Economy of Words in Writing

Have you heard someone say that writing more and more words makes you a brilliant writer? However, it is a half-truth.

Immense writing and brainstorming are necessary to create beautiful and gripping content, but always remember that quality overpowers quantity.

A writer should journal their thoughts to get ideas, but also learns how to articulate them to their audience in fewer words.

The less you talk, the more fascinating and influential words come out.

Yes, I am pointing towards “Economy of Words.”

What is the definition of “Economy of Words?”

The “Economy of Words” is the writing technique that helps writers to remember that they eliminate lengthy, unnecessary and repetitive words from their writing. It assists in creating content that is easy to understand, effective to read, and leaves a significant mark on others.

A phrase I used before was “Write more, Show less.” That meant writing more for yourself and showing according to the audience’s needs.

You have seen many movies and books where writers sometimes articulate things more than they need. It leaves a negative impact on readers and viewers. It happens identically in audio stories or digital content.

The audience needs sharp, crisp and unique content to consume, and if a writer shows them repetition, the audience quickly loses interest. A few beginning lines of any content are enough to seize their audience.

The interesting fact is that every writer loves their writing pattern. It is difficult to identify defects in their written work. But remember, once you enter the professional writing world, you create content for the audience and industry requirements.

Using your power of words to connect with others doesn’t mean you leave your identity and writing style behind, but remember, in one part of your mind, that your work is now for your loving audience.

Technically, every writing style needs an Economy of writing, whether it conveys a Logline, Synopsis, Characters, Manuscript, Movie script, Narration, or Technical content.

A writer must know the reasons behind the writing economically.

• Short sentences and familiar words create an engaging and understanding atmosphere to read the content fluently.
• Strategically placed words are more informative, but should be used naturally in sentences.
• Economy in writing saves time, strengthens voice, and shows professionalism.

I know a question is arising in many of you: How do we implement the Economy of Writing in our work?

Here are some best-defined examples of how to use this technique in sentences.

Example 1:

Bloated Version: Writing is one of the most effective tools for expressing thoughts and emotions. That’s why writers need to be mindful of how they use their words.

Economic Version: Writing expresses emotion, so writers need to use words with intention.

This economic version shows clarity and precision. It saves the reader’s time, delivers details, expresses emotions, and seems impactful and professional. No redundancy is visible with fluency. Words are so specific and easy to edit in the economic version.

There is no formula to learn the economy of writing. Writers need to practice this technique by themselves.

My simple advice is to journal your thoughts. It doesn’t matter how many ideas come; write them all and then sort them.

Always remember that a bloated version is helpful for a writer to clear their mind. Brainstorming makes the story profound and more attractive for a writer, but the audience needs a polished version. So, as writers, try to articulate more with fewer words.

Here is another example related to the Author’s world.

Logline

Bloated Version: When a quiet, broken man named Aarav finds a cryptic clue tied to his family’s mysterious death, he’s thrust into a dangerous web of betrayal that forces him to confront those he once trusted. Haunted by loss, Aarav must navigate the shadows of his past to uncover the truth and reclaim his life.

Economic Version: After finding a cryptic clue tied to his family’s mysterious death, a broken man named Aarav is pulled into a web of betrayal. To uncover the truth, he must face buried secrets and confront those he once trusted.

You can easily understand through the economic version that Aarav has a backstory. His character is broken. He is betrayed by someone he trusted. He will go on a journey to uncover the secrets and truth.

The economic version seems more impactful and precise than the bloated one. The flow is smooth and emotional. No redundancy means reader-friendly.

Note: A logline is a crucial part of the whole writing process. 90% of the producers are interested in the logline. They don’t pay attention to the story, so don’t waste words in the logline. Be precise.

Another example is related to Screenwriting.

A technique called “Show, Don’t tell” is closely connected to the economy of words. A writer has a unique opportunity on a screen to demonstrate things without relying on dialogue. Grab that chance.

Scene: Action:

Bloated Version:

EXT. COASTAL TOWN – SUNSET

Waves crash gently as the sky blushes orange. Maya, late 20s, sits on a worn-out bench, sketchbook in hand, eyes lost in thought.

Arjun, early 30s, passes by, slows down, then quietly sits a few feet away.

They don’t speak, but something unspoken lingers in the salt air.

Economic Version:

Maya(20) sits on a damaged bench. Having a sketchbook in hand, she gets lost in the deep orangish horizon, while Arjun(30), passing by, hesitates and quietly joins her. Silence speaks louder between souls.

The version shows clarity in setup, revealing a buried past. It is emotionally appealing to the audience and saves time. Sounds curious and professional. No redundancy. Beautifully structured, which grips viewers. A scene where actions and expressions overpower the words.

A writer can use the economy of words everywhere. I hope these examples will help you grow, learn, improve and write precisely. I know from now on every writer will confidently use the “economy of words” in their work. The more carefully words are used, the more influence they will create.

I’ve shared everything about the economy of words that I learned through experience. If you find this blog informative, please share your feedback through comments and the feedback form.

Your every word matters and helps us to improve.

Happy, learning!