Let Me Be Clear

Back to Basics in Writing

by Cindy Layton

Remember when Twitter used to be limited to 140 characters? The limit is now 280. But lots of people circumvent those limitations by posting in “threads,” paragraphs of thoughts embedded one after the other to form an essay.

Writers gotta write, but it goes against what the platform was created for.

So, while all around us is bloviating and expertise-bashing, Orwellian double-speaking, believe-what-I tell-you-not-what-you-are-seeing, I’ve decided to just hold my breath until January 20th and take this time to remind myself of some basic writing principles.

Use Plain Language

I sometimes get feedback that my sentences are too long. I should consider revising them. In fact I received a comment noting I had written an entire paragraph consisting of only one sentence.

First on the list for me –

Writing should strive to achieve the “plain language” standard.

I veer off the plain language tracks and I do it a lot. In addition to using longer sentences, I get caught up in “highbrow” words full of jargon because it seems so darn convincing.

I found a good reminder of what plain language is and how to achieve it in writing. Long sentences and high-brow words create barriers with readers. Using plain language makes writing more accessible.

Write in the Active Voice

The other area where I get caught up is using the passive voice. Sentences using the active voice tend to be shorter, more succinct and direct. Writers like to vary sentence lengths and use creative structures to make their writing more interesting. When the objective is to provide understanding, however, an active voice is a better way to achieve that goal.

Even in fiction, there are instances when a direct subject/verb sentence is beneficial. Scenes with great tension or action may call for shorter, more direct sentences to heighten the tension or describe the action with immediacy.

The site Writers Write gives a great tutorial on both writing with plain language and identifying the passive voice. Both are filled with clear examples of how to achieve both objectives. 

Take a Critical Eye to Verbs

Verbs are tricky. Their use crosses over into both plain language and active voice usage. They can seem so idle on the page, innocuous and helpful. What they really do is weigh the message down.

Both AoR’s Nancy Sackheim and author Nathan Bransford have great suggestions on when and how to use verbs. When is enough enough and how much is too much? Great advice from them both.  

It’s true what you’ve heard – October 13th is International Plain Language Day. Go forth and celebrate!