What is article padding?
Article padding is when extra words, sentences, or sections are added to make a piece look longer than it really is. It can slow readers down, weaken your message, and make your writing feel bloated. (Some articles feel like they were padded with actual sofa cushions.)
Examples:
- Repeating the same point in slightly different words:
Case study: A blog on healthy eating might say:
“Eat vegetables every day to stay healthy. Daily consumption of vegetables keeps your body strong.” A single clear sentence is enough. - Adding irrelevant anecdotes that don’t move the story forward:
Example: In an article about time management, describing a weekend you spent painting your garage but it doesn’t relate to planning or productivity, it just wastes space. - Filling sections with vague phrases like “this is important” or “as everyone knows”:
Example: Writing, “Exercise is important, as everyone knows,” without explaining why or giving evidence doesn’t teach anything.
Tips:
- Keep every sentence working for the article: Ask, “Does this teach, clarify, or engage?”
Example: Instead of writing, “Good writing is crucial. Writing well is necessary,” pick one concise sentence. - Remove fluff that doesn’t add value:
Case study: A marketing article said, “Social media is very powerful and important for businesses. Companies should consider using these tools.” Removing the first sentence makes the paragraph sharper. - Read aloud to spot unnecessary repetition:
Example: Sentences that sound awkward or repetitive when spoken are likely padding. Reading aloud helps identify them.
Further reading: Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King
Why do writers pad articles?
Padding often happens because writers are nervous about word count, unsure how to expand ideas, or trying to sound “authoritative.” (Some articles sound like they’ve been stretched like a rubber band until the punctuation screams for mercy.)
Examples:
- Long introductions that don’t get to the point:
Case study: A 1,500-word article on productivity spends the first 500 words telling the history of office cubicles. Readers may lose interest before the useful advice arrives. - Over-explaining minor details:
Example: In a tech tutorial, walking readers through each click on a common menu button can feel patronizing and padding. - Using filler quotes that don’t add insight:
Example: Including, “Hard work is important,” says John Doe, without connecting it to the article’s point, is just space filler.
Tips:
- Outline before writing: Knowing each section’s purpose prevents unnecessary detours.
Case study: Before writing a blog, create headings and note what examples or statistics belong under each. This avoids random stories creeping in. - Focus on clarity and usefulness rather than length:
Example: Instead of adding three weak points to reach a word count, provide one detailed example that readers can act on. - Use examples only if they illuminate the point:
Case study: A writing tutorial includes a short sample paragraph demonstrating sentence trimming, directly showing the tip in action.
Further reading: The Elements of Style by Strunk and White
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How can padding hurt your writing?
Padding bores readers and makes key points harder to find. It also reduces credibility; readers notice when an article is trying too hard. (Imagine reading about gardening and suddenly getting a two-page detour into sock knitting.)
Examples:
- Losing reader attention halfway through an article:
Case study: A reader abandons a blog on email productivity after 700 words of unrelated office gossip. - Diluting important tips with filler content:
Example: Listing ten generic “life tips” with repeated statements like “Be positive” reduces the impact of any actionable advice. - Making articles feel repetitive or unfocused:
Example: An article repeatedly states, “Exercise is essential,” in every paragraph without adding new information.
Tips:
- Stick to your main points:
Example: Use headings to focus each section on a specific topic and avoid drifting. - Edit ruthlessly for conciseness:
Case study: Cutting two filler sentences in a paragraph made the remaining content punchy and readable. - Combine short sentences and paragraphs for better flow:
Example: Instead of:
“Exercise is important. It keeps you healthy. Health is crucial.”
Combine into:
“Exercise is crucial for maintaining good health.”
Further reading: On Writing Well by William Zinsser
How can you avoid padding?
The best way to avoid padding is to write with purpose. Every word should earn its place on the page. (Think of it like a gym membership for your sentences: no loafers allowed.)
Examples:
- Using bullet points for clarity instead of extra paragraphs:
Case study: A travel guide listed five must-see attractions in one paragraph. Converting it to bullets made it scannable and removed extra filler words. - Removing unnecessary adjectives and adverbs:
Example: Change “really amazing and incredibly helpful tips” to “helpful tips.” - Cutting repeated phrases that say the same thing twice:
Case study: Instead of:
“It is very important to plan your day ahead of time. Planning your schedule in advance is essential,” use one clear sentence.
Tips:
- Ask “does this help the reader?” for every sentence:
Example: If an anecdote doesn’t illustrate the main point, cut it. - Keep drafts short and trim after writing:
Case study: Writers often over-explain on the first draft, then condense during revision. - Focus on quality over quantity:
Example: One concrete example of saving time with a productivity app is more valuable than listing ten generic tips.
Further reading: Writing Tools by Roy Peter Clark
When is extra content actually useful?
Sometimes what looks like padding is actually context or helpful explanation. The difference is whether it genuinely supports the reader. (Bonus fun: a well-placed joke counts as content, not padding.)
Examples:
- Illustrative examples that clarify tricky concepts:
Case study: Explaining recursion in programming using a simple “Russian doll” analogy helps readers visualize the concept. - Relevant anecdotes that engage readers:
Example: Sharing a story of missing a deadline teaches the value of planning without wasting space on unrelated life events. - Short summaries reinforcing key points:
Case study: Ending a section on SEO with three bullet points of actionable takeaways helps retention.
Tips:
- Check that every addition has a clear purpose:
Example: Ask, “Does this help readers understand, apply, or remember the concept?” - Avoid filler just to hit word counts:
Case study: If an extra paragraph repeats earlier ideas without adding insight, it’s padding. - Use humour and examples sparingly for maximum effect:
Example: One witty sentence in a serious article is memorable; sprinkling jokes everywhere can dilute your message.
Further reading: Everybody Writes by Ann Handley