Resuming Accents: A Style Debate in Modern Writing

The Independent has a controversial style rule regarding the use of accents, advocating for their sparing application. This approach stems from the belief that most readers are familiar with certain words, such as 'cafe,' which do not require accents for comprehension. However, there are exceptions, as seen in a recent article where the word 'résumé' was used to avoid confusion with 'resume,' which means to restart an activity. Critics argue that 'résumé' is an American term, suggesting that the British equivalent 'CV' would have sufficed, thus avoiding the need for accents altogether. In another instance, a grammatical error was pointed out regarding the phrase 'didn’t used to be,' which should have been 'didn’t use to be.' This mishearing is common, as the 't' from 'to be' often attaches itself to the preceding word. Such linguistic nuances highlight the importance of careful language use in journalism. Additionally, a report on a Ukrainian fighter jet's downing included a phrase that could have been more accurately stated as 'one of the few pilots trained to fly the F-16s.' This reflects the ongoing scrutiny of language precision in reporting. Lastly, a headline mistakenly used 'breaks' instead of 'brakes' in reference to Volvo's electric car plans. This error underscores the need for clarity in language, as 'brake' and 'break' have distinct meanings, and the correct usage is crucial for effective communication in news reporting.