Writing for the Web

Shorten and Strengthen Sentences

Junk the jargon

At first glance, jargon and buzzwords can give the impression that the writer must be an expert, but usually these words cloud rather than clarify meaning. Web readers scan a page seeking key words and phrases, and they may find your content hard to grasp if you use obscure terminology. Read more

Replace superfluous phrases

You can replace many common and redundant words and phrases with briefer, more direct, and equally familiar words. This chart lists more than 200 lengthy phrases next to their shorter replacements. Read more

Start strong, stay strong

Begin your sentences with strong subjects and verbs. Tell the reader who is acting and what the actor is doing. Leading with strong subjects and verbs puts the most important words at the beginning of the sentence and condenses your text. Read more

Clear out deadwood

Deadwood refers to a word or phrase that can be omitted without a loss in meaning. Removing it shortens and clarifies your copy. Once you recognize deadwood, it’s easy to eliminate. Read more