--- title: How to Be a Better Writer: 6 Tips From Harvard’s Steven Pinker description: U want 2B a better writer? Good writing is often looked at as an art and, frankly, that can be intimidating. No need to worry.... canonical: https://time.com/3584611/write-better-tips-from-harvard/ author: Eric Barker article:opinion: true article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2014-11-14T05:01:27.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-08-04T08:03:19.859Z article:section: Ideas og:title: How to Be a Better Writer: 6 Tips From Harvard’s Steven Pinker og:description: U want 2B a better writer? Good writing is often looked at as an art and, frankly, that can be intimidating. No need to worry.... og:url: https://time.com/3584611/write-better-tips-from-harvard/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt47781db672d2fc44/698768c1428a9e4f16cc55f4/writing.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 2431 og:image:height: 1367 og:image:alt: writing og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: How to Be a Better Writer: 6 Tips From Harvard’s Steven Pinker twitter:description: U want 2B a better writer? Good writing is often looked at as an art and, frankly, that can be intimidating. No need to worry.... twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt47781db672d2fc44/698768c1428a9e4f16cc55f4/writing.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  # How to Be a Better Writer: 6 Tips From Harvard’s Steven Pinker > Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with TIME. 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A paid TIME subscription is separate and available at time.com/subscribe-agent. ## Video: 10 Books Everyone Should Read, According to Successful People [Watch (HLS stream): 10 Books Everyone Should Read, According to Successful People](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/Bdu4TTCk.m3u8) (1:07)  _Published 2016-01-27_ by [Eric Barker](https://time.com/author/eric-barker/) ## Eric Barker Nov 14, 2014 5:01 AM UTC  writing writing Getty Images by [Eric Barker](https://time.com/author/eric-barker/) ## Eric Barker Nov 14, 2014 5:01 AM UTC U want 2B a better writer? Good writing is often looked at as an art and, frankly, that can be intimidating. No need to worry. There are rules — even science — behind writing well. Our brain works a particular way; so what rules do we need to know to write the way the brain best understands? To find out the answer I gave [Steven Pinker](http://www.amazon.com/Steven-Pinker/e/B000AQ3GGO/?%5Fencoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&tag=spacforrent-20&linkId=FL5AY47I2J4QJ4VD) a call. Steven is a cognitive scientist and linguist at Harvard. He’s also on the Usage Panel of the [American Heritage Dictionary](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553583220/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0553583220&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20&linkId=WAUYZHSOBW4KIWRI). Steven was recently ranked as one of the [top 100 most eminent psychologists](http://scottbarrykaufman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Diener-Oishi-Park-2014.pdf) of the modern era. His latest book is [The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person’s Guide to Writing in the 21st Century](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00INIYG74/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00INIYG74&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20&linkId=2MCKU63OZKVT2K5B). And it’s great. Below you’ll learn: 1. The two key elements that will improve your writing. 2. The biggest mistake we all make — and how to fix it. 3. The science behind what makes writing work. 4. The most pleasant way to improve your knowledge of grammar. And a lot more. Let’s get to work. ## **1) Be Visual And Conversational** One third of the human brain is dedicated to vision. So trying to make the reader “see” is a good goal and being concrete has huge effects. Via [The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person’s Guide to Writing in the 21st Century](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00INIYG74/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00INIYG74&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20&linkId=2MCKU63OZKVT2K5B): --- > “” --- You also want to be conversational. Too many people are trying to impress others and sound smart. And research shows that trying to sound smart actually [makes you look stupid](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2011/05/does-trying-to-look-smart-make-us-seem-stupid/): --- > “” --- Research shows things that are easy for our brain to process [feel more true](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2012/08/does-easy-to-understand-true/) than concepts that require work. Think of the writer as an equal. If you’re trying to impress, at best you will make the reader feel dumb. And nobody likes to feel dumb. Via [The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person’s Guide to Writing in the 21st Century](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00INIYG74/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00INIYG74&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20&linkId=2MCKU63OZKVT2K5B): --- > “” --- Imagine you’re telling a friend who is as smart as you are something they don’t know. Here’s Steven: --- > “” --- (To learn more about what the words you use say about you, click [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2012/11/words-say-about-you/).) Those two simple things — be visual and conversational — can instantly take your writing to the next level. But they’re not the #1 obstacle you face. What’s the biggest reason your writing doesn’t shimmer and shine? Here’s where we get into some very interesting cognitive science. ## **2) Beware “The Curse Of Knowledge”** The main reason your writing isn’t clear is not your fault at all. Seriously, your brain isn’t wired to write well. It’s actually working against you. Once you know something you assume others do too. It’s human nature. And that leads to bad writing. Here’s Steven: --- > “” --- Ever hear someone say, “Explain it to me like I’m 5 years old”? That’s an attempt to get around the curse of knowledge. So what’s the best way to avoid the number one problem in writing? Do what writers have done forever: Have someone else read your work and tell you if it makes sense to them. Via [The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person’s Guide to Writing in the 21st Century](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00INIYG74/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00INIYG74&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20&linkId=2MCKU63OZKVT2K5B): --- > “” --- (To learn more about effective storytelling from a UCLA Film School professor, click [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/03/interview-ucla-film-school-professor-howard-suber-explains-storyteller/).) So you got yourself an editor (even if that just means your friend Larry is reading it for you.) What do you need to do to make sure your reader is with you from the start? ## **3) Don’t Bury The Lead** Yeah, it’s an old saying from journalism. What’s it mean? Tell the reader what your point is. And tell them early. What