Place the most important or complex at the end - Step 6 – Revise

7 Steps to Better Writing - Charles Maxwell 2020

Place the most important or complex at the end
Step 6 – Revise

Place what is most important at the end of a phrase or sentence, as shown in the following examples.


Emphasizes “total agreement”

+

The manager reported to the board that the committee was in total agreement.


Emphasizes “the board”

+

The committee that was in total agreement reported to the board.


Emphasizes “important questions”

+

The manuscript is a little disorganized, but it answers important questions.


Emphasizes “disorganized”

+

The manuscript answers important questions, but is a little disorganized.

When elements in a list have equal importance, place the longest or most complex item at the end. For example: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.