If you are a writer, you shouldn’t underestimate the power of language. Suppose you are a Spanish writer and you write in Spanish. But the main issue here is your book won’t be able to cover a wide range of audiences. Also, it’s not necessary that the translation would be as effective as the original.

That’s the main reason why many writers prefer writing in English to create their own storybooks. (Over 2 billion people speak English worldwide —large audience)

However, as a non-native speaker, English can be a tricky task. Writing can point out more mistakes than speaking. But fear not! We've got a handful of nifty English writing rules and tips that will give your writing a quick makeover. So, let’s dig.

Common Writing Mistakes Writers Often Make

Before going ahead, it’s essential to know the common mistakes that writers usually make. As a beginner writer, it's natural to stumble over a few words (or sentences) along the way. Let's shed light on some common writing blunders so you can avoid them:

1. Neglecting planning the content.

2. Ignoring proofreading and editing.

3. Overusing complex vocabulary.

4. Lack of focus and clarity.

5. Making weak sentence structure.

6. Telling rather than showing.

7. Not considering the target audience.

8. Using clichés and Jargon.

9. Overwhelming dialogue tags like "he said" and "she asked."

10. Not seeking feedback.

English Writing Rules You Must Follow

Here are some basic rules of English writing that you must follow to improve your English writing instantly.

Master the Art of Punctuation

The very first English writing rule is keeping an eye on punctuation. Punctuation may seem like a tiny detail, but it's the glue that holds your sentences together. Commas, semicolons, and periods all play distinct roles in shaping your message.

Remember, commas provide a pause, semicolons connect related thoughts, and periods signal the end of an idea. Use them wisely to prevent your readers from getting lost in a sea of words.

Keep It Simple, Silly

Fancy words might make you feel like a linguistic magician, but they can also confuse your readers. The KISS principle (Keep It Simple, Silly) is your friend. Use clear and concise language to get your point across. Don't obfuscate your ideas with unnecessary Jargon.

If you’re writing an autobiography, you can contact any life story writing services to review your content.

Structure for Success

Think of your writing as a delicious sandwich – it needs layers! Start with a tantalizing introduction, pile on some meaty arguments, and finish with a satisfying conclusion. You can use an excellent online story-writing tool that can take care of all technical tasks such as numbering, headings, TOCs, and so on.

Organized writing is a pleasure to read. Each paragraph should have a main idea supported by relevant details. This not only makes your content readable but also impresses upon your readers that you've got your thoughts in order.

Proofread Like a Pro

Even the best writers make typos. But it can easily be eliminated by a single thing – proofreading! Typos, grammatical mistakes, and awkward phrasings can diminish the impact of your writing. Always review your work, preferably after taking a break, to catch and rectify any issues.

Read your work aloud, use spell check, and maybe even rope in a friend to catch those sneaky errors. Clear writing is not just about good ideas; it's also about presenting them in a polished manner.

If you want a third eye to look over your content, thatshowitwas.org has premium yet affordable book proofreading services.

The Active Voice is Your Wingman

Passive sentences can make your writing sound like a boring legal document. Instead, embrace the active voice to infuse energy and clarity.

For instance, say, "The cat chased the mouse" rather than "The mouse was chased by the cat."

See the difference? Active voice gives your sentences a punchy vibe.

Show, Don’t Just Tell

Readers love to feel immersed in your words, so paint vivid pictures with your descriptions. Instead of saying, "The sun was hot," try ", The scorching sun turned the asphalt into a sizzling griddle." Engaging illustrations make your writing come alive and tickle the senses.

Be Besties with Vocabulary

A rich vocabulary is like a box of colourful crayons for a writer. Sprinkle unique words here and there to keep your readers intrigued. But remember, don't overdo it – you don't want your work to look like a thesaurus explosion.

Write without Fear, Edit without Mercy

Writing is rewriting. Give your work a thorough edit after the initial draft. Trim the excess, reshape your sentences, and refine your ideas. Just like a sculptor chip away at a marble to reveal a masterpiece, you'll chip away at your draft to reveal a polished gem.

In The End of English Writing Rules

With these easy-peasy English writing rules and tips, you're on your way to writing wizardry. Remember, practice makes progress, so keep on writing and experimenting. Soon enough, you'll be weaving words like a pro, captivating readers with your storytelling finesse.

I would suggest you write without any distractions and stay focused. For that, we have a tremendous online story-writing tool from thatshowitwas.org. It completes all the technical tasks from the backend and offers a writer-friendly interface. Go on, and give it a try! Happy writing!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I learn various English writing styles?

The best way to improve your English writing style is by reading several English books, novels, magazines, blogs, and articles. The more you read, the more you observe!

What are the right words to capitalize?

You should capitalize the first word in every sentence, pronouns, proper nouns, acronyms, and time periods.

What is the English sentence order?

The English language follows Subject-verb-object (SVO) order.

Reference Article; https://sites.google.com/view/online-book-writing-tool/home