What is a common pitfall in technical writing?

Using overly complex language that alienates the reader is indeed a common pitfall in technical writing. Effective technical writing aims to communicate information clearly and concisely, allowing the reader to understand complex concepts without confusion. When the language becomes too complex, filled with jargon or unnecessary technical terms, it can create barriers to understanding. This alienation can lead to frustration and disengagement as readers struggle to decipher what is being communicated.

In technical writing, the goal is to make information as accessible as possible to a broad audience, which often includes individuals who may not have specialized knowledge of the topic. Clear and straightforward language facilitates this understanding, while overly complex language can undermine it, making the writing less effective. Thus, maintaining clarity and simplicity is essential to ensure the audience can grasp the subject matter easily.