How Writing Reshaped English Sentence Complexity
2025-01-14
This article explores the impact of writing on the complexity of English sentences. Research shows that spoken languages tend towards simpler sentence structures, while written language favors complex, nested clauses. This difference stems from the inherent properties of writing versus speech: writing allows for deliberate planning and revision, whereas speech is constrained by time and memory. Furthermore, the cultural and knowledge backgrounds of different language communities also influence sentence complexity. The decline of complex sentence structures in modern written English may be linked to changes in reading habits and a demand for more accessible language.