Improve Your Writing with Better Long Sentence Readability
Are you struggling with long sentence readability in your writing? If so, you’re not alone. Crafting content that is easy to read and understand is vital, especially in an online setting where attention spans are short. Let’s explore how improving your sentence structure can enhance readability and keep your readers engaged.
Why Long Sentences Can Be Challenging
Longer sentences are generally harder to read than shorter ones. For instance, check out this example:
Although it was clear that Brian had listened intently when it was explained to him what he should do and he had actually followed most of the instructions exactly as the instructor had written down for him on the sheet of paper to make sure he would remember them, he had added the packet of sugar which was already on the Kitchen counter rather than the vanilla extract which he actually should have used which was still in the kitchen cabinet because he had forgotten that the instructor had told him to always put every ingredient on the kitchen counter in advance to make sure he wouldn’t forget anything, which completely ruined the recipe as it was that very same vanilla that gave the dessert its distinct flavor.
Phew! Are you still with me? Longer sentences like this are hard to follow as your mind can easily wander off mid-sentence. Information isn’t structured, making it a struggle to process everything at once.
How to Enhance Long Sentence Readability
Here’s a simple, broken-down version of the previous example:
Brian had listened intently when it was explained to him what he should do. He had actually followed most of the instructions exactly as the instructor had written them down for him on the sheet of paper. The instructor had wanted to make sure he would remember them. But Brian had made a big mistake. He had added the packet of sugar which was already on the kitchen counter. Actually, he should have used the vanilla extract. The extract, however, was still in the kitchen cabinet. He had forgotten that the instructor had told him to always put every ingredient on the kitchen counter in advance. This mistake completely ruined the recipe. It was that vanilla that gave the dessert its distinct flavor.
See how much easier it is to read? Short sentences allow your readers to digest one piece of information before moving to the next. transition words can efficiently link these ideas across sentences instead of stuffing them into one lengthy one.
Avoid Sentence Fragments
While crafting shorter sentences, make sure you’re not creating fragments. Fragments are incomplete sentences that lack a subject or a verb:
Example: One of the risks you can run into is that you start writing fragments. A mistake people often make when trying to make their long sentences shorter.
The second sentence is a fragment because “a mistake” lacks a corresponding verb. Ensure every sentence is complete and stands on its own.
Using Active Voice for Better Clarity
Transitioning from passive to active voice can significantly improve long sentence readability. Active sentences are more concise and straightforward:
| Passive Voice | Active Voice |
|---|---|
| The instructions were followed by Brian. | Brian followed the instructions. |
| The sugar was added by Brian. | Brian added the sugar. |
Conclusion
Chopping up long sentences into shorter ones boosts readability and keeps readers more engaged. Especially online, improving long sentence readability is crucial as it prevents visitors from leaving your site prematurely. Follow best practices for sentence structure and use active voice to create clear, concise, and engaging content. Whether you’re aiming to maintain the flow or improve your prose, these tips will make your writing more effective.
