How To Write Simple Sentences And Other Simple Language
A lot of would-be writers make one error when they start trying to write copy or content online. That error is writing in a way that’s too complicated for the readers they’re writing for. I definitely made this mistake. As long-time readers of this blog will know, I tend to ramble. I also tend to use complex sentences.
When I’m writing sales letters and work for clients, I have to avoid these stylistic flaws. If you want to get a large readership online, then you need to do the same.
Writing Simple Sentences (Because Nobody Wants To Think)
I’m a product of the academic system. My sentences are usually longer than needed. This isn’t good for writing copy. It’s not good for general internet content writing. It’s certainly not good for arguing with idiots on internet forums (don’t do that.)
Sometimes my clients tell me to re-write longer passages. If you’re working with non-native clients, this will happen to you too. Even if you’re not, there’s a sad fact about the average internet user that you need to take into account.
The average internet user can only read to the level of an 11-13 year old. Whenever you talk about averages, remember that 50% are below that level.
So, we can assume that writing to a low reading level is something we have to master to write online. It’s a fair assumption.
The problem is that changing our writing style is difficult. Our writing style is generally engrained in us from an early age. It’s also reflective of our personalities.
This article will go over some of the ways I try and make my writing simpler.
Try And Change Fonts
This falls squarely in the “life hacks for writers” category, but it works. Open up your word processor and then change the font. It’ll make you pay more attention to what you’re writing. It’ll also slow you down, but that’s a good thing if you need your writing to be more of a conscious process.
This technique also works for whenever you need to concentrate on your exact word choice. (For instance, when you’re doing technical copywriting.)
Write Like You’re In A Hurry
The biggest shift in changing your writing style isn’t a technical one but a psychological one. I tend to find that my freelance work is a lot easier to read than the articles I write for this site. The reason is that I’m usually trying to write my freelance articles as quickly as possible. As such, complicated explanations are the first thing out of the door. In freelance work, I want to explain things as quickly as possible with little effort on my part, which is perfect.
If I told you to write a thousand word article by next Sunday, I’d expect it to be good – and you would too. You might spend hours working on it. If I told you to write it in the next hour it might be worse overall, but the sentences would be simpler.
Use The Hemingway Editor
The Hemingway Editor is a great resource. It’s free online at this link. It tells you where you’ve got complex sentences. It tells you where there are adverbs. It also gives you a reading grade. You want to shoot for 8th Grade at the maximum. The average literacy level is 6th-8th grade online, so the lower you get, the better.
Use Templates/Structures
Writing templates are good. Some copywriters tell you to move away from them when you’ve internalised the rules. I disagree. I think that you should just get better templates as you go along.
At this point, I’ve broken down my favourite sales letters and bits of copy. I will even write down things like, “Use three sentences maximum for this section.”
Complex sentences come from thinking deeply about a subject. Templates mean you don’t have to think deeply. Mae your own, use them, optimise them.
Lose Your Inner Thesaurus
Here’s a general rule that I’ve just made up: If your writing includes more than one word which a reader would need to look up, they’ll read no further. Like I said, it’s a made up rule. I imagine it’s pretty accurate though.
If you’re into writing, you’re probably into reading. If you’re into reading, you probably don’t realise the lack of vocabulary that the average reader has. Don’t use more complicated words than you need to.
Keep Punctuation Simple
The same rule applies to punctuation as it does to vocabulary.
Generally, I’d guess that you could have maybe one sentence where the reader will read it twice to gauge the meaning. After that, forget it.
I say this as a person who overcomplicates grammar.
People aren’t generally going to read complex sentences online. In print, sure. Most people browse the internet on their phone or with cat videos in the background. Those things will make complex sentences a chore at best, and impossible to read at worst.
If a sentence has more than a single sub-clause, it’s too complex.
If a sentence has colons, semi-colons or hyphens, try and make it simpler.
Other than that, forget complex grammar rules. Nobody reading online cares about split-infinitives or shifting tenses. If a person wouldn’t notice it in a spoken conversation, then a reader won’t care.
Final Thoughts
Writing with simple language is pretty complex, funnily enough. It’s something you should probably master though if you want to make money online.
If you want to make a ton of money online selling diet pills to people who browse Yahoo News, then you definitely need to write in simple language.
If you follow the above rules, then you’ll get most of the way there.
P.S. I know that on this blog I don’t follow most of these rules. Half of that is because I’m lazy, but the other half is that you guys are smart and can handle more complex thoughts.