Simplified writing?

Question

A criticism about my writing in my last question got me to thinking: Do you believe in simple writing?

Below is the criticism I refer to.

"Less is always more. Your writing is choppy sometimes and you overuse "that". Remember "that" is a pronoun, it should refer to something you previously mentioned.

Drop the "only" in "but please don't only tell me that...". While we're at it, drop the "that" in that sentence too. Too many syllables.

Always read out your writing. The best writing rolls off the tongue easily. It doesn't matter if it's verbose, it just has to have rhythm. It should sound like you're rolling and swaying. "

-guy_us_1900

With all due respect, the idea of simplifying writing and giving it rhythm troubles me. I'd rather be long winded, if that's what it is, and feel I am being complete in expressing my thoughts, than artistic. But I'm not a poet. I don't dispute the merits of his analysis, but I following it would leave me dissatisfied.

Are you long-winded and pedantic, too?

I am. I prefer to be that way. I've never been simple. Perhaps a simpleton, but never simple.

I agree, Chris. For me, each word is chosen for a purpose, especially as a pre-emptive measure, so I usually see each word as necessary.

Answer 1

Both sides of the argument are very valid, and represented in literature.

The only downside to your style is that, as you get more verbose, you run the risk of burying your point under a mass of unnecessary words.

If the point of writing - or any form of communication, really - is to convey ideas to others, then this becomes a very important flaw. You can, at times, bury the thought you're trying to express by overexplaining it.

As I said - both are valid, and both can work, but there has to be a middle ground, or else you run the risk of either not giving enough information, or giving so much that the reader is lost in a jumble of useless words.

Answer 2

It is possible to be long winded and still write something that has a natural flow... And how can anything be both choppy and verbose?

I do have to agree with this person about overuse of "that." I don't know about your writing, but it is something I see a lot from people I've done proofreading for. (I mostly proofread fiction, where being 'artistic' is important.) Reading your writing out loud can be helpful, because it will let you hear where your sentences don't say what you really intend them to say.

Answer 3

Ok, I see your point, like if you are writing a blog or for your own pleasure. However, if you are writing for a class, I think most writing should be concise. If you have to explain things too much, I would think you really don't have anything to say or you are defending yourself too much. (Especially when you are trying to make a point.) I was an English major in college, and I have had profs tell my friends who wrote maybe 15 pages for a 8 page assignment that they need to cut down on their writing and make it more simplified. But, to each their own. Do what you enjoy.

Answer 4

Some of my favorite books involve very simple writing with complex ideas and emotions. Sorry.