Some of the comments I've read seem to misunderstand the purpose of this page. This isn't the objectively best writing style, this is a concise writing style. No, it might not be the most pleasant to read, because extremely to-the-point short sentences sound blunt. The guidelines provided for writing short and concise sentences are very useful, if that's the style you are aiming for.
Exactly. This is more for technical writing, not sales copy. That being said, a sales copy equivalent would be nice.
Writing Clear, Concise, Sentences
31–40 of 75 posts
Re: Writing Clear, Concise, Sentences
#32"There was a failure of communication."
Re: Writing Clear, Concise, Sentences
#33Re: Writing Clear, Concise, Sentences
#34If you get the chance, read Orwell's "Politics and the English Language." Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print. Never us a long word where a short one will do. If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out. Never use the passive where you can use the active. Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday…
Re: Writing Clear, Concise, Sentences
#35Re: Writing Clear, Concise, Sentences
#36This advice seems to mimic much of what's in _Style: Towards Clarity and Grace_, which I found out about from Richard Gabriel ( achievement unlocked: LISP connection ) and which is probably the most hacker-friendly writing book ever written.
Re: Writing Clear, Concise, Sentences
#37If you get the chance, read Orwell's "Politics and the English Language." Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print. Never us a long word where a short one will do. If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out. Never use the passive where you can use the active. Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday…
http://www.economist.com/research/styleGuide/
And when you're ready, here is The Economist's style quiz: http://www.economist.com/diversions/quiz.cfm?quizname=styleq...
Re: Writing Clear, Concise, Sentences
#38I'm positive the second comma shouldn't be there. (I wouldn't normally comment on commas, but it seems on-topic...)
Re: Writing Clear, Concise, Sentences
#39One of the most cited books for better writing: Elements of Style: http://www.bartleby.com/141/ . It's available for free. There are many "manuals of style" available as well like: http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/home.html .
Re: Writing Clear, Concise, Sentences
#40I'm positive the second comma shouldn't be there. (I wouldn't normally comment on commas, but it seems on-topic...)
Unless the intent was: Writing clear sentences. and then 'concise' was added. As if to mean: Writing clear (concise) sentences.