Resource Centre — Writing Tips
Why Writers Care About Word Length
We've always been told, "Increase your vocabulary." For most people, achieving this goal meant replacing short words with longer words. When we join the workforce, we have this belief further reinforced because everyone else often prefers the long word.
But let's examine the effect of this approach: writing ends up being longer, less clear, more dense. Readers have to delve for a meaning.
Using shorter words provides the following benefits
- Achieves clarity
- Provides extra impact
- Reflects everyday speech
- Provides an easier and quicker "read"
- Persuades more effectively because the writing is clearer
We're not saying avoid the long word or limit your vocabulary. We recommend that you more carefully choose the best word from a range of options, i.e., extend your vocabulary.
Your skill as a writer is enhanced by consciously controlling the balance of long words you use. You can achieve this control in two ways.
- When you write, write the way you talk. You'll tend to choose the shorter word.
- When you edit, question every long non-technical word. Put each through a sieve. Assume that you can shorten most long non-technical words.
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