Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jan 2002

A New Look at Infinitives in Business and Technical Writing

Marshall Myers Eastern Kentucky University

Abstract

This article begins by arguing that the infinitive phrase has not been taken seriously in writing because writers have been too concerned with Bishop Robert Lowth's proscription against the split infinitive. However, careful examination of three types of technical prose (instructions, annual reports, and “junk mail”) reveals that more than one sentence in four contains an infinitive phrase. The article then argues that two linguistic theories do not adequately explain the overwhelming presence of infinitives in the three types of prose. The reason for the presence of infinitives seems to be that they fulfill several rhetorical purposes, including vigor, symmetry, emphasis, variety, economy, and depersonalization. Implications for writing and teaching are also discussed.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
2002-01-01
DOI
10.2190/bcdr-qlrg-grux-v1e0
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Topics
rhetorical criticism teacher development technical communication
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (2)

  1. Myers (2007)
    The Use of Pathos in Charity Letters: Some Notes toward a Theory and Analysis
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  2. Myers (2004)
    The Million Dollar Letter: Some Hints on How to Write One
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

References (19) · 1 in this index

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  3. Mair C. (1990)
    Infinitival Complement Clauses in English: A Study of Syntax in Discourse
  4. Huddleston R. (1971)
    The Sentence in Written English: A Syntactic Study Based on an Analysis of Scientific Texts
  5. 10.3765/bls.v10i0.1957
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  6. Williams J. (2000)
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  12. Myers (1999)
    The Influence of the Purpose of a Business Document on its Syntax and Rhetorica…
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
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CrossRef global citation count: 5 View in citation network → Build reading path →

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