That means no pressure, no filters—just getting my ideas out as they come. It's not perfect, but it's real. And honestly, that’s the most important part of writing: getting the message down first.

But somewhere along the way, we’re taught to obsess over big words and perfect grammar. It can make writing feel more like a performance than an expression. Should you use “utilize” instead of “use”? Is it better to sound smart or to make sure your point lands clearly?

The Truth About Fancy Words

There’s a time and place for elegant vocabulary, but it should never come at the cost of clarity. Big words might look impressive, but if they confuse your reader or feel unnatural, they’re not helping. A sentence doesn’t have to be packed with high-level vocabulary to be powerful—it just has to be honest and clear.

Take this for example:

“He commenced to articulate his profound sentiments on the aforementioned topic.”

Compare it to:

“He started sharing his thoughts on the topic.”

Which one feels more human? Which one gets to the point?

Sometimes, simple words hit harder.

Why Grammar Still Matters (Eventually)

While grammar isn’t my first concern during the early stages, I definitely pay attention to it when I revise. Good grammar helps your reader understand you without distraction. If your sentences are all over the place, it’s easy to lose people—not because your ideas aren’t good, but because the delivery needs work.

Correct grammar also shows you respect your reader’s time. It’s like showing up to a meeting in clean clothes. You don’t need to be wearing a suit, but you shouldn’t be messy either. Clean, well-structured writing makes your ideas shine.

The Balance: Write First, Polish Later

My writing process is all about balance. I write first with heart, not rules. Then I revise with intention. I check that my grammar supports what I’m trying to say, not that it follows every technical rule in the book. I look for smoother transitions, stronger verbs, and better connections between paragraphs.

And no, I don’t replace every word with something from a thesaurus. I ask myself: Does this word feel natural here? Does it make my meaning clearer? If not, I leave it as it is.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to choose between grammar or fancy words. What you really need is a clear message and the patience to shape it into something your reader can follow and enjoy. Write like you talk, edit like you teach, and you’ll be just fine.

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t to sound smart—it’s to be understood.