How to Avoid Overexplaining in Writing (Hint: Trust Your Readers!)
We’ve all been there: you write a sentence, then write another sentence that basically repeats it—just in case your reader didn’t get it. And maybe you throw in a third one for good measure.
That’s overexplaining. And while it comes from a good place (you want to be clear!), it actually makes your writing feel heavy-handed, repetitive, and—ironically—less clear.
The fix? Trust your readers. Say it once, say it well, and move on.
What Is Overexplaining in Writing?
Overexplaining is when you spell out what’s already obvious in the text, often by repeating ideas, hammering emotions, or adding commentary your reader doesn’t need.
Overexplaining: “She slammed the door, clearly angry and upset at him.”
Tightened: “She slammed the door.”
The action already shows the anger. The extra words dilute the punch.
Why Writers Overexplain
Fear of being misunderstood. You don’t want readers to miss the point.
Habit from school essays. Where repeating = making your case stronger.
Not trusting the scene. You’re afraid the emotion or image won’t land without backup.
But here’s the truth: readers are smarter than you think. They connect dots fast.
Examples of Overexplaining (and Fixes)
1. Repeating Emotion
Overexplaining: “Tears streamed down her face. She was crying.”
Fix: “Tears streamed down her face.”
2. Explaining the Obvious
Overexplaining: “He whispered quietly.”
Fix: “He whispered.”
3. Adding Training Wheels to Metaphors
Overexplaining: “His heart cracked open, like glass shattering—he felt sad.”
Fix: “His heart cracked open, like glass shattering.”
How to Avoid Overexplaining
Cut the echoes. If you’ve shown it in action or image, don’t also tell it.
Trust strong verbs. Let slam, creep, shatter do the heavy lifting.
Don’t narrate reactions. Let the reader feel it instead of being told “she was upset.”
Read aloud. If you feel like you’re saying the same thing twice, you are.
Takeaway
Overexplaining doesn’t make your writing clearer—it makes it cluttered.
When in doubt, remember: your reader gets it. Show the moment once, then move forward. Clarity comes from confidence, not repetition.
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