Everyone has a different writing style. The way they describe scenes by the use of certain adjectives, adverbs and nouns can help you get either a great visualization of what they are describing or be left in a dark abyss. Consider the following:
1. Can you tell by reading a paragraph if a man or woman is the author?
2. Do you find yourself looking for the use of similar words in each message you read?
3. Do metaphors turn you off or would you rather the author be more descriptive rather than trying to use something modern to describe something old?
1. Can you tell by reading a paragraph if a man or woman is the author?
Unfortunately, no. I have tried to make a differentiation here but never seem to succeed.
2. Do you find yourself looking for the use of similar words in each message you read?
I dont look for it, but I do find myself realizing that similar words have been used by the author to describe specific scenes.
3. Do metaphors turn you off or would you rather the author be more descriptive rather than trying to use something modern to describe something old?
Metaphors are a great visualization tool unless it is over-used. Using modern metaphors though to describe something old would not go over well. I think you have to stick with the era when using metaphors, instead of using new to describe old or vice versa.
1. Yes, I can. In other forums, Where there isn't any avatar, or avatar-less users here, I can usually tell just by the general flow and mood of the sentence.
2. Same as Malexander - I don't over analyze what I read, but when a word repeats itself, I notice it.
3. I like metaphors, if they are used judiciously. They sometimes make a subject clearer than by using plain, simple, words, but if a book is full of metaphors, it ruins the flow of the book and you have to stop every minute and think 'so what did he mean by that?'
I think, in general, men and women are as different in their writing styles as they are in their day to day speech and thoughts and behaviors. I think, most women are more well spoken then men. I think, women tend to use more words to get to their points than most men.
However, this is all generalization, which is not always a wise way to form an opinion. Many men are just as expressive as women. Many women can be just as direct and to the point as men.
1. Can you tell by reading a paragraph if a man or woman is the author?
Usually. Women and men can be equally descriptive sometimes, but they differ in what they choose to describe. Men tend to describe circumstances in greater detail than feelings. Neither is superior.
2. Do you find yourself looking for the use of similar words in each message you read?
Yes. I'm a word geek, so that's become a habit. In my college classes, I observe the professors' favorite words and use them subtly in essays. Even if I have very little content, the words get the grades. It's not dishonest - it's just giving the professor what he or she wants.
3. Do metaphors turn you off or would you rather the author be more descriptive rather than trying to use something modern to describe something old?
If a metaphor is old and overused, it drives me crazy. An inventive or especially pertinent metaphor is wonderful. Metaphors are about the only way I can describe emotion.
1. Can you tell by reading a paragraph if a man or woman is the author?
Sometimes I can. There are just somethings that I've read that had that feminine or masculine feel to it. It's not always something that can be distinguished though.
2. Do you find yourself looking for the use of similar words in each message you read?
I don't look for it, but if a word is constantly used, I can notice it. I notice it in my writing, but after RPing for so many years, one tends to run out of words for certain types of descriptions.
3. Do metaphors turn you off or would you rather the author be more descriptive rather than trying to use something modern to describe something old?
Some of the most beautiful wordings I've heard have been metaphors or similes. I do agree, though, that they can be overused.
Edited: Ambria on 19th Dec, 2004 - 3:06pm
1. Can you tell by reading a paragraph if a man or woman is the author?
I believe everyone has a unique signature, I suppose it reflects their personality.
2. Do you find yourself looking for the use of similar words in each message you read?
Not really, if it gets the point acrossed I am happy with what is wrote or I will put it back and look elsewhere.
3. Do metaphors turn you off or would you rather the author be more descriptive rather than trying to use something modern to describe something old?
I like detials to everything, it helps me to picture what is going on. The more detail the better. I have a very creative imagination, so when I read I see it happening in my head.
Writing style alone is not always indicative of gender, but there are trends, especially, if you do lots of reading. I find that these trends are more apparent when dealing with student works. It is more difficult trying to decipher the gender of advanced adult writers, some of whom go to great pains to write from and for a certain discourse community.
One point though; we are the language we speak, and it is us. We cannot escape it. Repetition of certain phrases or grammatical constructs can give away much about an author. As much as I may try to write from the point of view of a black woman, it will always be conjecture because I am a white man. I speak and write like a white man who lives where I live, has had my experiences, and has my education. I know this goes under the "well, duh!" heading, but be honest -- how many people actually think it out?