How to Write Straight

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Part of having good handwriting involves keeping lines of text straight across the page. This can be especially difficult if your paper doesn't have any lines that can help keep your writing straight. Consistent practice and good technique are both important things to focus on as you work to make your handwriting straighter.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Getting Enough Practice

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  1. Daily practice will help you see results when you are working to improve your handwriting. You will want to examine your handwriting as you practice, evaluating your results and making any changes that you think are needed. Regular practice has been shown to be a great way to learn and maintain skills. [1]
    • Many worksheets are available on-line and have examples that you can practice with.
    • Regular and consistent practice is critical to learning and mastering a new skill.
    • Practice with both lined and blank paper.
  2. Before you begin to practice at keeping your sentences straight without lines, you will want to use lined paper to help guide your writing. These lines will help you practice keeping your writing straight, allowing you to have straighter writing when you write without them.
    • Letters known as “descenders” should have their body sitting on the line while their stems dip below the line. The letters g,p,y,q, and j are all descenders.
    • Letters that are classified as “ascenders” should have their body sitting on the line and their stems should extend upwards, about halfway to the line above. The letters b,d,h,t,l, and k are ascenders.
    • All other letters should rest directly on the line.
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  3. If you have trouble writing straight without lines you can try adding some of your own guide lines to the blank sheet of paper. You will need a ruler or straight-edge and a pencil to draw your guide lines. These lines can help keep your writing straight and can be erased after you are done writing.
    • Place your ruler straight across the page where you want to write a line.
    • Lightly draw a guide line with your pencil.
    • Remove the ruler. Use this guide line to keep your writing straight.
    • After you are done writing, you can erase the guide line and leave your straightly formed writing.
  4. Taking your time when writing can help make handwriting look clean and sharp. Writing slowly can also help you to write straighter, as it gives you time to adjust the slant of your writing as you go. Always relax and take your time when writing to help you keep your sentences in a straight line. [2]
    • Rushing to write can cause your handwriting to slant or look untidy.
    • As you write slowly, focus on keeping your sentences in straight lines.
    • Slowing down can also help you learn better during practice sessions.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using The Right Posture And Grip

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  1. When you are writing, you will make use of many small movements in your fingers, wrist, hand, and arm. By focusing on using your entire arm and wrist, instead of just your fingers, you can help your writing to look clean and straight. [3]
    • Practice by making large letters, drawing them in the air with your hand.
    • Avoid using your fingers to draw a letter. This can result in slanted handwriting and may cause your hand to cramp up.
    • Use your entire arm and wrist to form your letters which will make your writing more fluid and straight.
  2. Although it may seem like a small part of your handwriting practice, using the proper handwriting posture can help keep your handwriting straight. By sitting in the right way, your movements will shift and allow you greater control over your handwriting. [4]
    • Sit down with your feet flat on the floor and keep your back straight.
    • Place your non-writing hand on the table to balance yourself.
    • Don't practice writing while sitting on something soft like a couch or reclining chair.
  3. An important part of improving your handwriting, and keeping it straight, is gripping the pen or pencil properly. Holding your writing utensil incorrectly can cause you to lose control over it, resulting in sloppy or tilted sentences and letters. Always make sure you are holding the pen or pencil properly when you are practicing writing. [5]
    • Hold the pencil close to the tip, using your thumb and pointer finger to grip it.
    • Let the pencil rest on your middle finger, near the last knuckle.
    • Don't grip the pencil too tightly.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Are there any other ways to practice writing straight?
    Swetha Shenoy
    Modern Calligraphy & Watercolor Artist
    Swetha Shenoy is a Modern Calligraphy & Watercolor Artist based in New Jersey. She is the founder of The Paisley Corner, a creative hub that provides art workshops & team-building activities for individuals and corporate teams alike. Swetha created The Paisley Corner to spread the joy of creating through her art workshops. She teaches multiple lettering techniques, including hand lettering, brush lettering, and watercolor lettering. Since founding The Paisley Corner 5 years ago, she has taught 2500+ students (adults and kids) at over 200 workshops. Notable corporate clients include Adobe, Shapeways, Rituals, Confetti, MixLife & the New York tri-state area public libraries. Prior to her career as an artist and small business owner, Swetha worked as a Software Engineer at multiple companies. She received a BS in Computer Science from Visvesvaraya Technological University and a MS in Computer Science from University of Illinois, Chicago.
    Swetha Shenoy
    Modern Calligraphy & Watercolor Artist
    Expert Answer
    You can also use a light pad. Place your paper on top of the light pad, which emits light through the paper, making it easier to see lines and guides beneath it. You can then trace over your writing, making sure it's straight and accurate as you follow through the illuminated lines. Using a light pad acts as a visual aid that can help you have better control and precision in your writing, especially when writing straight.
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  • Question
    I want to write neatly on an unruled page. What can I do?
    Read4ever
    Community Answer
    You can draw light lines with a pencil, and erase them later. Once you gain some practice, you will not need lines at all.
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  • Question
    How do I improve my writing skills?
    Community Answer
    The more you practice, the better you will get. You should consider using lined paper as it will be easier to stay neatly within the lines.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Pen
      • Pencil
      • Ruler
      • Paper

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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about calligraphy, check out our in-depth interview with Swetha Shenoy .

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150108130057.htm
      2. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/tips-to-improve-handwriting-2014-7
      3. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/tips-to-improve-handwriting-2014-7
      4. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/tips-to-improve-handwriting-2014-7
      5. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/tips-to-improve-handwriting-2014-7

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If your handwriting is often uneven, you can straighten it out with a little careful practice. Use lined paper to practice until you get the hang of it. Make sure all of your letters touch the line where they’re supposed to. Usually, this will be the bottom of the letter. However, the letters g,p,y,and q should have their bodies resting on the line with their tails hanging underneath it. Practice writing slowly, and gradually increase your speed as you get more confident. The more you practice, the straighter you’ll be able to write. For more handwriting tips, including how to hold your pen or pencil properly, read on!

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