One in a series of writing tips.
“Eat your peas.”
That’s my mom scolding a boy with other ideas about peas. She also, without meaning to, provided a tip for writers:
Shorter is better.
For words and sentences.
Here’s an example from nearly every English translation of the New Testament Gospel of John:
“Jesus wept.”
Count the words. Two.
Now count the syllables. Three.
It’s powerful. Memorable. And short.
And “eat your peas.” It’s a sentence of three words, each with one syllable. It’s also direct and clear.
I ate the damn peas.
“Shorter is better” often comes more easily with words than sentences. So, start there:
Use, not utilize.
Buy, not purchase.
Scold, not admonish.
And so many more.
Don’t stop there. Aim, too, for shorter sentences. A rat-a-tat of sentences isn’t our goal. Variety in sentence length and construction will yield more engaging text.
But more use of shorter sentences aids reader comprehension. Shorter especially helps when writing about complex topics – helps both writer and reader.
And a bonus: shorter sentences add energy to writing.
Embrace short. Because shorter words and sentences make reading easier.
Died, not passed away.
Exactly.
I learned as a child that peas were better consumed when piled on and mixed with mashed potatoes. I learned when I was a little older that was an uncouth thing to do in a dining facility.
Thanks to the great Kenn Finkel, I also learned a few other tricks.
Before, not prior to
Because, not due to
Those are couth in public.
Steve, I have dined with you. I don’t recall thinking you were uncouth.