Writers - Are you a descriptivist or prescriptivist?

1. 71

   seanorjohnposted 13 years ago

   Prescriptivists  abide by grammatical rules etc
   
   Descriptivists go by how people are talking and communicating.
   
   
   
   I warn you, this is a hot topic at Uni. But, don't be shy, have your say.
   
   Also, feel free to criticise this "post".
   
   I tried my best with punctuation but I am like Mark Twain     who said to his publishers " disperse these at your pleasure" ,,,,::;;;,,'',! ? , : , " , , , ;

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   1. 75

      Quilligrapherposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      
      To me, your question is like asking a carpenter: “Are you a hammer or a saw?”   I think a good writer is neither one but must work to master both styles.  I see them as tools a writer applies to a particular project based in part on the topic, the audience, the venue, and the voice assigned to the narrator.  Would you use the same tone and techniques writing a speech as you would for writing a novel or a poem? I think not.  Would you force dialog between characters to adhere to strict rules of grammar? I think not. 
      I’ve never read that Mark Twain quote before and I am curious to know the context from which it was lifted.  Twain achieved huge literary notoriety and, as a result, he had extraordinary leverage over his publisher.   But the same words from a writer with less success, smack of laziness and a major disregard for the nuances of our language. 
      Naturally, seanorjohn, my opinions are offered free of charge and are definitely worth at least twice as much.

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2. 87

   RedElfposted 13 years ago

   Love the rolling "Q-ball"...so far there's not a lot of controversy here, and I mostly agree with what Quill had to say
   
   Wish I had Mark Twain's clout with my editor

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3. 78

   H.C Porterposted 13 years ago

   I agree with Quilligrapher, that as a writer you should always be striving to improve on both ends of the spectrum. As far as I am concerned with my writing strengths and abilities, it is dependent on what I am writing, for whom I am writing it for and the purpose of the writing.
   On Hub Pages I write for pleasure, so my style is less formal and I tend to let the words flow and pay little attention to grammar and punctuations (which I hope the mistakes are not too detrimental). On the other hand I also write for a Website Design and Development Company, creating anything from website content and blogs to contracts and proposals. To keep my position with the company I am more critical of my writing, especially when it comes to proper punctuation and grammar and have been given notice for the accuracy and attention to detail portrayed in my work.

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4. 66

   2uesdayposted 13 years ago

   Fortunately descriptive writing comes naturally because the rules of grammar and spelling I constantly have to strive for.
   
   For me the descriptive is the fun part the  prescriptive is the work part.
   
   When I write poetry or short stories I try to follow the concept of 'get it down' (as it use to be written on paper) then 'get it right'.
   
   Now i have to worry someone will spot an error in this post.

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5. 60

   heart4thewordposted 13 years ago

   Interesting question?  I think maybe a little of both is good!

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