I didn’t know was that this isn’t just an old journalism saying — it’s also [backed by research](http://www.uic.edu/classes/psych/psych353cs/Bransford%5F&%5FJohnson%5F1972.pdf). People need a reference point so they can follow what you’re saying. Without it they’re lost. Here’s Steven: --- > “” --- Feel like that will kill the suspense? Again, stop trying to be clever and just be clear. Suspense isn’t useful if people have no idea what you’re talking about and quit reading after the first paragraph. Here’s Steven: --- > “” --- How soon should you say what the topic is? Soon. Really soon. Not too far from the beginning. Via [The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person’s Guide to Writing in the 21st Century](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00INIYG74/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00INIYG74&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20&linkId=2MCKU63OZKVT2K5B): --- > “” --- (For writing tips from a staff writer on Family Guy, click [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/01/interview-secrets-creativity-learn-writer-family-guy/).) So you’re not trying to be smart and clever and you told the reader up front what your point is. Awesome. Can you be clever now? Occasionally, yes. ## **4) You Don’t Have To Play By The Rules (But Try)** We all know those people who are sticklers about _who_ and _whom_, and who ain’t very happy when you say ain’t. But what these people forget is that when it comes to the “rules” of English, the lunatics are running the asylum. Dictionaries aren’t rulebooks. They follow language, they don’t guide it. Via [The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person’s Guide to Writing in the 21st Century](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00INIYG74/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00INIYG74&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20&linkId=2MCKU63OZKVT2K5B): --- > “” --- Should we follow rules as best we can? Do they make our writing better on average? Absolutely. But creative license is encouraged. Languages can, should and will change and that’s great. To be a great writer, know the rules before you break them. Here’s Steven: --- > “” --- Do you want to live in a world where James Brown would be forced to sing “I Feel Well” instead of “I Feel Good”? _Hell, no._ (To learn about all the positive effects writing can have on your life, click [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2012/03/10-ways-a-little-bit-of-writing-can-solve-all/).) So you gotta learn the rules to break them. What’s the best way to learn those rules that doesn’t feel like 4th grade English class all over again? ## **5) Read Read Read** Many great writers have never read a book about writing. Ever. So how did they learn? By reading and reading and reading. Writing guides are excellent tools but anyone who wants to improve their writing needs to read _a lot_. Here’s Steven: --- > “” --- Yes, research shows you can [tell a lot about a writer’s personality](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2011/07/can-you-tell-an-authors-personality-just-by-r/) by reading their stuff. (For the books everyone should read, click [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2012/12/books-missed/).) So you’re reading. But there is one last thing you need to do with everything you write and, frankly, it makes all the difference. ## **6) Good Writing Means Revising** Being a better writer doesn’t mean that the words come out perfect immediately. It means you spend time to hone them. The way the ideas initially pour out of your head is not the best way to get them into someone else’s. That takes work. You need to beat those words into submission. Roll up your sleeves and wrestle with them. Make time to revise. Here’s Steven: --- > “” --- It’s all in the editing. Think that texting, email and social media are destroying the written word? Wrong. [Christian Rudder](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J1IQUX8/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00J1IQUX8&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20&linkId=L2F6FBW4WFFCQBZ6) points to research showing Twitter might actually be_improving_ people’s writing by making them edit and be more concise. Via [Dataclysm: Who We Are (When We Think No One’s Looking)](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J1IQUX8/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00J1IQUX8&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20&linkId=L2F6FBW4WFFCQBZ6): --- > “” --- (To learn the ten rules for communicating effectively, click [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2012/11/ten-rules-effective-language/).) All ready to stop reading and do some writing? Let’s round up what we’ve learned and put it in perspective. ## SUM UP Here are six of Steven’s tips for good writing: 1. **Be visual and conversational.** Be concrete, make your reader see and stop trying to impress. 2. **Beware “the curse of knowledge.”** Have someone read your work and tell you if it makes sense. Your own brain cannot be trusted. 3. **Don’t bury the lead.** Clarity beats suspense. If they don’t know what it’s about they can’t follow along. 4. **You don’t have to play by the rules, but try.** If you play it straight 99% of the time, that 1% will really shine. 5. **Read Read Read.** The English language is too complex to learn from one book. Never stop learning. 6. **Good writing means revising.** Never hit “send” or “print” without reviewing your work — preferably multiple times. Rules, rules, rules. There is a science behind these words but as Steven makes clear, language is ever-evolving. It’s organic and alive. So don’t forget to have some fun with writing, too. As [Oscar Wilde](http://www.amazon.com/Oscar-Wilde/e/B000AQ0DXI/?%5Fencoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&qid=1415489163&sr=1-2-ent&tag=spacforrent-20&linkId=NGH5M6ZJFMXWTQQ5) said: --- > “” --- **_This piece originally appeared on_** [**_Barking Up the Wrong Tree_**](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/11/how-to-be-a-better-writer/)**_._** **For more writing tips from Steven Pinker, join over 135,000 readers and get my free weekly email update** [**here**](http://eepurl.com/o6uAD)**.** Related posts: [What 10 things should you do every day to improve your life?](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2012/05/what-10-things-should-you-do-every-day-to-imp/) [How To Make Your Life Better By Sending Five Simple Emails](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/07/make-your-life-better/) [4 Lifehacks From Ancient Philosophers That Will Make You Happier](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/01/ancient-philosophers/) ## Transcript [ MUSIC ] ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"OpinionNewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/3584611/write-better-tips-from-harvard/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/3584611/write-better-tips-from-harvard/"},"headline":"How to Be a Better Writer: 6 Tips From Harvard’s Steven Pinker","datePublished":"2014-11-14T05:01:27.000Z","dateModified":"2026-08-04T08:03:19.859Z","description":"U want 2B a better writer? 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