Bitten. See
bite.Black English. African-Americans sometimes speak
and write in one or more dialectsthat are lumped together under the term black English Like any dialect, black
English is acceptable only in nonstandard statements. But also like any dialect, black
English
is not clearly distinct from standard English, nor is it always clear under what circumstances dialect or standard English should be used. As with all
grammar and usage
rules, apply those of standard English whenever you have any doubt that the standards of dialect might betaken as defective or deficient.
Bland writing. Although weak or bland writing is
not strictly a grammatical orusage problem, it does violate one of the key principles of this book serving the
audience for your statements with
clarity, brevity, and
efficiency. Bland writing is often clear, concise, and economical in its presentation of ideas or information. But it also lulls readers or listeners into inattention, so that they sometimes lose track of what you are trying to convey. Thus clarity can be obscured, brevity
can be lost to repetition, and efficiency vanishes.
There are no simple
rules for avoiding bland writing, and the purpose of this book does not provide fora long
exploration of the symptoms, causes, and cures for dull writing. But keep in mind that overuse of
“be” and other vague
linking verbs,repetition of the same constructions
or patterns of writing, and heavy reliance on either very simple or very complex sentences can produce bland writing. Consult guides for writers,
style manuals, and similar sources for more help in enlivening your writing and remember that you have a duty to keep your audience interested as well to meet their need for correct, clear, brief, and effective communication.
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