Expert: Cathy Clamp - 9/30/2011

Question
QUESTION: I have recently started reading and I can't put a book down till I am done with it.

Anyway, what I'm wondering is why authors use such big words?
I have to write down all these words I don't know and look them up. I have an entire paper full of words!
Why do they use such big words? Did they forget how to write in English? Are they getting paid by the letter?
Its just so irritating when I can't even understand what is being said.

ANSWER: Hi, joyce!

I suppose a lot depends on what sort of books you're reading. Are they fiction or non-fiction? If fiction, it also depends on the genre you read. Thrillers or mysteries often use more complex words because the characters are supposed to be at the top of their field. So a very smart detective, scientist or police/military/spy would speak differently than someone who didn't graduate high school.

Is that what you mean? Or what sort of words are on your list that you don't understand?

Cathy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I read non fiction. Mostly true crime. The last one was about a woman who survived the Titanic and a couple of other ship sinkings. I wasn't even to chapter 3 and I had this list of words to look up and I decided to give it up. I don't see the point in reading a book when I spend more time writing down words to look up. It gets so frustrating.
I remember one of the words was 'cacophony' I looked it up and it means simply harsh and annoying sounds. I'm thinking 'why don't they just say "harsh, annoying sounds?

Answer
Hi, again, Joyce!

I guess my best answer would be that many authors don't realize they're using what some readers consider big words. Many authors I know consider words like "cacophony" to be everyday words. I'm afraid I'm one of them. One thing that causes this is that editors often object to seeing "green" five times in a row. So we come up with "emerald", "jade" or even "verdant." I've met some readers who actually like the use of obscure words that make them increase their vocabulary. But there are also others who, like you, would prefer more common-use words.

I don't know that there's an easy answer. I suppose you could avoid those authors who you know regularly use unusual words. Or you can do as you're doing now and keep the dictionary at your side. I know that's not much help, but I hope I've at least explained why some authors do this.

Cathy