Michael Gove on “however” and contractions

Alexander M Zoltai:

Somewhat entertaining but definitely comprehensive grammar lesson in today’s re-blog :-)

Originally posted on Stroppy Editor:

Michael Gove, the Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, has given his civil servants some guidance on writing.

I won’t go over all of it, but a few things stand out.

First, some positives. He urges civil servants to take a “warm tone” and be “gracious in thanking people for their letters”, to avoid being repetitive or “too pompous”, and to acknowled...