How to write more concisely
A little editing goes a long way to making your writing clearer.
Active and passive voices
The passive voice is useful in certain contexts but use the active voice when you can - it's clear and concise.
Keeping subject and verb together
To make your writing clearer, try to bring the verb close to the subject of your sentence.
When the blank page is your friend
I’m always reading about the tyranny of the blank page, the terror of starting something new. But once you’ve got going, when you’re drafting, and especially when you’re editing, the blank page can be your friend. When I can’t see…
Zadie Smith and the semi-colon
If your writing is littered with long, complex sentences, try to divide them so they are shorter and clearer.
Proofreading alert! Can you really believe your eyes?
To proofread, try printing out your work double spaced and in a different typeface.
Writing punchy prose
Mix up long sentences for detailed analysis explanation with short, punchy ones for emphasis.
Cut the waffle
In academic English, short sentences and paragraphs are often clearer, more readable and more effective than long ones.
Keep It Simple, Stupid!
It's best to write in a way that is simple, direct and comprehensible, so that your argument shines through.
Rambling: best left for the outdoors
Read your work aloud to make sure you're not rambling.