Here are six writing practices to make your writing better:
Make your sentences clear during a first read, so the reader doesn’t say, “Huh?” A reader shouldn’t need to backtrack to figure out what you’re trying to say.
- Use varied sentence structure. Subject—verb—direct object. Prepositional phrase—adjective—subject—verb—adverb. Gerund—prepositional phrase—verb—adjective. Subject—verb—direct object—appositive. So many combinations exist. Why bore readers with the same old same old?
- Keep subjects and verbs near each other. A thought which is interrupted by prepositional phrases, clauses and other grammatical constructions leads to unclear reading. (The previous sentence’s subject is “thought.” Its verb comes twelve words later. This is an example of what not to do.)
- Eliminate most adverbs, especially those ending with -ly. Instead, choose strong verbs, so an adverb is not needed.
- Eliminate repeated words unless you are using them for emphasis. Some repeated words I see my students use are “start,” “then,” “so,” “like,” and “really.” Identify your repeated words, and see if you need them.
- Use good grammar, but don’t strive for perfect grammar. Writing today is more conversational than in the past. And more informal. (Did you notice that that last “sentence” is not a sentence at all but a fragment?) You can begin sentences with “and” and “but.” You can use “you” instead of “he” or “she” or “one.”
English Writing Teacher 