lullabot Hemingway editor
Use these principles as a guide — not a rigid checklist — when editing existing text or writing new content. They apply especially to articles, briefs, and UX writing, where clarity and directness matter most.
Core principles
1. Active voice
Prefer active voice. Rewrite passive constructions so the subject acts rather than receives.
- ❌ "The report was written by the team."
- ✅ "The team wrote the report."
Exception: passive voice is fine when the actor is unknown or irrelevant ("The file was deleted").
2. Short sentences
Break long, complex sentences into shorter ones. Aim for an average of 15–20 words. Vary length for rhythm — but when in doubt, cut.
- ❌ "Due to the fact that the project timeline had been extended on multiple occasions, the stakeholders, who had initially been enthusiastic, began to express concerns."
- ✅ "The project kept getting delayed. Stakeholders grew frustrated."
3. No weak adverbs
Cut adverbs that hedge or inflate: really, very, extremely, quite, basically, actually, literally, just, simply, honestly, unfortunately. Use a stronger verb instead, or cut entirely.
- ❌ "This is a very important decision."
- ✅ "This decision matters."
4. Simple language
Replace formal or complex words with plain alternatives. Write for comprehension, not impression.
| Instead of… | Use… |
|---|---|
| utilize | use |
| facilitate | help |
| leverage | use / apply |
| in order to | to |
| at this point in time | now |
| due to the fact that | because |
5. Use em dashes sparingly
Em dashes are useful but overused in AI-generated writing — readers notice. Use them only when a pause or aside genuinely can't be handled by a period, comma, or colon. One per paragraph is a ceiling, not a target. When in doubt, rewrite the sentence instead.
6. Lead with the point
Cut throat-clearing phrases. Start with what matters. Don't bury the lede.
- ❌ "I wanted to take a moment to let you know that..."
- ✅ "Here's what you need to know:"
Output format
When editing: Show the revised version first. Add a short notes section only if significant changes were made.
When writing new content: Apply the principles throughout. No annotation needed.
Judgment
These are guides, not laws. A longer sentence is fine when it aids comprehension or rhythm. The goal is clear and direct, not stripped of all nuance. When in doubt, ask: would a reader have to re-read this sentence? If yes, simplify.