How to Improve Your Writing Using the Rule of Three - TCK Publishing (2024)

Have you ever noticed that the number three frequently appears in many aspects of human history? From ancient fairy tales to modern advertising techniques, many concepts use this number as their foundation.

But what’s so magical about this number?

It’s because of one simple principle: lists of three are not only more visually and audibly appealing to our brains, but they’re also easier for us to process and remember. In writing, this is called the Rule of Three.

What Is the Rule of Three?

The rule of three states that things that come in threes are inherently more interesting, satisfying, and effective than any other number.

This works because of how we process information. Our brains excel in pattern recognition, and three is the smallest number needed to establish a pattern.

The combination of this pattern, conciseness, and rhythm leads to more effective information retention. Anything that uses the rule of three is instantly more memorable.

That’s why this rule, well, rules. It’s a technique that uses simple patterns to convey information effectively. To any writer, speaker, or artist, this system for good communication is a valuable resource.

In short:

• Our brains love patterns.
• Three is the smallest number required to create a pattern.
• Therefore, we love three.

It’s a concept that’s been around for thousands of years. The Romans even had a saying it for it: “omne trium perfectum” which means “everything that comes in threes is perfect.”

Rule of Three Examples

It’s easy to understand why the rule of three is so pervasive in history. To give you an idea of how prevalent it is, here are some examples taken from a wide range of subjects.

Religion

• The Holy Trinity (Father, Son & the Holy Spirit)
• The three wise men and their gifts (Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh)
• Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory

Art, Music, and Entertainment

• The Rule of Thirds
• Three bulding blocks of music: Melody, Harmony, and Rhythm
• The comic triple: “An Englishman, an Irishman, and a Scotsman walk into a bar…”

Public Safety

• Stop, Look, and Listen
• Drop, Cover, and Hold
• Stop, Drop, and Roll

Storytelling

• The three-act structure
• Three unities (time, place and action)
• Three dramatic conflicts (internal, external, relational)

Speeches

• Julius Caesar: “Veni, vidi, vici”
• Abraham Lincoln: “We cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground Government of the people, by the people, for the people.”
• Franklin Roosevelt: “Be sincere, be brief, be seated.”

Mottos & Credos

• Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité (French Republic)
• See no evil, Hear no evil, Speak no evil (Three Wise Monkeys)
• Citius, Altius, Fortius (The Olympics)

The Rule of Three In Writing

Effectively communicating your thoughts, ideas, and emotions is one of the principal goals of being a writer. This goal doesn’t change, no matter what kind of writer you are.

Here are three general tips you can apply to better communicate and connect with your readers.

1. Use a 3-Part Organization Structure

Look at your work as having a beginning, middle, and an end. This applies to any kind of written work, whether it’s online content, a speech, or a story.

Use the beginning to set the stage and familiarize your audience with the ideas you wish to share. Expound on these concepts at the middle. Finally, provide a satisfying conclusion at the end, maybe even a twist. This way, you end up with three main sections that have their specific functions.

This is best done by creating a simple outline before you even start writing. Pick out what needs to be discussed in each section. If you’re tackling complicated concepts, you might even need to divide each section further into three.

Treat this as only a general template, though. In the end, the work should be one seamless whole rather than three parts stuck together.

2. Emphasize Words, Phrases, and Sentences

The rule of three can be used to encapsulate powerful ideas. So if you want to stick something to your audience’s minds, present it in groups of three.

Ever had a BLT sandwich? It’s one of the most well-known sandwiches in the world. Why? Just take a look at the name. BLT stands for bacon, lettuce, and tomato—the three main ingredients of the said sandwich.

Advertisem*nts, movies, and slogans do this all the time. Some of them prove so effective that they enter popular culture.

For example, Snap, Crackle and Pop are the names of the three mascots for Kellog’s Rice Krispies. It also happens that snapping, crackling, and popping are the sounds rice Krispies make when you eat them.

These sets of three words that work together to convey a single idea are called hendiatris. They may also be a tricolon, which is a set of three words or phrases that parallel each other in length and/or form.

The point of this is that you capture the essence of something into three easily understood and remembered words. As long as you properly expound on them in your work, they’ll act as quick summaries to otherwise lengthy ideas.

3. Build Tension

There’s a concept called the comic triple in comedy. The way it works is that you set up a pattern using the first two things, then subvert your audience’s expectations with the third. For example:

I love everything about her! Her laugh, the way she talks, and how she never has any clue on where she wants to eat.

Or watch this concept in visual form:

The goal of the comic triple is to make your audience believe in two related things and then deliver a completely different third. This technique can be applied to a wide range of writing. The effect doesn’t need to be humorous either, just unexpected.

The third portion is the most entertaining, most surprising, or most memorable. As such, it’s also the most important as it elicits the biggest reaction. Everything else before is a set-up.

It’s a guaranteed way of putting your audience on guard. They’ll be wondering about your next moves the whole time they’re reading through your work. That makes it exciting.

Make Your Words Memorable

Because of how our brains love patterns, the rule of three is a reliable way of making your writing stick to people’s minds. The best part is that it’s quick, easy, and straightforward.

Try to apply it to your next work. Divide your speech into three parts. Write copy about a product’s top three benefits. Or, make a listicle with three items.

The more you exercise this technique, the more it becomes second nature. You’ll not only be a better writer, but also a better communicator.

Did you find this post helpful? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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