Easy to read vs. grammatically incorrect

From: Felicia Morton (FMORTON@gmh.edu)
Date: Mon Mar 19 2001 - 13:45:10 EST


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Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 13:45:10 -0500
From: "Felicia   Morton" <FMORTON@gmh.edu>
To: <nifl-health@literacy.nifl.gov>, <nifl-health@nifl.gov>
Subject: Easy to read vs. grammatically incorrect
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Hi List members,

When writing easy-to-read patient ed materials, I occasionally find that the easiest-to-understand wording is (technically) grammatically incorrect. What's your opinion on choosing one over the other?

Example:

This medicine is only for the child for whom it is prescribed.
vs.
This medicine is only for the child the doctor gives it to. (?)
Only give this medicine to the child it is ordered for. (?)

Audience: Low income teen mothers, average school grade completed <8th

Any thoughts?
Felicia



Felicia J. Morton, MSPH, CHES

Patient Education Specialist
Patient Care, Quality Management & Education

Grady Health System
80 Butler Street, SE Box 249
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 616-5153
(404) 616-0685 - fax



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