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Available
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Publication
Longman (1999), Paperback
Description
The Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr. is an American English writing style guide. It is one of the best-known and most influential prescriptive treatment of English grammar and usage, and often is required reading in U.S. high school and university composition classes. The original 1918 edition of The Elements of Style detailed eight elementary rules of usage, ten elementary principles of composition, "a few matters of form," and a list of commonly "misused" words and expressions. This book, printed as a private edition in 1918 for the use of his students, became a classic on the local campus, known as "the little book," and its successive editions have since sold over ten million copies. This version is based on the public-domain text from 1918.… (more)
Media reviews
The New York Times
Buy it, study it, enjoy it. It's as timeless as a book can be in our age of volubility. (previous edition)
Front cover
...still a little book, small enough and important enough to carry in your pocket, as I carry mine.
The Elements of Style does not deserve the enormous esteem in which it is held by American college graduates. Its advice ranges from limp platitudes to inconsistent nonsense. Its enormous influence has not improved American students' grasp of English grammar; it has significantly degraded it.
User reviews
LibraryThing member somebodyelse
Another review gave links to discussions by linguists on this book. You should read what people who have made their living studying language have to say about Strunk and White. Strunk and White can't even follow their own advice well. In one instance they say not to use the passive voice unless it
If you really want to learn how to write well, practice writing. Read the classics, and study how the masters write. Don't let the blind lead the blind.
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is necessary, and yet in the first hundred sentences in their book, they use the passive 21 times, and none of them because it was necessary. E.B. White is a wonderful author, but if you read Charlotte's Web, he is consistantly breaking his own rules. If he can't follow them, why should you?If you really want to learn how to write well, practice writing. Read the classics, and study how the masters write. Don't let the blind lead the blind.
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LibraryThing member millsge
It is beyond me why schools insist on using anything else to teach grammar and style. My current copy is the 12th copy of it that I have had since I had the good fortune to run into it when I was a sophomore in high school.
LibraryThing member upstairsgirl
If you write anything, for any reason, ever, you should read this book repeatedly. Strunk and White lay out logical, easily-understood rules for clear and effective prose. The rules cover punctuation, parts of speech, sentence and paragraph structure, and spelling, not in exhaustive detail, but in
My edition is the one illustrated by Maira Kalman, and while the illustrations are whimsical and entertaining, they are more or less the visual equivalent of what the book suggests one not do with one's prose. Rarely do they elucidate any point made by the authors; frequently, they are either obscure themselves, or obscure the authors' points. As nice-looking as this edition is, I'd probably go for something less frilly if I ever needed to replace it.
If you write, this book should be on your desk. It's concise, engaging, and an excellent resource.
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a way that makes it easy to remember. The advice is solid and sound. The book includes a glossary at the end; if you need a refresher on grammatical terminology, start there first and then read the book. Strunk and White assume the reader is conversant in the parts of speech, and I found myself a bit at sea, since the last real grammar instruction I had was in 1992.My edition is the one illustrated by Maira Kalman, and while the illustrations are whimsical and entertaining, they are more or less the visual equivalent of what the book suggests one not do with one's prose. Rarely do they elucidate any point made by the authors; frequently, they are either obscure themselves, or obscure the authors' points. As nice-looking as this edition is, I'd probably go for something less frilly if I ever needed to replace it.
If you write, this book should be on your desk. It's concise, engaging, and an excellent resource.
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LibraryThing member Terpsichoreus
There must be some structure to language. We must agree on some aspects of it, and creating rules and definitions around those mutual agreements helps to foster intelligibility throughout the language.
Likewise, this agreement to abide by these rules means that we can teach communication. This does
We take these rules from traditions, but also from common sense. Strunk's rulings on word use (especially amongst words with similar meanings) are based on the root words, and the original meanings. Strunk means to separate these similar words so that instead of synonyms, we have two similar but precise words.
