Clarity in Writing Lesson

Introduction

Repetition occurs when writers are afraid that their ideas are not clear the first time. For example, when describing a dish, you may say it is small in size rather than just saying is it small. Or when you state that something is a true fact rather than just a fact. Repetition in words and ideas divides the reader's focus. Words that are repeated deliberately, for effect, seem awkward and make the clarity unnecessary.

Look at the following examples:

Mr. Joseph still hasn't paid last month's rent, yet.

Mr. Joseph still hasn't paid last month's rent. (Revised)

Trent was determined in his mind to lose weight.

Trent was determined to lose weight. (Revised)

Our next patient, in room 345, is a very sick patient.

Our next patient, in room 345, is very sick. (Revised)

Another important element of sentence clarity is parallel structure. Parallel structure means using the same construction for sentence elements that are the same function. When you use parallel structure, you increase the readability of your writing by creating word patterns a reader can follow easily.

Look at the following example:

Judy likes reading, the bookstore, and to take afternoon naps. (Not parallel)
Judy likes reading, going to the bookstore, and taking afternoon naps. (Parallel)

Good word choice doesn't mean using big, fancy, unusual words it means using the right words to say the right thing in just the right way use simple words to describe simple things as a journalist, your highest priority when considering word choice is to choose words that your audience will understand.

Here are a few additional writing tips on word choice:

Omit needless words and empty phrases.
Use definite, specific, and concrete language. Avoid using jargon and abbreviations.
Keep related words together. Subjects should be close to their verbs, and modifiers close to the words they modify.
Create sentences that use carefully chosen subjects and verbs to express your meaning.

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