Maybe you’ve noticed it can be difficult to read in English. Learning a language takes time, so that’s to be expected. But, certain factors can make it harder. Let’s talk about the alphabet and different types of writing.
Cursive/Script
Within cursive or script writing there are various accepted styles. The writer writes a word without lifting their pen from the paper. It is a form of writing where each letter in a word connects. Cursive is commonly used for signatures on important documents, and invitations. It has a formal design, but depending on personal preference is commonly used even when taking notes.
It can be difficult for native speakers of the English language to read someone else’s cursive writing because there are so many different styles and personal preferences involved that each person’s writing can look very different than standard cursive. That is one reason why cursive is rarely used on advertisements.
Print is the most common form of writing and besides basic changes of certain letters, such as the letters “I” and “A”, it is always the same.
Nevertheless, there are various fonts that have a wide variety of styles.
Some common ones to look for are:
Bubble letters
Block letters
These each are commonly featured in advertisements because they are wider fonts that catch people’s attention.
Bold fonts are used with both cursive and print.
Italics can be used with each as well, but tends to be more popular with print.
Have you tried writing in cursive? How about in print?
It is important to know how we speak about writing, too. Someone might say:
“I like to write in cursive.”
“I like to write in print.”
Writing is a great way to learn more about a language and cultures. Why don’t you take some time to write about your day? Practice writing the same prompt in both cursive and print and see how you do. If you’ve never written in cursive before, start by learning the cursive alphabet and build up your abilities.
Keep up the good work!
-You Are Learning English Team
A group of experienced and certified ESL and English as a Foreign Language teachers.
