Improve Your Writing with Word Limits: Why It Matters and How to Do It

Introduction

Writing is an essential tool for expressing thoughts, ideas, and concepts. However, not many writers can communicate their message clearly and effectively. Some writers tend to use words without communicating anything, leading to essays, articles, and books being challenging to read. In this scenario, writers need to practice writing with character or word limits. This article explores the importance of practicing writing with word limits and how it can help you improve your writing skills.

Why Writing with Word Limits Matters

The idea-driven economy values clear communication and effective writing. In his 1946 essay, “Politics and the English Language,” George Orwell emphasized the importance of clear language in communication. Words have meaning, and they are essential tools for expressing our ideas. By using language that is “an instrument for expressing and not for concealing or preventing thought,” we can accomplish better communication that is clear, concise, and easy to understand.

In contrast, many quantitative social scientists try to outdo each other with technical and mathematical sophistication, and humanists use jargon that is difficult to understand. This leads to obscure ideas obscured by the impenetrable clouds of unclarity. Writing with word limits helps writers to hone their writing skills, communicate their message clearly and effectively, and get rid of obscure jargon.

How to Practice Writing with Word Limits

One way to improve your writing skills is to practice writing with hard word limits. Start by giving yourself a lower word limit than you might find comfortable. Allow yourself to write a rough draft that is as long as you want it to be. Then, when editing, cut it down below the maximum word count.

For instance, if you’re writing a 10,000-word article, aim to cut it down to 9,000 words. If you’re writing an 800-word op-ed, aim for 700 words. If you have an essay with a 1,500-word limit, try to trim it down to 1,200 words. Writing with word limits forces you to confront tradeoffs in every sentence, enabling you to be concise and get to the point, communicating your message clearly and effectively.

The Importance of Reader’s Time

Writing with word limits also helps writers to value their readers’ time. Readers usually have busy schedules and do not have the luxury of reading long, drawn-out articles or essays. Writing with word limits enables writers to be concise and get to the point, ensuring that readers can consume the content quickly and efficiently.

When you write with word limits, you focus on what is essential, enabling you to deliver your message in a shorter time frame. As a result, your readers will appreciate your effort and will be encouraged to read more of your content.

Tradeoffs in Every Sentence

Writing with word limits forces writers to confront tradeoffs in every sentence. Every sentence counts, and writers have to be creative and find the most effective way to communicate their message. Writers have to ask themselves at every juncture if they can make their point with fewer words or if there are any unnecessary words or phrases that they can leave out.

Writers will be surprised at how much they can tighten their prose without losing anything, leading to tighter, punchier prose that improves the quality of their exposition. With practice, writers can hone their writing skills and communicate their message more clearly and effectively.

Experimentation with Character and Syllable Limits

To improve their writing skills further, writers can experiment with character and syllable limits. In contrast to the conventional wisdom that big words are better, Orwell recommends avoiding big words. Using simpler, more accessible language ensures that readers can consume the content easily and without much strain. Writing with character and syllable limits helps writers to use simpler language and avoid obscure jargon, improving communication clarity.

Conclusion

Writing is an essential tool for expressing thoughts, ideas, and concepts. However, not many writers can communicate their message clearly and effectively. Writing with word limits helps writers to improve their writing skills, communicate their message clearly and effectively, and value their readers’ time. It forces writers to confront tradeoffs in every sentence, leading to tighter, punchier prose that improves the quality of their exposition. Additionally, writers can experiment with character and syllable limits, using simpler language and avoiding obscure jargon. With practice, writers can hone their writing skills and communicate their message more clearly and effectively.