One of the most common writing problems I encounter is not gramma-tical, but rather the problem of sentences that should be short but instead go on and on and on to the point where the reader can no longer remember how the sentence started and what the writer was trying to say.
Like this last one. At 52 words, it's at least twice as long as necessary to get the point across.
Reading-comprehension studies show that readers begin to lose focus when a sentence reaches about 20 words. That doesn't mean you should never write a sentence longer than 20 words. But if you do, you should to be especially crisp and clear with your language and punctuation.
Readers tend to respond best to a mixture of sentence lengths. Try writing a 5-word sentence. Then follow that with a longer sentence that gives the reader some insight or description. Then pop out another 5-worder.
This mixture of long and short sentences tends to keep the reader focused and alert. As a result, you'll accomplish your ostensible mission: to get people to read your words, understand them, and act on them.
Neil Chethik, aka the Grammar Gourmet, is executive director at the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning (www.carnegieliteracy.org) and author of FatherLoss and VoiceMale. The Carnegie Center offers writing classes and seminars for businesses and individuals. Contact Neil at neil@carnegieliteracy.org or (859)254-4175.