One of these sentences is easier to read than the other.
It shouldn't take you long to tell which is which.
(1a) What would be the anticipated market reaction accorded the introduction of such a policy?
(1b) How would the market react to such a policy?
❓
What makes (1b) easier to read than (1a)?
When I ask students in my writing workshops, they offer a few common explanations:
- (1a) is too long; (1b) is shorter, so it's easier to read (wrong!)
- (1a) uses the passive voice; (1b) is active, so it's easier to read (also wrong!)
In this week's writing lesson ✍️
- Sentence length doesn't matter;
- Passive sentences are just as powerful as active ones;
- How to treat every sentence like a set of instructions, guiding your reader's interpretation.
🎥 Plus, if you prefer watching to reading, you'll get a private video lesson with extra details.
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