One Useful Thing is a weekly newsletter of well-designed and helpful things.
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My high school English teacher, Mr. Dutcher, said that writing is for other people. Meaning that it’s your job to make sure what you’ve written is clear and easy to understand.
As you know, that’s easier said than done. (Mr. Dutcher also called us degenerates, another of his astute insights.)
Hemingway is a free online editor Mr. Dutcher would have loved. It makes your writing bold and clear in a simple and easy to use design.
Hemingway edits and recommends style changes, not grammar. Think of it as a last minute check to make sure your words flow well before publishing a post or sending an email.
Copy and paste your text into the Hemingway editor. Or write directly in Hemingway by selecting Write mode.
When you’re ready, select Edit mode and Hemingway will show you where and how to improve your writing style.
Hemingway aims for a sixth grade reading level. (A little higher than the average American’s reading level.)
Hemingway's color-coded recommendations and explanations are easy to understand.
Fewer adverbs.
Don't use passive voice.
Simple phrases.
Easy to read sentences.
This newsletter came in at a fifth grade level with one pesky adverb. What can I say? I like adverbs. Sorry, Mr. Dutcher.
Hemingway is free to use at hemingwayapp.com. There is also a paid desktop version for Mac and Windows.
Previously from One Useful Thing: tiii.me: Find out how long it takes to binge watch a show.
Keith Monaghan writes the One Useful Thing newsletter and is a researcher who works with creative teams on projects for companies like Nike, The CW Network and Upworthy. He can be reached at useful@keithmonaghan.com or follow him on Twitter @keithmonaghan