Journalistic Writing

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What to Know

What sets apart the best journalism from average or mediocre journalism?

Good writing in journalism is underpinned by both English grammar and literature rules, tailored to meet the demands of clarity, accuracy, and engagement. Here are key aspects:

Grammar Rules:

A. Clarity and Conciseness:

Rule: Use straightforward sentence structures to convey information clearly. Avoid unnecessary words or jargon unless the audience is specifically familiar with it.
Application: In journalism, sentences like "The mayor announced a new policy on Monday" are preferred over complex or lengthy constructions.

B. Active Voice:

Rule: Prefer active voice for its clarity and directness, which makes the action or subject of the sentence more apparent.
Application: "The city council rejected the proposal" is clearer than "The proposal was rejected by the city council."

C. Correct Subject-Verb Agreement:

Rule: Ensure verbs agree with their subjects in number (singular or plural).
Application: "The team is investigating the matter," not "The team are investigating."

D. Consistent Tense:

Rule: Maintain consistent verb tenses unless a shift is necessary for clarity or chronological storytelling.
Application: Stick to past tense when reporting on events that have occurred, like "The earthquake struck at 3 PM."

E. Punctuation for Clarity:

Rule: Use commas, semicolons, and other punctuation marks to prevent ambiguity and to enhance readability.
Application: "The new law, which affects all citizens, was passed yesterday" uses commas to clarify meaning.

F. Proper Use of Articles and Modifiers:

Rule: Articles ('a', 'an', 'the') and adjectives should be used accurately to specify or describe nouns.
Application: "The" before a specific event or item, like "The investigation into the factory explosion..."

Literature Rules:

A. Narrative Structure:

Rule: Use a clear structure (introduction, body, conclusion) to guide the reader through the story.
Application: The inverted pyramid structure in news articles where the most critical information comes first.

B. Characterization and Detail:

Rule: While narrative journalism can delve into character development, even in news, details about people or settings add depth without overwhelming the facts.
Application: Describing a person's demeanor or the atmosphere at a press conference to give readers a sense of the scene.

C. Dialogue and Direct Quotes:

Rule: Use dialogue or quotes to bring stories to life, ensuring they are accurate, relevant, and attributed correctly.
Application: Direct quotes from interviews or public statements add authenticity and voice to the story.

D. Tone and Style:

Rule: The tone should match the story's seriousness or the publication's voice. Maintain consistency in style throughout the piece.
Application: A somber tone for reporting on a tragedy, versus a more casual tone for a lifestyle piece.

E. Imagery and Description:

Rule: Use descriptive language to paint a picture for the reader, but in journalism, this must serve to clarify or enhance understanding rather than merely decorate the text.
Application: Describing the aftermath of a natural disaster to convey the scale and impact.

F. Point of View:

Rule: In journalism, third-person narration is predominant to maintain objectivity, though first-person can be used in opinion pieces or features.
Application: "According to the witness..." instead of "I saw..."

G. Conflict and Resolution:

Rule: Good stories often involve some form of conflict or tension, leading to a resolution or further questions.
Application: Reporting on a political scandal, detailing the conflict, and the steps towards resolution or ongoing investigation.

Additional Considerations:

Ethical Use of Language: Avoid language that could be seen as biased or inflammatory unless it's part of quoting someone directly.

Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware of cultural contexts in language use, ensuring respect and accuracy when describing people or events from different backgrounds.

While journalism aims to inform and sometimes entertain, these grammar and literature principles help ensure that the writing is not only informative but also engaging and accessible, adhering to the highest standards of the craft.

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