One of the key techniques for improving the clarity of your document is to consider how to link sentences, paragraphs and even entire logical sections. Paying close attention to this aspect of your writing is one of the key ways to ensure that you do all the work – so your readers don’t have to.
Weak and lazy writing is easy to spot. If you’ve had to spend time and effort trying to interpret what’s going on, chances are the writer has some explaining to do.
So, as clarity is one of the hallmarks of good writing, it’s important to use techniques that make writing easier to understand and follow.
1. When linking sentences, use linking words and phrases such as:
‘So’
‘After all’
‘…then’
‘In addition’
‘But’
‘And’
‘Whatever the case’
‘That being said’
2. When linking paragraphs, reinforce the point of the last paragraph and prepare the reader for what is to follow. For example:
‘An introduction, then, to the notion of linking.’
3. Make sure you return to the main thrust of your argument when linking key structural elements in longer documents. For example:
‘But in the quest for clarity, linking is just one of many techniques that can and should be used. You should also consider, for example, the structure of your writing.‘
Read more about improving the clarity of your document:
Albert Einstein said “if you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.”
We agree with him. That’s why all of our writing courses contain a module about how to write with clarity. And it’s also a hallmark of all the content that we deliver as a writing agency.