Writing Tips: Keeping Things Clear, Part 1

Academic essays and reports are serious documents.  But while it’s good to keep your writing formal, it’s also important to make it crisp and clear – that is, to avoid crafting sentences that are unnecessarily vague, wordy or pompous.

What makes a sentence clear?  For one thing, readers tend to respond well to statements that feature a clear, concrete actor and a simple, vivid action.   That’s because such sentences are like miniature stories – they’re easily imaginable.

One way to keep the actor clear is to place it at the front of the statement: that is, to avoid the passive voice unless it’s absolutely necessary.  

Consider this: These findings have been challenged, and a number of alternative hypotheses have been suggested, by Smith (2010).

Heavy, thick, murky – right?  Now consider this: Smith (2010) challenged these findings.  She suggested several other hypotheses, including….

See how the second version comes to life? 

Check out this video from Brian Wasko for a helpful discussion of the passive voice:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_YddWkps-A