Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Oct 1990

Grammar and Technical Writing

K. Scott Ferguson ; Frank Parker Louisiana State University

Abstract

Harris argues that linguistic theory is useful for solving certain problems encountered in technical writing theory and pedagogy [1]. However, he undermines his purpose by introducing irrelevant distinctions between competing syntactic theories (Generalized Phrase Structure Grammar and Transformational Grammar) and by failing to exploit the full potential of the few applications he mentions. The passive rule is a case in point. It not only constitutes an operational test for identifying passive sentences, it also contributes to the flow of discourse by rearranging both thematic roles (e.g. agent and patient) and given/new information. The passive rule is only one of a class of noun phrase-moving operations that technical writing specialists may find useful.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
1990-10-01
DOI
10.2190/gvc1-jfbh-y72r-92n8
Open Access
Closed
Topics
composition theory technical communication

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (2)

  1. Connor (1994)
    Research on Technical and Scientific Communication in Canada: A Bibliographical…
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  2. Harmon (1992)
    An Analysis of Fifty Citation Superstars from the Scientific Literature
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

Cites in this index (6)

  1. Campbell et al. (1990)
    <i>You</i>-Perspective: Insights from Speech Act Theory
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  2. Manning (1989)
    The Semantics of Technical Graphics
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  3. Riley et al. (1988)
    Tone as a Function of Presupposition in Technical and Business Writing
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  4. Harris (1988)
    Linguistics, Technical Writing, and Generalized Phrase Structure Grammar
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  5. Manning (1988)
    Literary vs. Technical Writing: Substitutes vs. Standards for Reality
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Show all 6 →
  1. Kies (1985)
    Some Stylistic Features of Business and Technical Writing: The Functions of Pas…
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Also cites 1 work outside this index ↓
  1. 10.2307/357844
     ↗
CrossRef global citation count: 3 View in citation network →

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