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8 Simple Tips to Help Improve Your Writing
8 Simple Tips to Help Improve Your Writing
From full-time students to landscapers, everyone uses writing to some degree. Whether it is a university essay or an e-mail to a client, the ability to clearly and concisely communicate your ideas is of vital importance.
For some, writing is a pleasure and an art form. For others, it is a necessary evil. No matter what writing means to you, or to what degree you use it in your everyday life, anyone can benefit from these eight simple tips.
1. Read
It's honestly that simple. Reading can simultaneously increase your vocabulary, teach you about sentence structure, and allow you to see for yourself what works, and what doesn't. Whether you choose to read a comic book, a blog, a newspaper, or the latest release from your favorite author, it doesn't matter what the source, context, or topic is—what's important is that you read it!
2. Time Heals All
Have you ever repeated a word in your head so many times that it doesn't even sound like a real word anymore? This same principle applies to your writing. It's amazing how quickly your brain can become immune to errors when you've been staring at the same page for an extended length of time. This is when time becomes an important factor. By giving yourself a break from your work, you are gaining an opportunity to come back to the writing with "fresh eyes" and actually take in every word you wrote instead of just scanning it mindlessly.
3. Keep it Simple
Even if you possess an encyclopedic brain of awe-inspiring words that would knock the socks off Harvard's English professors, your best bet is to keep it simple. Write the way you speak. The best writing is clear, concise, and to the point. While ubiquitous might look impressive on the page, everywhere is going to read more smoothly, and therefore connect with your reader in a much more positive way.
4. Get Active
Although "to be," "they were," or "that was" may help you sneak over a minimum word count, in reality these weak verbs are going to drag down your writing. Passive language results in low-energy writing, while active language creates energy. By using active language, you can inject life into your writing, emphasize the most important factors, and eliminate unnecessary words that come across as empty filler. For example:
Passive writing: "An issue that was most often discussed in the report was that of finances."
Active writing: "The report most often discussed finances."
5. Trim Down
Once you have banished the habit of passive language, the next step is to "trim the fat." Stick to sentences that are short and to the point. Eliminate flashy adjectives that just add on pounds. That's all there is to it.
6. Context is Everything
Format and function are vital to good writing. Bullet points may be the perfect choice to fit a lot of information into a small space on a resume, but they won't fly in an academic essay. Likewise, a client requesting a job estimate doesn't need to read your life story and the complete history of your company. They just want to know the cost. If they have other questions or want background information, they'll ask.
7. Lifelong Learning
Dr. Seuss says it best in I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!: "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." Equally, the more you educate yourself, the better your writing will become. Arm yourself with knowledge by learning from experts. Whether you follow the blog of a professional writer, or pick up a writing book, such as Stephen King's On Writing—sources of information are never ending, especially in the age of the Internet.
If you would like some formal writing education check out this directory of arts schools, and find the communications, creative writing, or English program that is right for you.
8. Accept Criticism
Even the best writers rely on editors to polish their work. No one is perfect, and there is always room for improvement. By having a second pair of eyes on your work, you can help ensure the finished product is as clean and error-free as possible. And, while it's not feasible for everyone to hire a professional editor, even swapping work with a fellow student or co-worker can go a long way in safeguarding your work against mistakes.
For more writing tips, tricks, and resources, check out How to improve your writing so you can get ahead at school and at work: secrets from a math "un-genius".
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