#writing #communication

idea

The goal of writing is to make yourself understood. Complex words and phrases makes you feel good, but makes your text harder to understand.Writing in plain English makes text more accessible.

A few rules include:

• Use simpler words^[1]
• Write short sentences
• Use you and we
• Use the active form
• Don't be afraid to give instructions
• Prefer the verb to the nominalization
• Use lists when appropriate
• Avoid weasel words^[2]

These doesn't mean that the result needs to be dumbed down or patronizing. It does not mean that complex words cannot be used either. It means that making simpler sentence, and not pointlessly using complex vocabulary makes it easier to understand.

links

Complex language increases Entropy

People pushing for Poor on poor frequently use weasel language.

references

• plainenglish.co.uk / How to write in plain English^ref

• [1]: Simpler words list from plainenglish.co.uk^ref

• [2]: Wikipedia / weasel words described generally every vague statement trying to muddy the water to weasel in a fake proof. Some examples:
  • vague numbers: some people
  • passive: it is said
  • weak adverbs: often, sometimes

• Randall munroe / simple writer is an editor built after his "things explainer" book, using only the 1000 most frequent words in the English language.
• Github / 1000-words the app I built for that purpose