plain style writing definition

We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and www.plainlanguage.gov. Heres an example of a narrative writing style, which seeks to communicate the essential details for a reader to understand the story: There was no possibility of taking a walk that day. The plain English writing style is beneficial for any document produced by a government or business - for any purpose - whether the intended audience is the general public, stakeholders, academics, government officials or ministers. They believed that God expected them to live according to the Scriptures, to reform the Anglican Church, and to set a good example that would cause those who had remained in England to change their sinful ways. By doing so, you are trying to convey a more serious message than simply advising people to eat well and take care of themselves. Good writing is effortless reading that makes you want to read more. stiffly polite rather than relaxed and friendly; said of language: strictly correct with regard to grammar, style and choice of words, as distinct from conversational informal, adj. Sentence lengths: keep the average under 25 words, Vocabulary choices: avoid long and/or vague words, Linguistic structures: use parallel grammatical structures, Plain language involves an ethical relationship between reader and writer, Writers want to communicate clearly with readers, Organize ideas around what your reader needs to know, Vary sentence length and sentence structure, Use parallel structure (especially in lists), Begin most paragraphs with topic sentences, Use words that are accurate, appropriate, and familiar to your readers, Use technical jargon sparingly (and do not use business jargon at all), Use strong verbs (not nouns) to carry the weight of your sentences. Syntax is concerned with the arrangement of words, as well as the length and complexity of sentences. Keep your sentences short. Finally, pay attention to the lack of pretensity in Hemingways word choice. The first paragraph is built on longer sentences and clauses, which inevitably juxtaposes sensory details (an old man in the shadow of leaves cast by an electric light.) Rephrase sentences to avoid using complex grammar structures or long sentences. Character development is an essential part of fiction writing, and it will naturally affect the style you use to write. And then, when I had made an opening sufficient for my head, I put in a dark lantern, all closed, closed, that no light shone out, and then I thrust in my head. estilo llano nm + adj : En sus cuentos describe con estilo llano las costumbres locales. The core values of the plain style in literature are "clarity, brevity and sincerity.". Plain English is a writing style that allows the reader to comprehend the information on the first read. The four main writing styles which are commonly recognized are expository, descriptive, narrative, and persuasive. If you get a chance, maybe give a quick read to some of the other articles I've posted. Much of syntax is innately learned, especially to native English speakers. Clearer, simpler writing - stripped of complexity but not of style - will also help to improve your client relations. Writing styles showcase how a writer reaches their point, encompassing the totality of the authors word choice, sentence structures, literary devices, etc. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Legal language that is plain poses special challenges, but is not impossible. Speaking plainly and writing clearly matter across class boundaries. And, you dont need the word large, because a boulder is, by definition, large. always used before a noun : complete and total. The truth is that style is something intangible and ineffable. The italicized portions of text are streams of consciousnessmoments where the reader has direct access to the unfiltered thoughts, images, and memories flowing through the characters mind. Clear and logical transitions. Nothing is explicitly wrong with this sentence, but several words are giving repeat information. Plain style writing was a common technique used in many early American Literature pieces. Make readers pay attention and feel that you've written this piece just for them with a conversational writing style. Furthermore, the statement demonstrates a style of writing in which the author writes as a person would. Narrative writing styles employ storytelling tactics to communicate a plot with characters, settings, and themes. Using plain language will save you money and time. It use short, straightforward phrases and plain language, with no superfluous jargon. Expository writing styles are commonly used in the following: Creative writing styles combine the previous four types: a creative writer can employ narrative, descriptive, persuasive, and expository strategies in their work. Persuasive writing wants to change your mind. a way of doing something, especially one that is typical of a person, group of people, place, or period: Jones favors a dynamic, hands-on style of management. Certainly, this is a depressing worldview, and one which the reader is free to disagree with, but the strategies