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Subject:RE: US vs. UK pronoun/voice usage? From:Maaike Groenewege <mgr -at- mediasys -dot- nl> To:"'TECHWR-L'" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Tue, 9 Nov 1999 11:20:36 +0100
Hi Janet
I took a degree in English language and linguistics in the Netherlands, so I
don't know whether you should trust my gut feeling :o) I think that passives
in UK English are more frequently used than in US English, but mostly in an
academic context, to ensure a maximum of objectivity and avoid any
"intrusion of the self". This often leads to very stilted and formal
language usage, which I personally don't find appropriate for a manual. So
just stick with your instincts and choose the clear and understandable way.
Maaike Groenewege
Technical Writer
Mediasystemen, a Triple P company
Bloemendaal
The Netherlands