Remember the Tradition?

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jul 1977

Della A. Whittaker

Abstract

Technical writers are speeding language change by dropping possessive forms of nouns before gerunds, subjunctive forms of verbs after “if,” full words to make acronyms, and subjects (and thereby dangle modifiers). Until a generation ago, English teachers and editors admonished students and writers to uphold the traditions of formal style. Remember these traditions: Use noun and verb forms for fullest immediate understanding. Spell out acronyms the first time that you use them, and modify stated subjects. What you lose in time, you gain in meaning.

Journal: Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published: 1977-07-01
DOI: 10.2190/6b7x-4npy-h8qp-c5lp
Topics: multilingual writers voice and style

Citation Context

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Whittaker (1979)

Dephrase: Use Verbs

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

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