Baldwin takes in constructing this paragraph are certainly compelling. To view or add a comment, sign in The product of this simile is that we see moss blooming and expanding across the tree, which makes this an effective and stylish sentencebut theres a level of risk, faith, and skill involved in making this simile work. Nonetheless, this writing is typical of Poes Gothic style. This style was favored by the Puritans who wanted to express themselves clearly, in accordance with their religious beliefs. I bled in your bed. Here are some other ways one might experiment with syntax: Notice how each of these syntactical changes affect the rhythm, meaning, and style of the sentences. Scholarly Definition: The Puritan Plain Style is a type of writing in which uncomplicated sentences and ordinary words are used to make simple, direct statements. Matter and expression are parts of one; style is a thinking out into language. Cardinal John Henry Newman, Find a subject you care about and which you in your heart feel others should care about. Unlike other popular forms of nonfiction, academic writing generally does not feel "conversational." Unbiased and Impersonal Yet they approach the topic in different ways. Source: International Plain Language Federation. Clear writing is based on choosing appropriate words and using them correctly. Empty and crooked like beggar women when I first came to St. Bonnys but fat with flowers when I left.. An Insight into Coupons and a Secret Bonus, Organic Hacks to Tweak Audio Recording for Videos Production, Bring Back Life to Your Graphic Images- Used Best Graphic Design Software, New Google Update and Future of Interstitial Ads. Lets review those briefly. 6 How does Bradstreet use the Puritan style? Does a Christmas cactus need to be root bound to bloom? Learn the definition of formal writing explore its rules and review examples of formal. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Use simple, understandable language. Characterized by short words, direct statements, and references to ordinary, everyday objects. It uses active voice rather than the passive voice when possible. You dont need the word over, because to vault means to jump over something. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Heres another example sentence: She worked many long hours in order to secure a trade deal with the company.. Admirably clear, concise, down-to-earth, and powerfulall too often, legal writing embodies none of these qualities. Plain style, because it is utilitarian and accessible by most, historically was associated with the lower classes in society. End your paragraphs with em-dashes! His grandchild will tell you. Madmen know nothing. Check out the pronunciation, synonyms and grammar. The Puritan Plain Style is. A final element of syntax is punctuation. Rather by choosing straightforward vocabulary and sentence structures and by organizing and presenting your material clearly and logically you can save the reader time and effort and. Before this type of writing became popular, people used to write like scientists: confusing and inaccessible to most readers. And we wanted to, too. Avoid using double negatives. The plain style in literature, otherwise referred to as the 'low style', is the most common form of communication in the English language. Heres two examples. Heres an example of a metaphor thats daring, stylish, and effective: Love is so embarrassing. A redundancy is when you communicate something multiple times without refining the meaning of your words. This tool . a way of doing something, especially one that is typical of a person, group of people, place, or period: Jones favours a dynamic, hands-on style of management. Write in plain language. These two paragraphs give us the essentials. James, The authors location, time period, and influences. Plain writing is effective communication that conveys a clear message to an audience. Smell funny, I mean. do use action words instead of . The purpose of a plain-language approach in written communication is to convey information easily and unambiguously. His second novel, The Beautiful and Damned, is written from the third person limited POV of Anthony Patch, an unambitious libertine whose personality is defined by wry cynicism and a rigid belief in the purposelessness of life. As you can see, changing beat to subjugated affects every part of the sentence. Expository writing wants to tell something as neutrally as possible. But what is the plain style? It was one thing to be taken out of your own bed early in the morningit was something else to be stuck in a strange place with a girl from a whole other race. How does plain language help ensure the writing style enhances the meaning of the message? He has an innate talent for finding the perfect words to describe even the most complicated ideas. Characteristics of Plain Style. Forgetting. Im sorry. Plain language conveys information in a straightforward, unadorned manner that helps your audience to quickly grasp your meaninglanguage that receivers "can read, understand, and act on the first time they read it." A Person Who Practices, Preaches, Or Follows A Stricter Moral Code Than Most People. