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What We Do Not Like

Six Windows Translations always aims to produce text written in modern, readable English that, where possible, avoids the use of clichés, obsolete expressions and common mistakes that are frequently not even recognised as such.

Clichés

The only time clichés will appear in any of our texts is when the constraints of the translation process render their use unavoidable. If a German author has written a hackneyed phrase in German, the translation principle of register dictates that a hackneyed phrase must appear in the English version, although every effort is made to find something slightly fresher.

Obsolete Expressions

In our view, obsolete expressions include such words as

whilst amongst amidst hence hindersome etc.

Common Mistakes

People have some very strange misconceptions about the use of certain words and, in particular, about the use of punctuation.

May versus Might (big issue, needs time)

Commas in prepositional clauses, conditional clauses.

Hyphenation

Then there's the common and frequently unjustified aversion to prepositions at the end of a sentence, split infinitives, sentences beginning with "and" or "but" or "because". And what else should I start or finish this particular sentence with?