Why might a writer of an explanatory text use the indicative mood more than any other verb mood?

1 answer

A writer of an explanatory text might use the indicative mood more than any other verb mood because the indicative is primarily used for stating facts, making declarations, and providing information. Here are a few reasons why this mood is particularly suited for explanatory writing:

  1. Clarity and Precision: The indicative mood communicates information clearly and directly. In explanatory texts, clarity is crucial for helping readers understand concepts, processes, or ideas without ambiguity.

  2. Factual Basis: Explanatory texts often involve presenting facts, data, or established knowledge. The indicative mood aligns with this goal by allowing the writer to assert information confidently and authoritatively.

  3. Objective Tone: The use of the indicative mood can create a more objective and neutral tone, which is appropriate for informative writing. This helps the writer to present information without personal bias or emotional influence.

  4. Logical Structure: Explanatory texts frequently follow a logical progression of ideas, which is naturally supported by the indicative mood. It allows the writer to build arguments or explanations step by step based on verifiable facts.

  5. Reader Engagement: Readers typically engage with explanatory texts to learn or gain understanding. Using the indicative mood ensures that the information is accessible and comprehensible, allowing readers to focus on the educational content rather than deciphering mood-driven nuances.

Overall, the indicative mood serves the primary goal of explanatory writing: to inform and enlighten the reader through straightforward and factual presentation.