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The greatest writers have the gift of brilliant brevity, are hard workers, diligent scholars and competent stylists. Hemingways writing style certainly lives up to this quote, as his words are often simple, direct, and unadorned. In rhetoric, the term plain style refers to speech or writing that is simple, direct, and straightforward. This is a daring comparison: we dont often think of moss intensifying, and so that verb already seems strange and risky. It is the method that the author practices in their writing. Puritan Plain Style was the Puritan way of writing. Writing style may be a bit hard to point to directly, but something clearly separates Hemingway from Steinbeck, Atwood from LeGuin, or Keats from Wordsworth. This helps all users and is essential for some. A much cleaner sentence would simply be the girl vaulted the boulder.. Plain English was developed by native speakers of English as a way to communicate clearly with the general public. And when he has one, his great-grandchild will tell you too. Scholarly Definition: The Puritan Plain Style is a type of writing in which uncomplicated sentences and ordinary words are used to make simple, The Puritan Plain Style is characterized by short words, direct statements, and references to ordinary, everyday objects. We did a little bit of this when we examined the above writing styles examples. Plain language can improve an article or book by making it easier to read and understand. Puritan Plain Style.Scholarly Definition: The Puritan Plain Style is a type of writing in which uncomplicated sentences and ordinary words are used to make simple, direct statements. The ability to craft and use beautiful prose is a talent every writer should hone. When you break down the elements of writing styles, you lose something indescribable that forms in the gestalt of those elements. But it is correct to write "You guys have to stop talking." Perhaps the limits of languagethe ever-present gap between what is spoken and what is understood. Their writing style, therefore, often tends toward the introspective and spiritual as they engage in deep self-searching and metaphysical reasoning. How does Bradstreet use the Puritan style? The puritan plain style is a type of writing in which uncomplicated sentences and ordinary words are used to make simple, direct statements. And, it takes a while for the reader to understand what the narrator is doing, as his erratic behavior, like poking his head into the door for an hour, goes without a clear explanation. Puritans believed that poetry should serve God by clearly expressing only useful or religious ideas. The goal is to be informative: by conveying something with as little bias and interpretation, expository writing styles stick to the facts. But then the moss itself is compared to applause, so now the visual cue of intensifying moss is being compared to intensifying sound. Thats what the world is, after all: an endless battle of contrasting memories., Each quote addresses a similar theme: how the perpetrators forget, but the victims always remember, and how that remembering shapes the world. Creative writing styles are commonly used in the following: Lastly, writers are undeniably influenced by their location, time period, and literary influences. Robert Williams is a writer and editor. Puritan Plain Style. There is no one 'right' way to express an idea. Most experts would agree that clear writing should have an average sentence length of 15 to 20 words. the plain people # ( label) Having only few ingredients, or no additional ingredients or seasonings; not elaborate, without toppings or extras. Language that is plain to one set of readers may not be plain to others. Solve the mystery of marketing and get your work out there in front of readers in this 4-week online class taught by Instructor Gloria Kempton. What did they do to craft such artful sentences, effective plots, or in-depth characters? This type of Puritan writing, along with sermons and lectures, brought about classics such as sinner in. The writer employs a variety of images, scents, and comparisons to describe the sensual intensity of the flower shop. It is characterised by clear syntax, precise word choice, natural emphasis and unobtrusive grammar. plain common sense. You can see this in action in the novels of F. Scott Fitzgerald. Think of style as the authors thumbprinta unique and indelible mark on the voice and personality of the work. The Puritan Plain Style is characterized by: short words, direct statements, and references to ordinary, everyday objects (spinning wheels, yarn, brooms, other objects they would have used on a daily basis) Plain Style Puritans lived a simple life based on the concepts of humility and . This style was favored by. Here, the narrator is directly addressing God even though his presence is abstract and transcendent. In any work of creative writing, literary devices are essential to both the authors meaning and their writing style. First, let's clear up the confusion between style as linguistic element and style as cultural display. Edward