MASTERING WRITING SKILLS WITH GRAMMARLY: SIMPLE STRATEGIES THAT WORK
Good writing is a powerful tool—whether you're composing an email, working on a blog, or writing for school or business. Developing this skill takes time and practice, but thanks to helpful platforms like Grammarly, you don’t have to do it alone. Drawing from tips featured in Grammarly’s article on writing improvement, here's a fresh take on how to write better, clearer, and more confidently.
1. Organize Before You Write
Clarity begins with planning. Grammarly encourages writers to:
- Understand Your Topic Thoroughly: If you can’t explain something simply, you might not fully grasp it. Take time to research and break it down first.
- Sketch a Structure: Use outlines to lay out your main points, especially for detailed subjects. This helps keep your writing focused and logical.
- Think Like a Reader: Ask yourself, “What would I want to know if I were reading this?” Anticipating questions makes your writing more useful and engaging.
- Keep It Simple: Don’t overload your audience with unnecessary details. Focus on what’s essential and trim the excess.
2. Tighten Up Your Language
Strong writing gets to the point without losing meaning. Grammarly recommends:
- Reduce Wordiness: Avoid stacking up prepositional phrases that slow down your sentences.
- Cut Empty Words: Words like “very,” “just,” or “really” often don’t add much. Be bold and delete them.
- Choose Precise Verbs: Swap weak verbs and adverbs for powerful action words. For example, replace “run quickly” with “dash” or “sprint.”
- Use Contractions Naturally: In most casual writing, contractions (like “don’t” or “won’t”) make your tone sound more natural and friendly.
3. Write As You Talk
Writing should feel like a conversation—especially in blogs, social media, or informal emails.
- Be Conversational: Let your personality show in your writing. Imagine you’re explaining your ideas to a friend.
- Read Your Work Out Loud: This helps you hear awkward phrasing and improve the natural flow of your sentences.
4. Use Grammarly’s Smart Features
Beyond advice, Grammarly’s tools can level up your writing instantly:
- Real-Time Grammar Fixes: Spelling slips and grammar mistakes are caught and corrected as you type.
- Tone Insights: Grammarly analyzes your tone—whether you're aiming to sound professional, friendly, or assertive.
- Style Enhancements: Get tips to be more clear, concise, and impactful, even in long-form content.