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Before seeing your reply, I did a similar "alternate version" write up. I disagree that the long sentence makes you forget he's trying to contrast something. Th
by spenuke 12y ago
Before seeing your reply, I did a similar "alternate version" write up. I disagree that the long sentence makes you forget he's trying to contrast something. There's a built in hierarchy in the grammar itself that tells you this is all tied together (in a comparison). I find that short, rapidfire sentences makes me lose track of the controlling idea easier.
Edited to add: How many times do you have to repeat that each sentence is continuing the thought: "This is interesting..." "His new book is different..."
... Your example isn't hard to read, either. But it's hard to say that it's more concise and precise.
- netcan 12y agoInteresting. I find long sentences make me lose the nuance unless I devote a lot of attention, like reading a textbook. I don't think it's about the length itself but the point of view or something. It seems like long sentences are a byproduct of a very removed style of writing. I associate it with old fashioned professorial essay writing. Almost like a dictionary. I think a more narrative or opinionated style is easier to follow because you can "see" the writer. He's trying to tell us that the new book has a different perspective than the old one and how that difference emerges. 'The new book is different from the old one, here's why.' He's almost trying to contain the (contrasting) perspective of the previous book and some more information about the author within the definition of the new book. 'The new book contrasts with the last book in its...' The narrator just uses shorter sentences. 'The word philanthropist is usually used to describe ___...' Usually used to describe ___, the word philanthropist..' You can tell which sentence will be more complicated.