Of course. Here is a brief guide to better writing, specifically designed for non-native speakers. It focuses on clarity, simplicity, and avoiding common mistakes.

The Golden Rule: Keep It Simple

Your goal is to be understood, not to sound like a Shakespeare. Using simple, clear language is a sign of strong communication skills.

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1. Sentence Structure: Short & Clear

• Problem: Long, complicated sentences with many clauses.


• Solution: Use short sentences. One main idea per sentence.


• Instead of: "The meeting, which was scheduled for 3 PM and was supposed to cover the quarterly budget, has been postponed until next week because the manager is ill."


• Write: "The 3 PM meeting about the quarterly budget is postponed. The manager is ill. It will be held next week."

2. Vocabulary: Choose Simple Words

Don't try to impress with complex words. Use the most common and direct word you know.

• Instead of: Utilize, commence, approximately, assist


• Write: Use, start/begin, about, help

3. Grammar: Focus on the Big Issues

You don't need perfect grammar, but fixing these common errors will make your writing much clearer.

A. Verb Tenses: Keep it Consistent

• Stick to the past, present, or future. Don't switch back and forth unnecessarily.


• Instead of: "I write the report yesterday." (Wrong tense)


• Write: "I wrote the report yesterday."

B. Articles (a, an, the)
This is very difficult, but here's a simple trick:

• Use "a" (or "an" before a vowel sound) for something general or mentioned for the first time.


• "We need a new computer."


• Use "the" for something specific or already mentioned.


• "The computer we bought is fast." (We know which computer.)


• Use no article for general concepts, countries, or cities.


• "I need information. She lives in Japan."

C. Prepositions (in, on, at, for, etc.)
Prepositions are tricky because the rules aren't always logical. The best way is to learn them in common phrases.

• IN a document, IN July, IN a city/country


• ON a page, ON Monday, ON the internet


• AT 9:00 AM, AT the office


• If you are unsure, check a dictionary or use Google to see common examples.

D. Subject-Verb Agreement
The verb must match the subject (the person or thing doing the action).

• He/She/It → verb + s (in the present tense)


• "He manages the team." (Not "He manage...")


• I/You/We/They → verb without s


• "They manage the team."

4. Be Direct and Professional

A. Avoid Idioms and Slang
Phrases like "piece of cake" (easy) or "hit the ground running" (start quickly) can be confusing. Say what you mean directly.

B. Use Active Voice (When Possible)
Active voice is clearer and stronger than passive voice.

• Passive (weak): "The report was written by me." (The subject is acted upon)


• Active (strong): "I wrote the report." (The subject does the action)

5. Practical Tips for Better Writing

• Read Your Writing Aloud: This is the best way to catch mistakes. If a sentence is difficult to say, it is probably difficult to read. Rewrite it.


• Use Tools (But Be Careful):


• Grammar Checkers: Use Grammarly or the spell-check in your word processor. They are good for catching basic errors, but don't rely on them completely.


• Google Translate/Deepl: Good for translating individual words or short phrases. Do not use them for entire sentences or paragraphs, as the grammar is often wrong.


• Have a "Model File": Save emails or texts from native speakers that you think are well-written. Use them as a model for your own writing.


• Plan Before You Write:


• Why are you writing? (To inform, to request, to apologize?)


• What are your main points? (List 1-3 key points.)


• Who is your reader? (A boss, a colleague, a friend?)

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Quick Checklist Before You Send

• [ ] Are my sentences short?


• [ ] Did I use simple, clear words?


• [ ] Do my verbs match my subjects? (He has, They have)


• [ ] Did I check the tenses?


• [ ] Did I read it aloud to myself?

Remember, practice is the most important thing. The more you write, the more confident you will become. Good luck