11 September 2005
A good sign
When you care about language, it is easy to find poor examples of its use in public and it is tempting to complain in your blog and elsewhere. What about conspicuously good use of language in public? We should acknowledge it when we see it.
This sign is an excellent example of direct and clear language. It does not use formal ‘legalese’ but there is no ambiguity about what it means.
It appears at a number of railway stations in Brisbane, where I live.
I too thought it was a good sign when I saw it. Straight to the point, and in plan english. I found it amusing and was a little surprised, as it is a government body behind it. Who said governments don’t have a sense of humour.
“Or cop a $150 fine.” is that an incomplete sentence? Should it be:
“Stay off the tracks, or cop a $150 fine!” (comma is, admittedly, optional)
Is the “So” also superflous, perhaps?
Incomplete perhaps, but I think the sign packs more punch as it is. Long-winded, formal blather is more offensive (and less effective) than short, perhaps partial sentences.
I say ‘perhaps partial’ because I have a sneaking suspicion that an exclamation mark can represent a comma as well as a full-stop. I can’t remember where I read or heard that.
The use of ‘So’ on the sign appears to mimic colloquial speech, and is suitable in this context. The typeface is appropriate too.