Choose short words for readability

Avoid multisyllabic pileups (Use short words)

Long words are stuffy and hard to read

Small wonder! Long words get shared less often, suck the color from your piece — even make you sound like a liar. Why not choose short words?

‘Fluent’ words more trustworthy, believable

Choose short, simple, easy-to-pronounce terms

Trust me: ‘Fluent’ words — those that are short, simple, and easy to pronounce — are seen as less dangerous and more trustworthy and sell more.

Short, familiar words boost readability

Short, familiar words boost readability

Choose short words: They’re easier to read, understand and remember.

Write like the Times: Keep words short

The newspaper of record covers rocket science & brain surgery in simple terms

The New York Times covers big stories in 4.9-character words. Don’t overwhelm readers with long words.

Write like Churchill — in one-syllable words

‘Short words are best, and old words when short are the best of all’

Want to improve reading ease? Take a tip from Winston Churchill: Use mostly one-syllable words.

Harness the power of one

Single-syllable words can shock, jolt and pop

One is enough! You don’t need long words to make impact. Short one-syllable words can move people – in print and online.

Don’t commit verbicide: Choose verbs, not nouns

Action words streamline syllables

Stop putting your copy through the de-verb-orizer: Verbs streamline syllables and make copy easier to read.

Quotes on short words

What writers and others say

“Never use a big word when a diminutive phrase can be utilized.” — Anonymous