Technical writers are speeding language change by dropping possessive forms of nouns before gerunds, subjunctive forms of verbs after “if,” full words to make acronyms, and subjects (and thereby dangle modifiers). Until a generation ago, English teachers and editors admonished students and writers to uphold the traditions of formal style. Remember these traditions: Use noun and verb forms for fullest immediate understanding. Spell out acronyms the first time that you use them, and modify stated subjects. What you lose in time, you gain in meaning.
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References
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Dare to Dream: Write Your Own Style Guide, Proceedings, 23rd International Technical Communication Conference, Washington, D.C., 1976.
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Editor? Teacher!, Proceedings, 22nd International Technical Communication Conference, Anaheim, California, 1975.
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Speak With Sense, Not Sexism, The Toast master, February 1977. What's DARE Doing?, Maryland English Journal, Fall 1969.
