Why readability scores matter
The Flesch Reading Ease score is calculated using two variables: average sentence length and average number of syllables per word. A score of 0–30 is very difficult — academic journals and legal documents. A score of 60–70 is standard English, comfortable for most adult readers. A score above 70 is easy, suitable for general audiences.
Most writers overestimate how easily their audience reads. Studies show that even highly educated professionals prefer clear, direct writing over complex prose — especially online, where attention is limited and competition for it is fierce. A readable piece gets read. An unreadable one gets skimmed, or abandoned.
The good news: readability is almost entirely within your control. Unlike grammar or style — which take years to develop — readability can be dramatically improved by applying a small set of practical techniques.
The seven most effective readability improvements
1. Shorten your sentences
Sentence length is the single biggest lever on readability. Long sentences force readers to hold multiple ideas in working memory simultaneously, increasing cognitive load. When a sentence exceeds 25–30 words, most readers have to re-read it to understand it.
The target is an average sentence length of 15–20 words. That doesn't mean every sentence should be the same length — variety is important for rhythm. But your average should stay within that range. Any sentence over 30 words is a candidate for splitting.
Before: "The committee, having considered all of the available evidence and taking into account the representations made by the various stakeholders during the consultation period, has reached the conclusion that the proposed amendments to the policy framework are, on balance, likely to be beneficial." (44 words)
After: "The committee has reviewed all available evidence and heard from stakeholders during the consultation. It has concluded that the proposed policy amendments are likely to be beneficial." (Two sentences, 17 and 13 words)
The meaning is identical. The second version is significantly easier to process.
2. Replace long words with short ones
Syllable count is the second major variable in readability formulas. Words with three or more syllables drag your score down. In most cases, there is a shorter alternative that means exactly the same thing.
This doesn't mean never using long words. When a long word is the right word — when there is no shorter alternative that preserves the precise meaning — use it. The aim is to eliminate unnecessary complexity, not all complexity.
3. Use active voice
Active sentences are shorter and more direct than passive ones. "The manager approved the report" (6 words) versus "The report was approved by the manager" (7 words). Multiplied across a long document, passive constructions add significant length and reduce readability scores. Use our passive voice detector to find and review passive constructions in your writing.
4. Cut unnecessary words
Many common phrases contain redundant words that add length without adding meaning. Training yourself to spot these is one of the fastest ways to improve both readability and writing quality.
- "Due to the fact that" → "because"
- "At this point in time" → "now"
- "In the event that" → "if"
- "For the purpose of" → "to"
- "In order to" → "to"
- "It is important to note that" → remove entirely or rephrase
5. Break up long paragraphs
Long paragraphs signal density to the reader before they even start reading. Online, readers scan before they read — a wall of text often triggers abandonment. Aim for paragraphs of 3–5 sentences maximum. Each paragraph should develop a single idea. A single-sentence paragraph is completely acceptable when the idea warrants it — it creates emphasis and improves visual rhythm.
6. Use concrete examples
Abstract language scores lower on readability because it relies on the reader constructing meaning without assistance. Concrete examples reduce the cognitive work required to understand a point. Where possible, follow abstract statements with a specific example, comparison, or illustration. "This approach improves efficiency" is abstract. "This approach reduces processing time from two hours to twenty minutes" is concrete — and more persuasive as well as more readable.
7. Read your writing aloud
The simplest readability test is also one of the most reliable. Reading aloud forces you to process every word at the pace a reader would encounter it. Sentences that feel unwieldy when spoken are almost always too complex on the page. Anywhere you stumble, hesitate, or run out of breath is a candidate for revision.
Practical tip: Paste your text into our readability checker, note your score, then apply one technique at a time and check the score after each change. This makes it easy to see which improvements have the biggest effect on your specific writing.
What score should you aim for?
The right readability score depends entirely on your audience and context. There is no universal target.
General web content, blogs, marketing copy: aim for 60–70. This is comfortable for the vast majority of adult readers and appropriate for most online contexts.
Customer-facing business communications: 65–75. Emails, letters, terms and conditions, FAQs. Research shows that even professional audiences prefer plain language in commercial contexts.
Healthcare and public information: 70 or above, grade 6 or below. The NHS recommends a reading age of no higher than 11 for all patient-facing materials.
Journalism: 50–65. Quality broadsheet writing typically falls in this range.
Academic writing: 20–50 is often appropriate depending on discipline. Scientific writing may legitimately score lower due to necessary technical vocabulary.
Children's content: 80 or above for primary age; 65–80 for secondary.
Common mistakes that lower readability scores
Nominalisation — turning verbs into nouns — is one of the most common culprits. "The management of the project" instead of "managing the project." Nominalisations add syllables and obscure action.
Jargon and acronyms inflate syllable counts and create barriers for any reader outside your specialism. Always define terms on first use, and ask whether the jargon is genuinely necessary.
Multiple negatives ("it is not impossible to argue that it is not without merit") force readers to process double reversals. Straighten these out wherever possible.
Hedging language ("it could be argued that", "in some cases it might be possible") weakens clarity and adds words. State what you mean directly.