All Ears English Podcast

AEE 2026: 3 Ways to Sharpen Your Writing with Lane Greene, Columnist from The Economist

7 snips
Jul 17, 2023
Lane Greene, language columnist and Spain correspondent for The Economist, shares his expertise on improving writing. He highlights the importance of clarity, advocating for the use of simple, Germanic words to enhance communication. Greene discusses avoiding clichés, promoting original metaphors, and balancing writing styles across cultures. He emphasizes crafting shorter, clearer sentences for better reader comprehension and delves into the philosophy behind effective, accessible writing. A treasure trove of practical tips awaits aspiring and seasoned writers alike!
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ADVICE

Word Choice

  • Prioritize short, common words from the Germanic stock of English.
  • These earthy words create a strong base, allowing less frequent, fancier words to stand out.
ADVICE

Original Language

  • Avoid clichés and strive for fresh, imaginative phrasing.
  • Create original imagery and combine words in new ways to captivate readers.
ANECDOTE

Business Clichés

  • Clichés like "blue sky thinking" and "thinking outside the box" are overused in business writing.
  • Fresh language keeps writing engaging.
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