At the start of nearly every college writing class I’ve taught, at least one student will claim, “I’m a terrible writer.” They often think they’re beyond help, doomed to be poor writers forever. This mindset is usually the result of too many red marks on past assignments. But more often than not, these students actually have potential, with just a few adjustments needed to unlock their writing skills. Your writing impacts how others perceive you, so investing in improving it is worth the effort. With time, patience, and a positive mindset, anyone can become a better writer.
1. Pay Attention
Have you ever bought a car, only to suddenly notice how many others just like it are on the road? It’s the same with writing. Good writers notice language—both spoken and written. Tune in to the language around you. When you start paying attention, you’ll be amazed at how much you can learn.
2. Surround Yourself with Good Language
Find someone whose language style you admire and try to emulate it. Listen to thought-provoking podcasts, watch shows like C-SPAN that discuss ideas, or read content from people whose communication skills you respect. The more good language you expose yourself to, the more you’ll internalize and begin to reflect in your own writing.
3. Read, Read, Read
The best writers are avid readers. Read widely—whether it’s news articles, editorials, or feature pieces. Don’t limit yourself to specific genres or topics. The more you immerse yourself in good writing, the more you’ll absorb and use in your own work. Great writing is a skill, and great writers hone their craft through regular reading.
4. Dust Off Your Grammar Book
If you don’t have a grammar book, get one. If you’re unsure about how to structure a sentence, use it to find answers. While English grammar can be quirky, it’s more logical than you might think. You don’t need to memorize everything—just refer to the book when you need help. Many people struggle with one or two grammar issues, so identifying these can drastically improve your writing.
5. Use Your Dictionary
Don’t rely solely on spell check—train yourself to catch mistakes on your own. Keep a list of words you frequently misspell and make it a point to learn their correct spelling. Also, when you hear a word you don’t know, look it up. A dictionary isn’t just about spelling; it’s a treasure trove for understanding word meanings, usage, and even their origins, which can help with both spelling and context.
6. Use a Thesaurus Sparingly
A thesaurus is a great tool to refresh your vocabulary, but don’t overuse it. If you don’t know a word or haven’t heard it used correctly, avoid it. Using big, unfamiliar words can often make your writing sound forced or awkward. Remember, the goal is to communicate clearly, not to impress.
7. Keep It Simple
Unless you’re writing a novel or poetry, your main goal is clear, concise communication. Before sending a memo or letter, write it as if you were explaining something to your best friend. Then read it over from the recipient’s perspective—have you said everything clearly? Are there any unnecessary complexities? Simplify where you can, but don’t sacrifice the necessary details. Writing should be straightforward and understandable.
8. Prefer the Active Voice
Active voice is stronger and clearer. For example, “John hit Paul” is more direct than “Paul was hit by John.” While the passive voice has its place (if you want to emphasize the recipient or remain vague), whenever possible, choose the active voice. It makes your writing more dynamic and easier to understand.
9. Use Strong Verbs and Complete Sentences
A good verb can bring a sentence to life. Instead of relying on adverbs to describe action, focus on using a powerful verb. Strong verbs can convey meaning more effectively and make your writing punchier. Additionally, always aim to write in complete sentences to ensure clarity.
10. Ensure Clear Pronoun References
Avoid confusion by making sure your pronouns clearly refer to the correct noun. For example, if you write “She went to the store,” be sure the reader knows exactly who “she” is. Clarity is key to making sure your reader doesn’t get lost in your writing.
11. Be Mindful of Punctuation
Punctuation is a tool to guide your reader through your writing. But more punctuation doesn’t always mean better writing. For instance, exclamation points should be used sparingly—overusing them can seem unprofessional. Refer to your grammar book when you’re unsure about punctuation rules, and remember that punctuation should enhance the meaning of your sentences, not obscure it.
12. Forgive Yourself
Mistakes happen, even for seasoned writers. Publishing houses employ copy editors to catch errors in books written by professional authors. So if you slip up in your writing, don’t be too hard on yourself. Correct the mistake, move on, and keep improving. Writing is a process, and everyone, even the best writers, makes mistakes from time to time.
Conclusion
Improving your writing takes time and effort, but it’s well worth the investment. Whether you’re writing a quick email or a formal report, a little attention to detail and commitment to improvement can make all the difference. Keep practicing, stay patient, and remember: writing is a skill anyone can develop with the right mindset.