Plain English - How: Difference between revisions
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====Organise your writing.==== | ====Organise your writing.==== | ||
====Edit your writing.==== | ====Edit your writing.==== | ||
It is ''hard'' to write clearly. You have to work at it. You must be self-critical. Editing takes more time writing. Three times more. So write two thirds fewer sentences. But make them good ones. | |||
====Keep sentences short.==== | ====Keep sentences short.==== | ||
====Keep subject, verb and object together==== | ====Keep subject, verb and object together==== | ||
Revision as of 17:08, 23 April 2016
General Principles
The fewer words the better.
Organise your writing.
Edit your writing.
It is hard to write clearly. You have to work at it. You must be self-critical. Editing takes more time writing. Three times more. So write two thirds fewer sentences. But make them good ones.
Keep sentences short.
Keep subject, verb and object together
Prefer the active voice
Be personal.
Keep it positive
- Prefer positives to negatives.
- Avoid double negatives.
- Recoil in horror from triple negatives.
Definitions
Enumerations
- Break into subparagraphs:
- Branch right, not left:
Singular versus plural
Provisos
Bad habits
Shall
And/or
For the avoidance of doubt
Including, without limitation
The Counterparty may, but shall not be obliged to
Numbering
Style
- Use strong verbs, instead of modified weaker ones. Prefer "bellowed" to "Shouted loudly".
- Avoid wimpy writing: Avoid "almost", "seems to".