When it comes to writing, clarity and simplicity are ideals you should strive for.
Omit needless words. Avoid unnecessary complexity. Use direct, declarative sentences with simple common words.
Inexperienced writers believe that using big words and long, convoluted sentences makes them appear more worldly. More expert, more intelligent.
But study after study shows the opposite is true. When a writer uses complicated language, they tend to come across as low-status or less intelligent. Why? It’s the complexity trap.
Complicated language and jargon offer the illusion of sophistication but signal to readers that the writer is overcompensating. Making writing more complex doesn’t make a writer appear smarter. It makes them appear as if they don’t know what they’re writing about. It makes them appear dumb and desperate.
All the more reasons to write simply.