Learning from linguistics: structuring our sentences sensitively. Issue 1 (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carr, Sarah
• Is Part Of: Bereavement care. Volume 35:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 31
• Page End: 35
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: readability -- understandability -- grammar -- syntax -- sentence structure -- Flesch; Bereavement -- Periodicals; Death -- Periodicals; 155.937
• DOI: 10.1080/02682621.2016.1160619
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0268-2621

Abstract

Abstract: It is important not to use language in a way that excludes certain people or groups. 'Readability' (or 'understandability', in the case of spoken language) is a common concept in the plain-language field. It applies to choosing both vocabulary and syntax (sentence structure). Having looked in a previous article at techniques to help bereavement-support workers use understandable words and phrases when communicating with clients, this article examines basic techniques to improve sentence clarity. These include avoiding long sentences and paragraphs; using active-voice verbs; and ensuring good grammar, spelling and punctuation. It also describes how to check the readability of your text using a feature built into Microsoft Word.