How to simplify your writing and engage your readers

How to simplify your writing and engage your readers

When I edit business and academic files, especially for ESL (English as a second language) clients, one of my jobs is to remove unnecessary words. Removing redundant words creates a tight document that readers can understand and engage with. But it is really important to do this while carefully preserving the meaning and tone of the author. This takes experience and training – and knowledge of your clients' field.

Taming unwieldy and complex sentences is one of the principles of plain English, a writing style that uses clear, concise and accessible language to communicate an idea.

Let's look at some examples.

Which of the snippets below do you find clearer, the As or the Bs? 

A They contributed to higher productivity. 

B They increased productivity. 

A It experienced substantial growth. 

B It grew substantially. 

A During the period between 2000 and 2001...

B Between 2000 and 2001...

A We provide a description of...

B We describe...

A X puts a limit on Y. 

B X limits Y. 

Bs every time for me. And I bet you agree.

Of course, variety is the spice of life, so don't be afraid to mix it up. Throw in some longer sentences with your short and medium-length ones, as long as they are clear and well structured. And the variety will ensure that your reader stays awake.

Need some help taming your writing? Get in touch for some help snipping those words out.

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Whether you’re working on a blog post, a business report or an academic paper, small details like punctuation and word choice can make a big difference to your writing. If you found this post helpful, you’ll find more practical tips on grammar, punctuation and writing in my other blogs. Or feel free to get in touch if you need professional support.