In the last post we discussed precision of language in using the words datum and data. In this post we’ll stay on that precision of language train by examining the construction both . . . and.
Using both . . . and introduces a parallel structure into a sentence. That means that this construction is most effective when whatever follows both matches whatever follows and in both grammar and logic. (See how I worked that in there?)
To illustrate, let’s examine the example sentence in the cropped graphic above. At first glance, one might not detect any error with the sentence. But the construction is not parallel. Look at the elements that follow each of the key words in the construction. Both is followed by ensuring clarity. And is followed by conciseness. Both of these elements are noun phrases; however, the first contains a gerund (which is a verb form being used as a noun) and the second does not (it is simply a noun).
Technical writers can make this example sentence more effective by matching the elements after each key word in the both . . . and construction. They can either change the first element to match the second or change the second element to match the first.
Using both . . . and introduces a parallel structure into a sentence. That means that this construction is most effective when whatever follows both matches whatever follows and in both grammar and logic. (See how I worked that in there?)
To illustrate, let’s examine the example sentence in the cropped graphic above. At first glance, one might not detect any error with the sentence. But the construction is not parallel. Look at the elements that follow each of the key words in the construction. Both is followed by ensuring clarity. And is followed by conciseness. Both of these elements are noun phrases; however, the first contains a gerund (which is a verb form being used as a noun) and the second does not (it is simply a noun).
Technical writers can make this example sentence more effective by matching the elements after each key word in the both . . . and construction. They can either change the first element to match the second or change the second element to match the first.
Mastering technical writing requires both clarity and conciseness.
Mastering technical writing requires both ensuring clarity and maximizing conciseness.
Mastering technical writing requires both ensuring clarity and maximizing conciseness.
Notice how in each instance the elements after the key words match one another in both grammar and logic. This congruence makes the use of a parallel structure more effective. Greater precision of language makes for more effective technical writing. And that can make more effective presentations that more effectively represent both you and your brands to your audience.
RSS Feed