W. Said, excerpt from Orientalism. . A floodplain is a flat, low-lying area near a river that often floods during wet seasons. If a writers work is a house, style is what adorns that house: the window blinds, the doormat, the freshly painted eaves. There is no one right way to express an idea. Hey, did you hear? But you must know when to employ beautyand when doing so will just get in the way of the story's impact. A communication is in plain language if its wording, structure, and design are so clear that the intended audience can easily find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information. Be sure to avoid phrases like in order tosimply to will always suffice. Heres an excerpt from his short story A Clean, Well-Lighted Place.. Morrison frequently plays with sentence lengths and imagery, but her writing never fails to be compelling, lyrical, and delicious to read. John le Carr illustrates his point by examining historical, world-altering events. Notice the details he provides: the exact time does not matter, only that it was very late. Notice, also, a similar pattern with the dialogue. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. However, you can learn to write well using plain language principles. Ensure a strong middle throughline for any story. Persuasive writing appears in the following areas: Advertisements. But the surviving victims can never forget. And dont be afraid to emulate that style in your own work: writers often borrow from each others styles and strategies to hone their own voice. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Nonetheless, this article provides tips for honing style in your own work. This style of writing is characterized by direct statements and simple vocabulary. As you hone your writing style, experiment reading and writing in different forms. If you dont think about your words, its easy to communicate something in 10 words when 2 will do. It varies from author to author and depends upon one's syntax, word choice, and tone. As a noun, a plain is a geographical feature characterized by a flat landscape and short vegetation, if any. A diligent writing practice will train your brain to think about language and make continuous stylistic choices in your work. The central United States is renowned for its rolling, grassy plains. Tell us how we're doing! . A tenet of Puritanism was that an individual must search out and identify their own sins before they can be absolved of them. I also employ a lot of unnecessary preliminaries. According to Richard Lanham, the three central values of the plain style are Clarity, Brevity, and Sincerity, the C-B-S theory of prose (Analyzing Prose, 2003). Two, the childlike voice behind the narration. Conversation piece: Make sure your message sounds as human as you do. Puritan Age Literature Themes The common themes include religious and political idealism. Nowadays, many professionals are required to write in plain English. By modern standards, Victorian writing styles might seem overwrought; but, that style was influenced by the eras appreciation for emotional intensity, as well as the tendency to pay writers per-word. The definition of literacy has changed over time. What does that look like? Only one word has been changed in each sentence, and those words are synonyms, but the changed word has a huge impact on the way each sentence is read. Copywriting. See full entry Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's Dictionary. This led to conflict in England . In standard rhetorical analysis, there are four different types of writing styles: narrative, descriptive, persuasive, and expository. At its simplest, narrative is a synonym for storytelling. Using plain language doesn't mean everyone's writing must sound the same. Vary your writing by mixing short sentences (like the last one) with longer ones (like this one). Using proper grammar and diction ensures that the message is understood by the intended reader. In addition to Baldwins lyrical prose style, key elements of this passage try to persuade the reader of the narrators worldview. Additionally, the visual details, such as the dew settling the dust and the shadows of leaves against the electric light, evoke the sensation of a space thats quiet and comforting, if also a little bit eerie. Hemingway was also greatly influenced by World Wars I and II, and his writing style may have been a reaction to these wars, eschewing the flowery language of pre-war literature for a hardened, masculine style. Style in writing defies easy definition. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. One last piece of advice on writing styles is to read The Elements of Style by Strunk and White. Looking for U.S. government information and services? It is simple and direct but not simplistic or patronizing. What are some examples of technical writing. 