1. Prefer the plain word to the fancy.

2. Prefer the familiar word to the unfamiliar.

3. Prefer the Saxon word to the Romance.

4. Prefer nouns and verbs to adjectives and adverbs.

5. Prefer picture nouns and action verbs.

6. Never use a long word when a short one will do as well.

7. Master the simple declarative sentence.

8. Prefer the simple sentence to the complicated.

9. Vary your sentence length.

10. Put the words you want to emphasize at the beginning or the end of your sentence.

11. Use the active voice.

12. Put statements in a positive form.

13. Use short paragraphs.

14. Cut needless words, sentences, and paragraphs.

15. Use plain, conversational language. Write like you talk.

16. Avoid imitation. Write in your natural style.

17. Write clearly.

18. Avoid gobbledygook.

19. Write to be understood, not to impress.

20. Revise and rewrite. Improvement is always possible.

Source: Writer's Digest School, Cincinnati, Ohio