Variety: The Spice of Life

Author: Kelly Huckaby

In this article we're going to discuss writing as a whole. How it can be improved and what you can do to make it more readable... Adding variety could be just what you need.

Word Length

Unless you're writing a child's beginning reader, you don't want to write with all one-syllable words. Along the same lines, you don't want a large, technical vocabulary unless you're writing a technical manual.

Find a sample article from the magazine you wish to write for, or a book similar to the one you wish to write. Check for contractions, multi-syllable words, and the reading level. Does your writing style match, or would you be writing over the heads of the audience you're trying to reach? Do you write with too much simplicity to keep your readers engaged?

For practice, try rewriting these sentences—at a lower reading level—without losing meaning:

Why is it when individuals paint themselves green and gold, sit in single digit temperatures (watching 22 men in tights running around with a piece of animal skin while being shepherded by five or six men dressed like zebras), and scream until they're unable to speak that they are called "fans" or "dedicated followers?" And why is it when people speak of eternal issues, of things that really matter, they are called "fanatics?"

For more practice, rewrite these sentences at a higher reading level:

How is your prayer life? I asked that question of some women online one day and received different answers. Many were fine with their early morning or late night quiet times, but a few admitted to not having a set time.

Sentence Style

The way your sentences are worded is important. Read your work aloud and listen for repetitive words. Rearrange your sentences to eliminate words, or use a thesaurus to find alternate choices. Be sure to place the main idea at the front of the sentence. Consider the following sentences:

A rainbow appeared while I walked the dog.

While walking the dog, I saw a rainbow.

In the first sentence, the rainbow takes center stage. By simply moving the participle to the beginning of the sentence, the focus of the sentence changes, making it clearer.

Sentence Length

Another area that's easy to spice up is sentence length. If you find that all of your sentences are long, try splitting some of them. Two very long sentences can often be rearranged into three with a little rewording. Revisit the first practice paragraph above (with the green and gold individuals). It's currently two sentences. See if you can rearrange it into three or four sentences.

Check for short, choppy sentences. If it sounds like a child's first reader, you may want to combine a few to create some compound sentences. But, don't eliminate all the short sentences. They help to add variety to the long sentences.

Write Like You Talk

Do you write like you talk? I'm told I do. I like to think that’s good, and so far I’ve not had any complaints about my writing. (“So far” being the key phrase.) But what is it about "writing like you talk" that makes it so pleasant to read? Variety! Your word length, sentence style, and sentence length all work together to give your writing a little spice. And remember, variety is the spice of life!