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1 results

  • Chapter One - Myth 1 You Can’t Write That

  • Laura Aull, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • Book:
    You Can't Write That
    Published online:
    09 November 2023
    Print publication:
    23 November 2023, pp 12-28
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  • Summary

    The myth that only one kind of writing is correct is the foundation for all the myths that follow. It starts with early spelling standardization and continues with early usage guides. Its consequences include making enemies of formal and informal writing, and making people think correct writing means one thing – and means a capable and good person. Closer to the truth? Terrible writers can be good people, good writers can be terrible people, and all shared writing includes some fundamental similarities, and some differences. Formal writing fancies nouns more than verbs, for instance, and it likes informational subjects. Informal writing has more equal affection for nouns, verbs, pronouns, and adverbs, and it favors interpersonal subjects.