A Courtesy to the Reader

The Associated Press describes the use of punctuation as "a courtesy to the reader." Cormac McCarthy is one of the best writers I've ever read, but it's disappointing to me that he refuses to use quotation marks. In his work I figure out when someone is speaking and who's speaking, but sometimes it takes a minute, which is annoying.

Punctuation isn't the only courtesy you can do for readers. There is room for all kinds of styles in various forms of writing. But, in general, as a reader, I appreciate these favors from authors:

• Generous use of simple, declarative sentences
• Strong, active verbs
• Brevity
• Use of familiar words
• No use of jargon
• Vivid description
• Explanation using analogy

Follow these and your readers will always understand your message

Now, get out there and save some syllables. They're depending on you.

Save the Syllables Word of the Day
This word saves a lot of syllables and letters. Plus, using it will rid the world of all pretension. Well, OK a little.
Use vs. utilize (savings of two syllables and four letters)
But wait, it can do more.
Use vs. utilization (savings of four syllables and eight letters)



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