3 ms·
I think we are confusing two concepts: clear prose and ordinary words. It's right in the first sentence: > I try to write using ordinary words and simple sente
by qsort 4y ago
I think we are confusing two concepts: clear prose and ordinary words. It's right in the first sentence:
> I try to write using ordinary words and simple sentences.
They don't go hand in hand. Quite the contrary, I'm arguing they are in conflict.
Drawing from a larger vocabulary allows greater precision, results in shorter sentences and enables the writer to express complex ideas concisely.
Ironically, artificially restricting what words one can use puts a far greater cognitive burden on the reader. It's superfluous to quote the relevant xkcd.
There's no cure for unclear prose: it's the necessary consequence of unclear thoughts.
- t8sr 4y ago> They don't go hand in hand. Quite the contrary, I'm arguing they are in conflict. "Those two things are at odds with each other." > Drawing from a larger vocabulary allows greater precision, results in shorter sentences and enables the writer to express complex ideas concisely. "Using more precise words enables simpler sentences, even for complex ideas." > Ironically, artificially restricting what words one can use puts a far greater cognitive burden on the reader. It's superfluous to quote the relevant xkcd. "Limiting yourself to only simple words makes it harder to read." > There's no cure for unclear prose: it's the necessary consequence of unclear thoughts. "????" I think what you're saying would be a lot more convincing if you had, in fact, been able to express it more clearly.