Using Reader-Oriented Language

Chapter 8

Principle 1

USING SPECIFIC AND UNAMBIGUOUS LANGUAGE

Using Specific Language

Vague: A computer in one of the labs isn’t working properly.

Specific: The monitor on computer 26 in the College of Science lab is flickering erratically.

Using Unambiguous Language

Sentences should correctly convey only one meaning.

Ambiguity results from: Misplaced Modifiers Dangling Modifiers Stacked Nouns Faulty word choice

Misplaced Modifiers

Ambiguous: This appear to modify the wrong referent. To eliminate the ambiguity, place the modifier as close to the intended referent as possible.

EXAMPLE Ambiguous: Our manager suggested to the vice

president that we register for the class in San Francisco. Unambiguous: Our manager suggested to the vice

president in San Francisco that we register for the class.

DANGLING MODIFIERS

Dangling Modifiers have no referent in the sentence.

DANGLING: Trying to put out the fire (modifier), the fire extinguisher broke (main clause).

In the previous sentence there is no Actor.

Correct: Trying to put out the fire, I broke the fire extinguisher.

Correct: As I was trying to put out the fire, the fire extinguisher broke.

Switch from Passive to Active

By changing the passive voice construction to the

active voice, you can correct the dangling modifier.

Example:

Dangling: To connect to employees in other organizations, meetings should be organized.

Correct: To connect to employees in other organizations, organize meetings.

Stacked Nouns

STACKED: The president suggested that a universal committee member evaluation criteria should be selected.

CORRECT: The president suggested that committee members should be selected based on a universal criteria for evaluation.

Faulty Word Choice

Ambiguous: We were held up at the bank.

Unambiguous: We were delayed at the bank.

PRINCIPLE 2

ELIMINATE REDUNDANCY:

Please give our proposal your thought and consideration……because it will help and benefit..

Please consider our proposal as it will help…

Eliminate Unnecessary Words

Write an example of concise sentence.

USE SIMPLE WORDS

Use simple and familiar words.

Use Positive Language

Start with a positive statement.

Example: Incorrect: Do not discontinue taking the medicine.

Correct: Continue taking the medicine.

Use Technical Terminology Consistently and Accurately

Use only when readers have technical knowledge and expertise.

Stick to a technical term consistently.

Manuals Handbooks Software Guide Reference Guides Reports, memos etc.

Use Nonsexist Language

Sexist: Each employee should maintain his equipment.

Nonsexist: Employees should maintain their equipments.

Consider your Readers’ Culture

Avoid Idioms

Humor may not be something that you can translate in another language.

Use technical language that international readers will understand.

Avoid localisms – phrases known only to people in a specific area.

Exercise

Exercises 1-11 on pages 216-218

Finish these exercises. The practice exam would have questions from the practice exercises that you have completed from chap 7 and 8.