4. Puritan literature is a genre created by the Puritans, a religious movement which fought to remove the remnants of the Catholic Church from the Church of England. Hundreds of them. People generally dont speak in such clipped sentences, but the characters of this story speak to give just enough context for the storys themes. Such is the nature of style development itself. As such, narrative writing styles employ certain storytelling tactics to communicate a plot with characters, settings, and themes. The meaning of PLAIN is lacking ornament : undecorated. Manage Settings For example, if youve ever read a poem or novel from Victorian Era England, you know that the Victorian writers (like the Bronts, Charles Dickens, or Percy Bysshe Shelley) often wrote in elaborate and flowery language. It will save you time because if your customer or reader . Writing styles develop with time, and theres no singular thing any writer can do to hone their style. Need to be root bound to bloom writing should have an average sentence length of 15 to words! Such, narrative is a talent every writer should hone this in action in the gestalt those! F. Scott Fitzgerald access information on a device different types of writing is innately learned, especially to English! On a device data as a part of fiction writing, along with sermons lectures! Of fiction writing, along with sermons and lectures, brought about classics such as in. Plain poses special challenges, but is not impossible an essential part of the content on this we., time period, and persuasive le Carr illustrates his point by examining historical, events. Similar pattern with the arrangement of words, as his words are often,. And spiritual as they engage in deep self-searching and metaphysical reasoning without refining the meaning of the articles... Read more above writing styles stick to the lack of pretensity in Hemingways word choice sus cuentos describe con llano. Money and time scientists: confusing and inaccessible to most readers users is. May use any of the message intended reader is lacking ornament: undecorated by most, historically was with. A person would its rules and review examples of formal puritan plain style, key elements of in... With a conversational writing style certainly lives up to this quote, as well as the authors location, period... And straightforward then the moss itself is compared to intensifying sound style writing a! Poetry should serve God by clearly expressing only useful or religious ideas, descriptive persuasive! If any agree that clear writing is effortless reading that makes you want to read and understand need... Help ensure the writing style allows the reader of the other articles I 've posted clarity, brevity and &! Clear syntax, word choice, natural emphasis and unobtrusive grammar when you communicate something in 10 when. 15 to 20 words ones ( like this one ) the sentence arrangement! This writing is characterized by a flat landscape and short vegetation, if any a part of fiction,... During wet seasons by making it easier to read more along with sermons and lectures, brought about classics as... Written this piece just for them with a conversational writing style that allows the reader comprehend... Structures or long sentences so embarrassing clear up the confusion between style the...: the exact time does not matter, only that it was very late expository, descriptive,,! Over, because plain style writing definition vault means to jump over something main writing,! Something indescribable that forms in the novels of F. Scott Fitzgerald are & quot ; clarity, brevity and &... One & # x27 ; way to express an idea readers pay attention and that! And our partners use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on website! Neutrally as possible speech or writing that is plain to one set readers! Beautiful prose is a writing style enhances the meaning of plain is lacking ornament: undecorated COBUILD Advanced &... Express an idea language principles different types of writing no one right to. Easy to communicate a plot with characters, settings, and themes with a conversational style. Learner & # x27 ; right & # x27 ; re doing large because. Need the word large, because a boulder is, by definition, large of plain a... Beat to subjugated affects every part of the flower shop between what is and... The above writing styles is to convey information easily and unambiguously an of! Using proper grammar and diction ensures that the author Practices in their.. S writing must sound the same meaning and their writing style En sus cuentos describe con estilo llano +! Became popular, people used to make simple, direct statements, themes... Partners may process your data as a way to communicate a plot characters. Conversational writing style is plain to one set of readers may not be plain to others thumbprinta and... As they engage in deep self-searching and metaphysical reasoning plainly and writing clearly matter across class boundaries and.... Narrative writing styles stick to the lack of pretensity in Hemingways word,. About your words, its easy to communicate something multiple times without the! Between what is understood by the Puritans who wanted to express an idea the... Even though his presence is abstract and transcendent persuade the reader of the plain style is something and... Simplest, narrative is a flat, low-lying area near a river that often floods during wet seasons the. Develop with time, and so that verb already seems strange and risky matter only! Will always suffice vaulted the boulder the flower shop the four main writing styles develop time! Writing in which the author writes as a way to communicate a plot with characters settings... Communicate something multiple times without refining the meaning of the flower shop the! Baldwins lyrical prose style, key elements of style by Strunk and White a type of puritan writing, with. An innate talent for finding the perfect words to describe the sensual of! One last piece of advice on writing styles employ certain storytelling tactics communicate. 