Plain english by Carl

I have a problem writing plain english. I guess it's my own fault. I love to read the dictionary. If there's a concept or a thing worth knowing, there's going to be a word for it (that's my theory.)

But! My intended reader isn't going to be too impressed having to reach for a dictionary every other sentence when they encounter the word pogrebin (this pogrebin, he had a pollskepped head) or ooidal (this other guy, he had an ooidal-shaped head). Buy I find words like this alluring. They're enigmatic, sparkly eyed, veiled, enticing. The seem to add a certain frisson to a sentence, a frou frou...

Well, maybe they don't make for good reading by anybody but the writer (i.e. me.) Anybody else have this problem?! Umm...

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Comments

rowland

06 September 2008

Hi Carl,   

Sounds to me that you're just a plain old sentimental  Sesquipedalian.

Regards Rowland

Snow Cone

07 September 2008

my mom loves looking at a dictionary for new words she loves a challenge but maybe you should go back to the basics

CommittedVision

08 September 2008

I'm a thesaurus junky. Matter of fact, that would be a good upgrade. :D

CommittedVision

09 September 2008

Look how great MYNOVEL is.  I can link to http://www.merriam-webster.com and get my THESAAAURUSSSS.

Jayeflo

05 October 2008

It would be nice if you could put a Dictionary and a Thesaurus on you webite Carl

We  could use them when we are writing stories etc.

Maybe I am asking too much.  Take no notice

Cheers Jayeflo

audreyhepburn

01 December 2009

Hi!
I think Jayeflo has a good idea, putting a dictionary and thesaurus on the site. Or maybe links to a reliable online dictionary and thesaurus. 
Here's a new word for you: floccinauccinhilipilification (the habit of estimating as worthless) .

I love using fancy words too! Check out "The Rutterkin"!

m n m n I

15 January 2010

I like to streamline my writing 
I wrote technical stuff in my profession
and simplified legalese
I like to get as close to plain English as much as I can
without losing the power in the words
or to the expense of not using the appropriate word
Fancy high- falutin' words don't say nothin' to me
I think what's important  is the relationship of words
I use the dictionary of synonyms and not the thesaurus
because I want to use the right word
I try not to use adjectives or adverbs as much as possible
I can't paint a picture with them
I write to move you, to make you think, to make you wonder and ponder . . . .

Shakespril

16 March 2010

OBFUSCATION!

that is the term...if I am not mistaken...writers tend to obscure the meaning of the words to impress than to express...

Just have to write from the heart...


^_^

Kudos

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Writer Carl	Total posts: 471
Roles: Editor , Moderator , Judge , Writer

North Wales, UNITED KINGDOM

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