Higher level English phrase

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Could you give me  some examples of a higher level English phrase?

For example:  The path of least resistance.  I know there are many in the English language, but please suggest to me a few(5 or 6 Enlish phrases). 

asked Jul 30 '12 at 15:05 sanjay Expert

I get "Share this question with your Facebook friends to get more answers." in the comment column. What is this message?

sanjayJul 30 '12 at 15:43

Ms. Patty has answered my question. No need to answer again. Thanks, once again.

sanjayJul 30 '12 at 15:48

She has answered why this message appears in the comment column. "Share this question with your Facebook friends to get more answers."

sanjayJul 30 '12 at 15:50

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2 answers


1

I'm not quite sure what you are looking for, Sanjay.  As your vocabulary grows, you will discover words and phrases written at a higher level of understanding.  Whether one is learning their native language or a second language, it is just the natural progression of learning.  We go from "I want food" to "Can you direct me to the nearest dining establishment?" 

 

Most publications are written so that they are understood at a certain level, depending on the audience.  When I was little, my favorite book was called "Go, Car, Go."  Of course, all of the words were very simple.  The most complicated sentence was, "Do you like my hat?"  

 

A quick online search tells me that the Times of India writes at a 15th-grade reading level & is considered one of the most difficult newspapers to read.  Newspapers in the US usually aim for a 9th-grade to 12th-grade reading level.  Romance novels usually are at a 5th-grade reading level.  Top-selling US authors such as Michael Crichton and Stephen King reportedly write at a 7th-grade level.   

link answered Jul 30 '12 at 22:07 Patty T Grammarly Fellow

Thanks a lot, ma'am.

sanjayJul 31 '12 at 04:14

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1

Patty's answer caused me to think about how "reading level" is determined.

 

There are about 6-8 different formulas for determining English reading level. Each algorihm uses a statistical analysis of a writing sample, and provides a "grade" based upon the US educational system. All of the algorithms evaluate average sentence length (longer is more difficult to read) and average word complexity (either measured by characters or syllables -- longer is more difficult). Some also analyze sentence complexity -- the ratios of simple sentences, complex sentences, compound sentences, and complex-compound sentences. One system utilizes a dictionary of "difficult" words and phrasess.

 

There are several things you should know about "higher level" writing. Research suggests that college students comprehend more and retain more when textbooks and papers are written at a 11th-12th grade reading level. Although they can understand texts written at a higher level, the added complexity is "tiring".

 

There are two competing and contradictory goals in play when students are taught to write. On the one hand, writing education is used as a tool to teach research, organizational thinking, argument,  and critical thinking. Toward that end, longer paragraphs, longer and more complex sentences, and a large vocabulary are encouraged. When forced/enouraged to write in this manner, the student has no choice but to engage the critical thinking skills encouraged by the teacher.

 

However, effective communication is also a goal of higher learning. At times, the longer paragraphs, the longer and more complex sentences, and more complex vocabulary make the communication less effective. Many well-educated writers never learn that just because they can write in the style encouraged by their high school and college composition teachers, they do not have to. Clarity should be the goal of every writer. (You see that in many of my answers on this forum.)

link answered Jul 31 '12 at 05:15 Jeff Pribyl Grammarly Fellow

Very well-explained. Thanks a lot, Sir. By the way, how is your health? I am up-voting you for your clear -cut answer.

sanjayJul 31 '12 at 07:22

My vision is still impaired from the surgery, and I can spend only a limited time up and about. The doctors say the surgery went well and this is normal for recovery.

Jeff PribylJul 31 '12 at 14:16

Ok, Sir. Take care of your health.

sanjayJul 31 '12 at 17:49

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