Reconsidering Some Prescriptive Rules of Grammar and Composition
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/stc/tc/2004/00000051/00000002/art00007
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Connatser, Bradford R.
Technical Communication Online
2004

Abstract:

Technical writers and editors are beset with rules. As authoritative as they are, published style guides such as The Chicago manual of style, MLA, APA, and Gregg do not address reading theory but hang their prescriptions on the flimsy mantle of tradition. This article challenges some putative rules of grammar and mechanics in an effort to improve technical texts for the people who read them.