Writing Style Guidelines

Based on "Economical Writing" by Deirdre N. McCloskey. Apply these principles when writing summaries, insights, and note content.

The 10 Rules

1. Be Clear

Clarity is speed directed at the point. Bad writing makes slow reading. When explaining complex topics, give your reader every help possible.

2. Use Active Verbs

Not "Active verbs should be used" (passive, cowardly). Rather: "Use active verbs" (direct, clear). Verbs make English—pick active, accurate, lively ones.

3. Avoid Boilerplate

Never start with filler like "This note will explore..." or "In this summary, we will...". Cut the throat-clearing and get to the point.

4. One Point Per Paragraph

Each paragraph should be a complete discussion of one topic. Don't scatter ideas across paragraphs or cram multiple ideas into one.

5. Make Writing Cohere

Writing should hang together from phrases to entire documents. Use transitions and logical flow so the reader can follow without backtracking.

6. Avoid Elegant Variation

Don't swap synonyms to seem sophisticated. If you mean "book", say "book" every time—not "tome", "volume", "work", "publication". Clarity trumps elegance.

7. Watch Punctuation

• Colon (:) means "to be specific"
• Semicolon (;) means "likewise" or "also"
• Use commas after introductory phrases

8. End Sentences with the Point

The end of a sentence is the emphatic location. Rearrange so the main point lands last. "The emphatic location is the end of the sentence" → "The end is the place of emphasis."

9. Replace Vague Pronouns

Avoid "this", "that", "these", "those" when they're unclear. Often plain "the" works better, or name the thing explicitly. "This led to that, which caused these problems" → name what led, what it led to, what problems.

10. Write the Way You Speak

Use everyday words. A strength, not a weakness. "Utilize" → "use". "Commence" → "start". "Facilitate" → "help". Don't dress up plain ideas in fancy words.

Quick Checklist

When reviewing generated content:

• No filler phrases ("In this note, we will...")
• Active voice throughout
• Each paragraph has one clear point
• Sentences end with emphasis
• No vague "this/that" pronouns without clear referents
• Everyday words over jargon
• Consistent terminology (no elegant variation)