simplifying your language doesn’t simplify your message: Accessible writing can still be profound. “I try to write using ordinary words and simple sentences,” said essayist Paul Graham. “That kind of writing is easier to read, and the easier something is to read, the more deeply readers will engage with it. The less energy they expend on your

Just as insidious are all the word clusters with which we explain how we propose to go about our explaining: “I might add,” “It should be pointed out,” “It is interesting to note.” If you might add, add it. If it should be pointed out, point it out. If it is interesting to note, make it interesting; are we not all stupefied by what follows when

people who write obscurely are either unskilled in writing or up to mischief.