Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jan 1994

Toward Plain Language: A Guide to Paraphrasing Complex Noun Phrases

Michael P. Jordan Queen's University

Abstract

Complex noun phrases, although key elements in technical writing for linguistically mature readers, also present major comprehension difficulties for others. This article establishes many important ways of paraphrasing complex noun phrases into simpler structures, and identifies the differences in meaning, style, is tone, and emphasis created by the paraphrases. Whereas many complex noun phrases at the start of the sentence can be easily paraphrased, those at the end of the sentence or embedded within the sentence present greater challenges. Similarly restrictive post-modifiers are easier to paraphrase than those that define. The principles are applied to a short legal text.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
1994-01-01
DOI
10.2190/fhed-rmjg-y03y-y4uj
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Closed
Topics
technical communication
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (3)

  1. THOMPSON (1996)
    Competence and Critique in Technical Communication: A Qualitative Content Analy…
    Journal of Business and Technical Communication
  2. Connor (1994)
    Research on Technical and Scientific Communication in Canada: A Bibliographical…
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  3. Jordan (1994)
    Plainer Legal Language: Definitions and Requirements in Acts
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

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