that reads well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that reads well" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe written works that flow smoothly and are easy to read. For example: "This article reads well and is very engaging."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The author, a journalist, writes in a forceful style that reads well but feels entirely too calculated for this bizarre tale.

The New York Times - Books

It is, however, one of those recommendations that reads well on paper and is easily agreed to, but which will be fought over bitterly in legislation.

The Guardian - Business

"I think you are born with a seed for making a sentence that reads well, as well as one for learning to be discriminating where food is concerned".

The New York Times

"It's certainly a sad commentary that the commissioner can issue a directive that reads well on paper but on the street corners of the city doesn't exist," said Legal Aid's chief lawyer, Steven Banks.

The New York Times

It is a book that reads well and tells its story directly and without frills, even with some welcome temper...

University of Chicago

Simply putting together a group of words that reads well without a single grammatical error or typo won't cut it.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Begging to differ was interwar: I find, on the contrary, that there are many plays that read well: Oscar Wilde's, for example, or Shaw's, or Tennessee Williams'.

The Guardian - Books

Here, she used her practical knowledge of the theater to excellent effect, often exploring in her criticism the difference between plays that read well and plays that work on the stage.

The New York Times

I find it hard to judge the difficulty of PD clues when writing them; one is concentrating so much on creating clues that read well and are fair that the degree of difficulty seems almost irrelevant.

The Guardian

There is also a cut-leaf job and a number of smaller trees, such as the sunrise chestnut (A x neglecta 'Erythroblastos') that read well on the page, but I confess I have never noticed them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She described how the shelves of the W H Smith in Maidstone were lined with books explaining how to pass the test, while gift shops were stocking cards that read: "Well Done! You've passed the 11-plus". And experts say the credit crunch is to blame for the increased competition.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating writing, use "that reads well" to emphasize both clarity and stylistic appeal. It suggests the text is not only understandable but also enjoyable to read.

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on making your writing "that reads well" if it sacrifices accuracy or depth of content. Ensure the writing is both clear and substantive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that reads well" functions as a descriptive modifier, typically used to characterize written content. Ludwig indicates that it is commonly used to describe written works, emphasizing their clarity and engaging quality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that reads well" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe writing that is both clear and enjoyable, according to Ludwig. It functions as a descriptive modifier, typically used in neutral contexts like news, academia, and general communication. To ensure your writing meets this standard, focus on clarity, organization, and smooth transitions. Avoid sacrificing accuracy for style, and remember that content should be both substantive and accessible. As Ludwig suggests, the goal is to create writing that is not only correct but also a pleasure to read.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is well-written

Focuses more directly on the quality of the writing itself.

that is easy to read

Emphasizes the readability aspect of the text.

that flows smoothly

Highlights the seamlessness and coherence of the writing.

that is clearly expressed

Focuses on the clarity and directness of the communication.

that is well-articulated

Highlights the precision and clarity of the expression.

that is coherent

Emphasizes the logical consistency and clarity of the text.

that is understandable

Stresses the accessibility and comprehensibility of the content.

that is well-presented

Focuses on the overall quality of the presentation, including style and clarity.

that is legible

Highlights the ease with which the text can be read and understood.

that has a good narrative

Focuses on the storytelling aspect and the quality of the narrative structure.

FAQs

How can I use "that reads well" in a sentence?

You can use "that reads well" to describe a piece of writing. For example, "The report is effective because it's a document "that reads well", making complex data accessible."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "that reads well"?

Alternatives include "that is well-written", "that is easy to read", or "that flows smoothly", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it better to say "that reads well" or "that is well-written"?

Both phrases are correct, but "that reads well" emphasizes the reading experience, while "that is well-written" focuses more on the writing craft. The best choice depends on the context and the specific attribute you want to highlight.

How do I ensure my document is "that reads well"?

To ensure your document "that reads well", focus on clarity, logical organization, and smooth transitions between ideas. Review and revise to eliminate jargon and ensure your writing is accessible to your target audience.