When you encounter a truly good piece of writing, you’ll find that much of its success lies in its ability to seamlessly transport you across the page. It’s concise, coherent, and confident. It possesses clarity. In writing, clarity is the writer’s ability to convey messages and ideas as effectively, and as clearly, as possible. On the other hand, unclear writing may confuse and stall your readers as they work to figure out what exactly the writer meant.

Here are some easy ways to maximize your writing’s clarity:

A major component of clarity is simplicity. Using straightforward language, avoiding unnecessarily complex jargon, and structuring sentences consistently and logically all contribute to your writing’s clarity. This doesn’t mean dumbing down your content, but instead making it as reader-friendly as possible.

However, sometimes introducing complicated ideas is unavoidable, especially in world-building fiction and nonfiction writing. To keep your writing clear throughout these descriptions, take extra time and revision to make the language as straightforward as possible. I suggest drawing an “invisible line” through your explanation to make sure everything is presented in the most logical and chronologically optimal manner. If your line has to skip over, then return to, a part of your explanation in order to stay connected to the previous bit, then you might want to consider rewording or reordering that section. I also suggest that you try to “teach” someone else the jargon before even putting it to paper. If you can successfully convey your message verbally, writing it down will be a lot easier.

Another great way to level up your writing’s clarity is to form a detailed pre-writing outline. If you start your first draft with a clear sense of structure, it’ll be much easier to write clearly and more confidently. Forming an outline also allows you a space to clearly acknowledge the purpose, ( i.e., what you’re ultimately trying to achieve with your words,) of your writing. When your purpose to clear, it’s easier to stay focused and ensure every sentence contributes to your overall goal.

 Additionally, don’t overdo it on the details. Extensive detail may seem like a surefire way to ensure your reader understands what’s going on, but frequently pausing the forward momentum of your plot to go into extensive detail about every setting, character, or action can make your text seem chunky. Utilize descriptive detail when necessary to cultivate a rhythmic balance between action and detail.  

Overall, clarity is crucial because it ensures that your writing is continuously understood by your readers. Whether you’re crafting an email, a novel, or an essay, the primary goal is effective written communication. When your writing is clear, readers don’t have to struggle towards your meaning. Instead, they can focus on the substance and fully engage with your ideas.