Let’s be real—writing can feel like a chore sometimes. You open a blank page, stare at the blinking cursor, and think, “Do I really have to make this sound good?”
Good news: you don’t have to write like Shakespeare. You just need a few simple tricks to make your sentences smoother, clearer, and easier to read—without breaking a sweat.
Here’s the lazy writer’s guide to writing better sentences, step by step.
1. Keep It Short and Sweet
🪄 Magic trick: If your sentence is over 20 words, try chopping it down.
Why it works: Long sentences are harder to follow. Shorter ones feel more natural—especially online.
Lazy fix: Split one long sentence into two. Done.
Example:
❌ Due to the fact that it was raining, we decided not to attend the outdoor concert that had been planned for several weeks.
✅ It was raining. We skipped the concert.
2. Use Strong, Simple Words
🧠 Big words don’t make you sound smarter—they make you sound like you’re trying too hard.
Why it works: Clear words = clear meaning. Your reader doesn’t want to pause and Google what you meant.
Lazy fix: Swap out fancy words for everyday ones.
Instead of:
- “Utilize” → “Use”
- “Commence” → “Start”
- “Facilitate” → “Help”
3. Cut the Filler Words
🧹 Actually, basically, very, really, kind of… do you need them? Probably not.
Why it works: Filler words dilute your point. Clean sentences hit harder.
Lazy fix: Do a quick search for these words and delete most of them.
Example:
❌ She was really very excited to actually see the results.
✅ She was excited to see the results.
4. Say What You Mean (Without Rambling)
📢 Get to the point already!
Why it works: Readers want clarity, not mystery. If your sentence has too many twists, they’ll check out.
Lazy fix: Ask yourself, “What am I trying to say?” Then say just that.
Example:
❌ At the end of the day, what I’m trying to convey is that we might want to think about postponing the launch.
✅ Let’s postpone the launch.
5. Use Active Voice (Whenever You Can)
⚡ Lazy doesn’t mean passive.
Why it works: Active voice is more direct and engaging. Passive voice sounds vague and distant.
Lazy fix: Make sure the subject is doing the action.
Example:
❌ The report was written by Sarah.
✅ Sarah wrote the report.
6. Add a Dash of Rhythm
🎶 Good writing has a beat. Vary short and long sentences for flow.
Why it works: Sentences that are all the same length = boring. Mixing things up keeps readers engaged.
Lazy fix: Read your sentences aloud. If it sounds monotone, rework one.
Example:
✅ She walked in. Everything stopped. The lights, the music, the chatter—it all went silent.
7. Don’t Overthink It
🧘♂️ Seriously. Chill.
Why it works: Overediting kills your voice. Your first draft doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to exist.
Lazy fix: Write like you talk. Then clean it up a little.
Mantra: Done > Perfect.
Final Thoughts for the Lazy (but Smart) Writer
You don’t need to study grammar books or write for hours to level up your writing. Just follow these lazy-approved rules:
- Keep it short
- Use simple words
- Cut the fluff
- Be direct
- Go active
- Mix up sentence lengths
- And stop overthinking
Better sentences are just a few lazy hacks away. 😉