This also prevents confusion, as various English dialects may take these words in different ways, but all share the same roots.
However, language changes constantly, so regulating it and placing rules on it is difficult. Many feel that it stifles creativity, or that it places hegemonic power in the hands of the elite. One benefit of this regulation is that we can read Shakespeare today with little trouble.
Dictionaries came into popularity around the time of Shakespeare, as did the study of philology. We have more trouble reading Chaucer, even though only two-hundred years separate Chaucer and Shakespeare, while twice that length separates Shakespeare from us.
The work of Strunk and White is not to close off language, nor to set it absolutely free, but to make a linguistic analysis of its forms, meanings and changes, but one that the layman can appreciate. The work is somewhat dated by today's standards, but this actually provides the perfect example for many of the book's observations on the mutability of language.
It likewise supports the assertion that language may change, but not as much as you might think. Strunk and White is just as useful to an author today as it was when it was compiled.
It is light-hearted and often humorous, and presents language and communication in a thoughtful way. Any writer should come away from this book with a new respect for language, and with a keener eye for seeing their own writing.
While the book sometimes seems severe in its regulations, this is only because misuse is so rampant and so ugly. Similarly, someone might tell you "under no circumstances should you balance on a chair on the edge of the roof of a ten story building". This rule is perfectly reasonable, despite the fact that some well-trained, adventurous individuals are quite capable of this feat.
The fact remains that for the majority, violating these simple rules will result in an unsightly mess. A talented and experienced writer can flaunt and even break the rules when it suits him. The greatest writers do, and this book gives examples of how and why they do it.
However, rules are how we create meaning. Whether you follow them or break them, you must know them and understand how they work in order to communicate to your reader. You cannot subvert and idea unless you understand it, and you cannot communicate anything to your reader that doesn't have a basis in their experiences and understanding.
There is no impressive act of creation that is not conscious and considered, because rebellion cannot happen in a void. It's the rule that proves the exception.
Likewise, this agreement to abide by these rules means that we can teach communication. This does
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not mean only in the case of children, but it certainly simplifies it for them. This also means that writers can continue to learn, to interact, and to write understandably and not wastefully.We take these rules from traditions, but also from common sense. Strunk's rulings on word use (especially amongst words with similar meanings) are based on the root words, and the original meanings. Strunk means to separate these similar words so that instead of synonyms, we have two similar but precise words.
This also prevents confusion, as various English dialects may take these words in different ways, but all share the same roots.
However, language changes constantly, so regulating it and placing rules on it is difficult. Many feel that it stifles creativity, or that it places hegemonic power in the hands of the elite. One benefit of this regulation is that we can read Shakespeare today with little trouble.
Dictionaries came into popularity around the time of Shakespeare, as did the study of philology. We have more trouble reading Chaucer, even though only two-hundred years separate Chaucer and Shakespeare, while twice that length separates Shakespeare from us.
The work of Strunk and White is not to close off language, nor to set it absolutely free, but to make a linguistic analysis of its forms, meanings and changes, but one that the layman can appreciate. The work is somewhat dated by today's standards, but this actually provides the perfect example for many of the book's observations on the mutability of language.
It likewise supports the assertion that language may change, but not as much as you might think. Strunk and White is just as useful to an author today as it was when it was compiled.
It is light-hearted and often humorous, and presents language and communication in a thoughtful way. Any writer should come away from this book with a new respect for language, and with a keener eye for seeing their own writing.
While the book sometimes seems severe in its regulations, this is only because misuse is so rampant and so ugly. Similarly, someone might tell you "under no circumstances should you balance on a chair on the edge of the roof of a ten story building". This rule is perfectly reasonable, despite the fact that some well-trained, adventurous individuals are quite capable of this feat.
The fact remains that for the majority, violating these simple rules will result in an unsightly mess. A talented and experienced writer can flaunt and even break the rules when it suits him. The greatest writers do, and this book gives examples of how and why they do it.
