Here is a version of the story in a typically written syntax:
When I walked into the room, I was not sure whether I recognised the fat, dirty, unshaven and shabbily dressed man who was stirring from his sleep on the big leather chair.
The most obvious change is that this version is much shorter. Indeed it is only 32 words instead of 72. Similarly, in place of eight sentences there is now only one, more complex, sentence with subordinate and relative clauses. This new version is not particularly appropriate for telling a story. The original spoken style is probably more effective. It would, however, be appropriate for an academic essay.
What about this course?
Would you say this course has the stylistic characteristics of the written or the spoken?
Look back at what you have read so far.
When you have decided click here.
Course Contents / Academic Editing Service
© 2002 Martin Paterson