6 Strategies to Level Up Your English Writing from Good to Great
Discover six effective techniques to elevate your writing, from using the active voice to eliminating unnecessary words. These strategies will help you create more engaging and professional content.
Introduction:
Ever notice how some people’s writing seems to flow effortlessly, while others’ feels choppy or awkward? The difference often comes down to a few key strategies that can transform good writing into great writing. Whether you’re crafting emails, reports, or creative pieces, these six techniques will elevate your writing and make it more engaging.
1. Embrace the active voice
While both passive and active voice have their place in writing, passive voice can be a bit vague and leave questions about who is responsible for a certain action. Transform your sentences from passive observers to active participants. Instead of writing "The report was submitted by the team," try "The team submitted the report." Active voice makes your writing more dynamic and engaging, while often using fewer words to convey the same message.
Good: The meeting was scheduled by Sarah for Tuesday.
Great: Sarah scheduled the meeting for Tuesday.
2. Vary your sentence structure
Keep your writing engaging by mixing up your sentence structures. Combining short, punchy sentences with longer, more complex ones creates rhythm and helps avoid monotony.
Good: I went to the store. I bought some juice. I went home.
Great: On my way home, I stopped by the store and picked up some juice.
3. Choose precise verbs.
Avoid weak verb combinations to make your writing more impactful. Strong, specific verbs convey your message with clarity and confidence. For example, phrases like "make a decision" or "give an explanation" can often be replaced with stronger verbs like "decide" or "explain."
Good: She gave a presentation about the team’s recent achievements.
Great: She presented the team’s recent achievements.
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4. Eliminate unnecessary words
Trim filler words and phrases that don't add value to your sentences. Every word should earn its place in the sentence, making your writing clear and direct.
Good: Due to the fact that it was raining, we decided to cancel the outdoor event.
Great: Because of the rain, we canceled the outdoor event.
5. Create smooth transitions between sentences.
Connect your ideas naturally so that your readers can follow your thoughts easily. Smooth transitions help avoid jarring shifts between sentences.
Good: I work hard. I also need rest. Exercise is important.
Great: While I prioritise hard work, I balance it with rest and regular exercise.
6. Read your work aloud
Reading aloud helps you spot awkward phrasing or flow issues. If you stumble while reading, your readers likely will too.
Put it into practice
Pick one strategy and apply it to your next piece of writing. Remember, improvement comes through consistent practice, not perfection.