Understanding Style

Based on the chapter in Williams & Bizup of the same name.

Understanding Style

Why are we concerned with writing style? Isn't content more important than style?

Yes and no.

An Example

Consider these sentences, with the same “content”:

An understanding of the causal factors involved in excessive drinking by students could lead to their more effective treatment. Williams & Bizup, 11th ed, p. 2

We could more effectively treat students who drink excessively if we understood why they do so. Williams & Bizup, 11th ed, p. 2

An Example

Or my re-writings:

Understanding why students drink excessively could help us treat them better.

Understanding why students drink excessively could help us better treat them.

Why Unclear Writing Happens

There are many reasons people write unclear text. They…

• hope that complicated sentences sound smarter.
• write like everybody else in their profession. (researchers, politicians, lawyers, …)
• don't know what their audience will think is unclear.

Why Unclear Writing Happens

There are many reasons people write unclear text. They…

• understand the complicated thing they just wrote, even if others won't.
• obey made-up “rules” that force them to write awkward sentences.
• don't actually understand what they're trying to say and end up explaining it badly.
• never think about the clarity of their writing.

Why Unclear Writing Happens

Another example from the text:

Recognition of the fact that systems of grammar differ from one language to another can serve as the basis for serious consideration of the problems confronting translators of the great works of world literature originally written in a language other than English. Williams & Bizup, 11th ed, p. 6

When we recognize that languages have different grammars, we can consider the problems of those who translate great works if literature into English.Williams & Bizup, 11th ed, p. 6