20 RULES FOR GOOD WRITING
1. Prefer the plain word for the fancy.
2. Prefer the familiar word for the unfamiliar.
3. Prefer the Saxon word to the Romans.
4. Prefer nouns and verbs to adjectives and adverbs.
5. Prefer picture nouns and action verbs.
6. Never use a long word when a short one will do as well.
7. Master the simple declarative sentence.
8. Prefer the simple sentence to the complicated.
9. Vary your sentence length.
10. Put the words you want to emphasize at the beginning
or end of your sentence.
11. Use the active voice.
12. Put statements in a positive form.
13. Use short paragraphs.
14. Cut needles words, sentences and paragraphs.
15. Use plain, conversational language. Write like you talk.
16. Avid imitation. Write in your natural style.
17. Write clearly.
18. Avoid gobbledygook and jargon.
19. Write to be understood, not to impress.
20. Revise and rewrite. Improvement is always possible.
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