However, rules are how we create meaning. Whether you follow them or break them, you must know them and understand how they work in order to communicate to your reader. You cannot subvert and idea unless you understand it, and you cannot communicate anything to your reader that doesn't have a basis in their experiences and understanding.
There is no impressive act of creation that is not conscious and considered, because rebellion cannot happen in a void. It's the rule that proves the exception.
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LibraryThing member tinapickles
A must have for any who consider themselves or aspire to be a writer... even those who wish to write "creatively" should know Strunk and White's rules by heart before they set about breaking them in the name of art.
LibraryThing member billiecat
A book so useful that I own two copies of it - one for home and one for the office. Yet there seems to be an almost universal misconception about this book - actually, there seem to be two misconceptions about this book, and everyone seems to have one or the other firmly entrenched in their mind,
The first misconception is that this book of rules is a blueprint that the authors require to be imposed on all who dare to write. The partisans of this view, like dissenters attacking the King James Bible, take great delight in pointing to the many violations of these supposedly inviolable rules by the authors themselves.
The second misconception, held with equal ferocity, is that this book in fact *is* the Bible of writing and anyone who writes must follow it or be damned. Apparently, for this crowd, if one wishes to use a keyboard or lift a pencil, one must first apply for a license to do so by purchasing a copy of this book.
Anyone who bothers to actually read the book (as opposed to simply turning the pages in an effort to discredit it or to dispatch an heretical adversary) would quickly see that neither of these orthodoxies is correct. The book is simply an enunciation of principles designed to improve the writing of the average person who must write - nothing more and nothing less. "'It is an old observation," White quotes Strunk in his introduction to the Third Edition, "that the best writers sometimes disregard the rules of rhetoric. When they do so, however, the reader will usually find in the sentence some compensating merit, attained at the cost of the violation. Unless he is certain of doing as well, he will probably do best to follow the rules." Clearly, even in Strunk and White's view, the orthodoxy can be challenged, if done well. But the person who is not as strong or confident a writer should hew to the mainstream.
This then, is the audience to whom Strunk and White addressed themselves - the mainstream, not the professional writer. One of the most useful axioms about writing ever taught to me came not from this book but from my Legal Writing professor at Notre Dame. The first rule, she taught, is know who your audience is. That should also be the first rule in evaluating this book. For if it is evaluated as a tool to improve the writing of the average reader, then it is admirably designed. It is concise, easily digested, and a generally accurate guide.
But those who review a book like this are usually not average readers - they are voracious readers and writers, and while they, too, can benefit from this little book (one should not venture off the highway without a map to guide you back when necessary), they are not its principle audience, and should lay down the implements of inquisition and consider the book for what it is - a guide, not a Bible.
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and disparages all heretics who take the opposing view. Sort of like modern politics.The first misconception is that this book of rules is a blueprint that the authors require to be imposed on all who dare to write. The partisans of this view, like dissenters attacking the King James Bible, take great delight in pointing to the many violations of these supposedly inviolable rules by the authors themselves.
The second misconception, held with equal ferocity, is that this book in fact *is* the Bible of writing and anyone who writes must follow it or be damned. Apparently, for this crowd, if one wishes to use a keyboard or lift a pencil, one must first apply for a license to do so by purchasing a copy of this book.
Anyone who bothers to actually read the book (as opposed to simply turning the pages in an effort to discredit it or to dispatch an heretical adversary) would quickly see that neither of these orthodoxies is correct. The book is simply an enunciation of principles designed to improve the writing of the average person who must write - nothing more and nothing less. "'It is an old observation," White quotes Strunk in his introduction to the Third Edition, "that the best writers sometimes disregard the rules of rhetoric. When they do so, however, the reader will usually find in the sentence some compensating merit, attained at the cost of the violation. Unless he is certain of doing as well, he will probably do best to follow the rules." Clearly, even in Strunk and White's view, the orthodoxy can be challenged, if done well. But the person who is not as strong or confident a writer should hew to the mainstream.
