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Q&A How to simplify a sentence so that a younger audience can understand it?

What sticks out to me about this sentence is not that the descriptor "apparatus" for a pocket square is too difficult, but that it is simply wrong. An apparatus implies a complex assemblage of par...

posted 7y ago by Chris Sunami‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

Answer
#3: Attribution notice added by user avatar System‭ · 2019-12-08T07:44:20Z (almost 5 years ago)
Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/32676
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
#2: Initial revision by user avatar Chris Sunami‭ · 2019-12-08T07:44:20Z (almost 5 years ago)
What sticks out to me about this sentence is not that the descriptor "apparatus" for a pocket square is too difficult, but that it is _simply wrong_. An apparatus implies a complex assemblage of parts, whereas a pocket square couldn't be simpler.

This suggests to me that the underlying problem may be that you are trying too hard to affect a sophisticated tone in your writing. I can attest, from personal experience, that nothing falls flatter than making a mistake when you're trying to show off your vocabulary. Concentrate instead on saying what you mean directly, and everything else should take care of itself. For any words you use that you think your audience might not be familiar with, just explain them right there in place (that's [what Shakespeare did](https://www.enotes.com/shakespeare-quotes/multitudinous-seas-incarnadine)). I use this technique often, since I also enjoy using unusual or original words, and it not only helps the reader, it also serves as a check to make sure I really do know what the word means before using it.

> A pocket square (a fancy, decorative handkerchief used mainly for show, and displayed in your pocket) is a standout part of a stylish man's outfit. Make sure you choose the right pocket square for the right event.

#1: Imported from external source by user avatar System‭ · 2018-01-19T17:48:50Z (almost 7 years ago)
Original score: 0