A high readability score means more people finish reading your content. It means lower bounce rates, better SEO signals, and a higher chance that your message actually lands.
Here are the five most effective techniques for improving your score — each with a before-and-after example.
1. Shorten your sentences
The single biggest driver of a low readability score is long sentences. Every sentence over 25 words is a readability risk.
Before: “The committee, having reviewed all of the submitted proposals and considered the feedback from both the internal and external stakeholders who were consulted during the review process, has decided to move forward with the second option.”
After: “The committee reviewed all proposals and gathered feedback from stakeholders. It has decided to move forward with the second option.”
2. Replace long words with short ones
Long words — particularly words with three or more syllables — lower your score significantly. Most long words have a shorter alternative.
| Long word | Shorter alternative |
|---|---|
| Utilise | Use |
| Demonstrate | Show |
| Approximately | About |
| Nevertheless | But / Still |
| Communicate | Tell / Write |
3. Use active voice
Passive constructions add words and make sentences harder to parse. Active voice is shorter and clearer.
Passive: “The report was reviewed by the team before it was sent to the client.”
Active: “The team reviewed the report before sending it to the client.”
Read our guide on active vs passive voice to learn how to find and fix passive constructions in your text.
4. Break up long paragraphs
Long paragraphs feel dense and discouraging. Aim for 3–4 sentences per paragraph. White space makes text feel approachable.
5. Check your score as you write
The most practical way to improve is to check your score in real time. Paste your draft into ProseTool’s readability score checker and watch your score update as you make edits.
Aim for a score of 60–70 for most web content. This corresponds to a Grade 8–9 reading level — clear, accessible, and professional.