This then, is the audience to whom Strunk and White addressed themselves - the mainstream, not the professional writer. One of the most useful axioms about writing ever taught to me came not from this book but from my Legal Writing professor at Notre Dame. The first rule, she taught, is know who your audience is. That should also be the first rule in evaluating this book. For if it is evaluated as a tool to improve the writing of the average reader, then it is admirably designed. It is concise, easily digested, and a generally accurate guide.
But those who review a book like this are usually not average readers - they are voracious readers and writers, and while they, too, can benefit from this little book (one should not venture off the highway without a map to guide you back when necessary), they are not its principle audience, and should lay down the implements of inquisition and consider the book for what it is - a guide, not a Bible.
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LibraryThing member ptferris96
This book is one of the books I was assigned for my AP English Language and Comp summer reading. I was assigned to write a book review for it, so here it is:
Many students in high school and college find writing to be one of the most challenging assignments. They oftentimes do not know how to
Originally published in 1919, The Elements of Style was written by William Strunk Jr., an English professor at Cornell, as a textbook for students in his class. It was often referred to on campus as “the little book” due to its brevity. E.B White, one of his former students, updated the volume after Strunk’s death for the college market, and introduced modern changes to the original text. Since its publication in 1959, it has become extremely popular and has sold an estimated 10 million copies.
The book, now in its fourth edition, is split into five chapters. The chapters discuss the eleven basic rules of usage, eleven strategies in writing and composition, matters of form, commonly misused words and expressions, and twenty-one rules on style. Various rules throughout the volume include “Do not break sentences in two” (7), “Use the active voice” (18), and “Keep related words together” (28). One of the best examples of a rule from the book is Rule 17 in the chapter Elementary Principles of Composition, “Omit needless words”, which states,
Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts. This requires not that the writer make all sentences short, or avoid all detail and treat subjects only in outline, but that every word tell. (23)
Examples are provided for many of the rules, making it easier for the reader to understand how they can be applied in writing. To further elaborate on the rule quoted above, Strunk and White show that “there is no doubt but that” can be shortened to “no doubt”, “he is a man who” to “he”, “in a hasty manner” to “hastily”, and “the reason why is that” to simply “because”. The rule also includes how “the fact that” should be edited out of every sentence in which it is used. It states that presenting complex ideas in one sentence instead of explaining them step by step with multiple sentences is a good way to avoid being verbose.
The middle chapters of the book were quite helpful. A Few Matters of Form answers many commonly asked questions on how to write certain parts of your work. Topics covered include exclamations, numerals, parenthesis, and titles. Words and Expressions Commonly Misused provides words that don’t necessarily sound good in writing. Examples on how they can be fixed are also provided. Many of the words given are ones that I’ve noticed I use too frequently, so the chapter has become an important tool for improving my writing.
The rules provide a great reference point for writers and students to quickly refer to a bit of key information they may require. Writers on any level can find something useful in this slim volume. That being said, I would not recommend reading this book like a regular novel. It is written much like a mini-textbook. It requires a strong understanding of English grammar. Since it was written for college level students, I would be somewhat hesitant to recommend it for high school students unless they are already well-versed in English. The Elements of Style presents a good, basic rule book for writing and the English language in general, but is not necessarily for everyone.
Many students in high school and college find writing to be one of the most challenging assignments. They oftentimes do not know how to
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properly express their thoughts and experience confusion, or they may forget essential rules in writing and grammar, leading to poor results. The Elements of Style was written specifically to help writers of any age in any profession who may have similar problems in order to improve their work. Originally published in 1919, The Elements of Style was written by William Strunk Jr., an English professor at Cornell, as a textbook for students in his class. It was often referred to on campus as “the little book” due to its brevity. E.B White, one of his former students, updated the volume after Strunk’s death for the college market, and introduced modern changes to the original text. Since its publication in 1959, it has become extremely popular and has sold an estimated 10 million copies.
