5 Rules of Effective Writing, by George Orwell

Literary legend, George Orwell wrote an essay in 1946 called Politics and the English Language as something of a cure for the state of writing in publications of the day. PickTheBrain.com brings to light 5 rules from said essay that will bring out your writing from the pack.

• 1. Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.
• 2. Never use a long word where a short one will do.
• 3. If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.
• 4. Never use the passive where you can use the active.
• 5. Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.
• 6. Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous.

Both articles are an excellent read. PickYourBrain go into extra detail how the rules work and why you should consider them. Orwell’s essay goes into, obviously, more detail with some other ideas to consider also.

George Orwell’s 5 Rules for Effective Writing – [PickYourBrain]

Politics and the English Language – [Orwell.ru]