The Syntax of Online Communication on LinkedIn: A New Era of Language Use

Abstract

This study explores how professionals use syntax on LinkedIn, particularly focusing on the linguistic structures they use to balance professionalism and engagement. Analyzing 20 LinkedIn posts and conducting a survey with 10 users, the research uncovers syntactic patterns, including sentence length, voice (active vs. passive), and the incorporation of calls to action, significantly impacting audience interaction. The results indicate that shorter sentences in the active voice, combined with direct engagement strategies, lead to greater user interaction. The study also addresses the challenges non-native English speakers face and suggests strategies to navigate these hurdles, such as utilizing language tools. This paper offers practical recommendations for LinkedIn users to enhance their communication, ensuring it is clear, relatable, and maintains a professional tone. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the changing linguistic practices within professional online networks, signaling a notable transformation in digital language use.