How to Improve the Readability of Your Writing

Readable writing isn't simple or childish writing. It is writing a busy person can understand on the first read. Most web readers skim, so clear writing keeps more of them.

What a readability score measures

Readability formulas count two things: how long your sentences are and how long your words are. The Flesch Reading Ease score combines them. Higher scores mean easier text:

• 60 to 70 is everyday writing that most adults follow easily.
• 30 to 50 is fairly difficult, like a university textbook.
• Below 30 is very hard to read, like a legal contract.

The Flesch-Kincaid grade level gives a similar answer as a school grade. Most web content works best at around grade 7 to 9.

Seven ways to raise your score

1. Keep most sentences under 20 words. Break long ones in two.
2. Choose short words. Write use instead of utilise, and help instead of facilitate.
3. Prefer the active voice. The team fixed the bug is clearer than the bug was fixed by the team.
4. Keep paragraphs to two or three sentences.
5. Use headings and bullet lists so readers can scan.
6. Cut filler such as very, really and in order to.
7. Read it aloud. If you run out of breath, the sentence is too long.

A score is a guide, not a goal

Formulas can't judge meaning, tone or accuracy. Technical writing for experts may reasonably score lower. Use the number to spot problem paragraphs, not to chase a perfect result.

Repeated words and rhythm

Leaning on the same word makes writing feel flat, and a doubled word like "the the" is a classic slip. The Duplicate Word Finder lists the words you use most and highlights back-to-back repeats. For poems, lyrics and speech, the Syllable Counter shows the beat of each line, and checks the 5-7-5 pattern of a haiku.

Check your text

Paste your draft into the Readability Score tool to see its grade level and the longest sentences. Use the Word Counter to keep within a length limit, and the Keyword Density tool to make sure you aren't repeating one word too often.