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Good Writing: The Bare Minimum
Want to write good copy that is clear and reads well? Here’s the bare minimum of what you need to infuse into your writing. It won’t turn you into a veritable bastion of the craft but I’ll wager that your readers will appreciate the ease with which they can understand whatever it is you’re attempting to communicate.
1. Stick to one topic per paragraph.
While you can cram all sorts of information into a single paragraph, it will leave your copy confusing with no logical organization. One topic is just the right amount of information for one paragraph, allowing the reader a pause before jumping into another subject.
2. Avoid using the same words and phrases within the same paragraph.
Repeating items within the same paragraph (e.g. nouns, verbs and figures of speech), especially when done in successive sentences doesn’t break any rules of grammar. However, it makes your copy sound awkward, often breaking the flow for the reader. While this cannot always apply (some situations will force you to repeat words), it makes sense to avoid it anytime you can.
3. Write using an active voice.
An active voice (using verbs performed by the subject) allows you to construct more dynamic and informative sentences. They read better and foster a clearer understanding in almost every single instance.
4. Avoid using cliches.
While cliches might make writing somewhat easier (i.e. you don’t have to come up with your own words), it communicates that you took the easy way out. Just as bad, cliches tend to make your copy sound dated and amateurish.
5. Use an English grammar software.
If you noticed, the guidelines we set above are all designed to help out your writing style and flow. We chose not to focus on grammar because you can always employ a writing software to help you out on that end. Using one, you can easily fix grammar and spelling flaws, without having to proofread the entire document.
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