When you write a paragraph, you put the most important idea upfront where the reader can find it easily. However, to emphasize an idea in a sentence, place the idea at the end of the sentence.

 

You should link ideas in a sentence with precise words. For example:

Relationship	Example
Equally important ideas	When they are expecting company, Joe always vacuums and Sally dusts.
Subordinate ideas	Joe vacuumed the carpet although Sally usually does a better job.

 

Transition words, such as however, nevertheless, similarly, and therefore, help your reader follow your train of thought.

 

When you use a pronoun, such as this, that, it, they, and which, make sure that pronoun can refer to only one noun. For example:

Unclear	Maxon Associates' softball team won the championship, and their bowling team is always in the top five. They are ruthless competitors.
Clear	Maxon Associates' softball team won the championship, and their bowling team is always in the top five. Maxon Associates employees are ruthless competitors.

 

You can unintentionally confuse your readers by creating a dangling or misplaced modifier. For example:

Misplaced Modifier	She signed the contract with a fountain pen that bound her to an unworkable schedule.
Corrected	With a fountain pen, she signed the contract that bound her to an unworkable schedule.

 

When you edit your documents, you need to be aware of ambiguous words that might obscure your meaning. It is also a good idea to avoid using the jargon of your industry when you write to people outside that industry.

 

When you write, you use first person (I, we), second person (you), and third person (they, it, objects or concepts). You may confuse readers when you switch viewpoint in mid-sentence or mid-thought. For example:

Inconsistent Viewpoint	To sign out a book, employees must present a valid employee ID. You must also cross your heart and swear that you will return it on time.
Consistent Viewpoint	To sign out a book, employees must present a valid employee ID. They must also cross their heart and swear that they will return it on time. (Third person)