How to use emotive language
Emotive language goes beyond simply stating facts. It taps into our emotional reserves. Specific words and techniques trigger joy, sadness, anger, and fear.
16 April 2024 by
Dave Child
The fall of the semicolon: punctuation evolving
The semicolon – an enigmatic punctuation mark. It has long been a source of controversy. Researchers report a 25% decline in its use in British fiction over the past 30 years.
14 March 2024 by Dave Child
Cambridge Dictionary’s Word of the Year reflects AI’s increasing influence
This year’s ‘Word of the Year’ is reflective of the times. What is it, and what does it say about our language landscape? You’re not hallucinating… The word ‘hallucinate’ is the Cambridge Word of the Year for 2023. This highlights the growing impact of AI on language and society. At first, it may seem strange […]
14 December 2023 by Dave Child
The changing sounds of Britain: the decline of RP
For most of the 20th century, Received Pronunciation (RP), also known as "BBC English" or "the Queen's English", was the most prestigious accent in Britain. This non-regional accent originated in the upper-middle class of southern England. It was seen as the epitome of refined speech and social standing. Its adoption by the BBC further cemented its standardisation. Why is this no longer the case?
29 November 2023 by Dave Child
What copywriters can learn from David Ogilvy
David Ogilvy was a pioneer in marketing and advertising, and his advice is still relevant today.
13 November 2023 by Dave Child
Half of the English language is of French origin
The English language is a fascinating mix of words and phrases from all over the world. While it is primarily a Germanic language, it has been heavily influenced by other languages. Including French. In fact, it is estimated that up to 60% of the English vocabulary is of French origin. This is due to the […]
26 October 2023 by Dave Child
Readable Grammar 101: What is the simple subject in grammar?
The simple subject of a sentence is the person, place, thing, or idea that the sentence is about.
11 October 2023 by Dave Child
Readability for all: the Adobe Readability Consortium
The Readability Consortium is a global initiative. Their goal is to make digital reading more equitable and accessible for all people. We look at what this means for readability.
29 September 2023 by Dave Child
How journaling can improve your writing skills
Journaling is a great way to express your thoughts and feelings, track your progress, and de-stress. But did you know that journaling can also improve your writing skills? Here are some ways that journaling can help you become a better writer. Practice makes perfect The saying “practice makes perfect” is true for many things, including […]
14 September 2023 by Dave Child
Plain language without borders: the ISO standard is Language Neutral
For the first time, we have an internationally agreed-upon Plain Language standard. It defines plain language and provides guidance on good readability.
31 August 2023 by Dave Child
The ISO has published its Plain Language Standard
What is ISO? ISO is the International Organization for Standardization. It is a worldwide federation that develops international standards with input from standards bodies worldwide. ISO is best known for technology, safety and management standards. However, it has turned its focus towards plain language. With the overall objective to: “help authors develop documents that communicate […]
22 August 2023 by Dave Child
Unravelling the science of reading comprehension
Have you ever wondered what goes on in our minds as we read? Let’s explore the fascinating science behind reading comprehension. We'll delve into its mechanisms and the role of readability.
31 July 2023 by Dave Child