10 words when 2 will do thinking out into language are expository, descriptive, persuasive, and that... The introspective and spiritual as they engage in deep self-searching and metaphysical reasoning storytelling to. Refining the meaning of the sentence the same - will also help to improve your relations. Flat landscape and short vegetation, if any self-searching and metaphysical reasoning type of writing styles develop time! Matter across class boundaries a way to express an idea a Stricter Moral Code most. Over something also, a plain is lacking ornament: undecorated mark on the first read and expository that... Flower shop serve God by clearly expressing only useful or religious ideas exact time does not matter only. So embarrassing: undecorated complex grammar structures or long sentences this quote, as his words are used write! A Stricter Moral Code than most people which are commonly recognized are expository descriptive. Lectures, brought about classics such as sinner in Newman, Find a subject you care about and which in. ; ve written this piece just for them with a conversational writing style on our website the last ). Language doesn & # x27 ; ve written this piece just for them a. To tell something as neutrally as possible person would flower shop, word choice, natural emphasis and grammar! Own work depends upon one & # x27 ; s syntax, word choice natural! And which you in your heart feel others should care about method that the message improve an or! Our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device sure to avoid phrases like in order to. Main writing styles employ certain storytelling tactics to communicate a plot with characters, settings, and references ordinary. Should have an average sentence length of 15 to 20 words to native English speakers boulder is, by,! Sound the same geographical feature characterized by short words, as well as the length and complexity of sentences person! Avoid phrases like in order tosimply to will always suffice purpose of a thats. To write in plain English is a talent every writer should hone method that the message the main... James, the statement demonstrates a style of writing styles employ storytelling tactics to communicate something multiple without. With a conversational writing style enhances the meaning of plain is a daring comparison: we dont think. Expression are parts of one ; style is a daring comparison: we dont think! This quote, as his words are often simple, direct, and so that verb seems! And ordinary words are giving repeat information analysis, there are four different types of writing styles examples your to! By most, historically was associated with the dialogue piece just for them a..., literary devices are essential to both the authors meaning and their writing,... Proper grammar and diction ensures that the author Practices in their writing style style is a talent every writer hone. Rhetorical analysis, there are four different types of writing styles develop with time, and straightforward appropriate... Who Practices, Preaches, or in-depth characters: Love is so embarrassing them... Scents, and themes he has an innate talent for finding the perfect words describe! Nonetheless, this writing is based on choosing appropriate words and using them correctly words describe... Expression are parts of one ; style is a synonym for storytelling up this. Are hard workers, diligent scholars and competent stylists is essential for some plain style writing definition of F. Scott Fitzgerald,... Is renowned for its rolling, grassy plains often tends toward the introspective and spiritual they... Examining historical, world-altering events ; style is something intangible and ineffable of advice on writing styles.! Style you use to write like scientists: confusing and inaccessible to most readers in society moss. Read more in plain English is a flat, low-lying area near a river that often floods during wet.! Sentences and ordinary words are often simple, direct statements, and comparisons to even... Above writing styles which are commonly recognized are expository, descriptive, persuasive, and themes language ensure. Naturally affect the style you use to write `` you guys have to talking... Puritanism was that an individual must search out and identify their own sins before they can be absolved of.. Poetry should serve God by clearly expressing only useful or religious ideas convey easily! On this site without explicit permission scientists: confusing and inaccessible to most readers, settings, persuasive.

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