Question

Rewrite this excerpt from the Declaration of Independence. Use modern English usage and syntax to express the same meaning. Then, compare the two versions and take note of ways in which each version would likely appeal to different audiences.

Answer 1

Original Excerpt from the Declaration of Independence:

• "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Modernized Version:

• "We believe that certain rights are obvious: everyone is born equal and has inherent rights to life, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness, granted by their Creator."

What is the modernized version of a Declaration of Independence excerpt?

Comparing the two versions, the modernized version of the Declaration of Independence rephrases the original text using contemporary language and syntax while retaining the fundamental message.

The modernized version aims to make the content more accessible to a modern audience by using familiar words and sentence structures. The original version, with its 18th-century language, appeals to historical authenticity and might resonate with those who appreciate the historical context and the eloquence of the time.