more everyday words or expressions, or simply delete them. Why? They’re old-fashioned and… Read More »Getting rid of old-fashioned words and phrases
Giving alternatives: either/or; neither/nor
Either is used to mean “one or the other”. Either is used with or. Neither is used to mean “not one or the other”. Neither… Read More »Giving alternatives: either/or; neither/nor
Reduce “glue” words to be more concise
Sentences consist of two types of words – those that do the work and those that glue words together. “Glue” words are the 200 most… Read More »Reduce “glue” words to be more concise
Be clear and direct – use strong verbs
Do you tend to split the subject from its verb by including many clauses, especially in opening sentences, so you can include as much information… Read More »Be clear and direct – use strong verbs