The book, now in its fourth edition, is split into five chapters. The chapters discuss the eleven basic rules of usage, eleven strategies in writing and composition, matters of form, commonly misused words and expressions, and twenty-one rules on style. Various rules throughout the volume include “Do not break sentences in two” (7), “Use the active voice” (18), and “Keep related words together” (28). One of the best examples of a rule from the book is Rule 17 in the chapter Elementary Principles of Composition, “Omit needless words”, which states,
Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts. This requires not that the writer make all sentences short, or avoid all detail and treat subjects only in outline, but that every word tell. (23)
Examples are provided for many of the rules, making it easier for the reader to understand how they can be applied in writing. To further elaborate on the rule quoted above, Strunk and White show that “there is no doubt but that” can be shortened to “no doubt”, “he is a man who” to “he”, “in a hasty manner” to “hastily”, and “the reason why is that” to simply “because”. The rule also includes how “the fact that” should be edited out of every sentence in which it is used. It states that presenting complex ideas in one sentence instead of explaining them step by step with multiple sentences is a good way to avoid being verbose.
The middle chapters of the book were quite helpful. A Few Matters of Form answers many commonly asked questions on how to write certain parts of your work. Topics covered include exclamations, numerals, parenthesis, and titles. Words and Expressions Commonly Misused provides words that don’t necessarily sound good in writing. Examples on how they can be fixed are also provided. Many of the words given are ones that I’ve noticed I use too frequently, so the chapter has become an important tool for improving my writing.
The rules provide a great reference point for writers and students to quickly refer to a bit of key information they may require. Writers on any level can find something useful in this slim volume. That being said, I would not recommend reading this book like a regular novel. It is written much like a mini-textbook. It requires a strong understanding of English grammar. Since it was written for college level students, I would be somewhat hesitant to recommend it for high school students unless they are already well-versed in English. The Elements of Style presents a good, basic rule book for writing and the English language in general, but is not necessarily for everyone.
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LibraryThing member temsmail
Sadly, a must have for writers of thesis' and disertations.
LibraryThing member Murphy-Jacobs
A short, easy-to-read book that anyone who wants to use the written word to communicate with anyone else should take to heart and memorize. It isn't hard and it covers the basics -- where the punctuation goes and why, what are the essential parts of constructing a sentence, how to avoid bloated,
I recall during my not-short-enough stint as a professional proofreader that I often wanted to throw copies of this book at the authors and line editors when I found dozens of comma splices, run-on-sentences, verbless sentences, senseless constructions, and repetitive word use (we will just skip the whole "passive verb" thing for now -- I realize that's more of an addiction and requires a 12-step program, sort of like ellipses addiction and apostrophe abuse) in work that was supposed to be heading for the printer. This book can't save you from typos, but it can help you avoid full-out, no-excuse errors.
Reading this book will not make you a grammar Nazi. It will not make you appear strange to your friends, give you understanding of Ezra Pound, or make your walk into the waves like Virginia Woolf. It will save you some embarrassment and stop people who judge you on your writing (like me) from rolling their eyes at you.
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nonsensical paragraphs -- it's all there. And it isn't all that long. The whole book has less than 200 pages and a LOT Of white space, so this is no daunting challenge. It can be read in under 2 hours, even if you take notes. It is easy to mark for future reference, too, if you forget something (and no points taken off for checking before using that semicolon). I recall during my not-short-enough stint as a professional proofreader that I often wanted to throw copies of this book at the authors and line editors when I found dozens of comma splices, run-on-sentences, verbless sentences, senseless constructions, and repetitive word use (we will just skip the whole "passive verb" thing for now -- I realize that's more of an addiction and requires a 12-step program, sort of like ellipses addiction and apostrophe abuse) in work that was supposed to be heading for the printer. This book can't save you from typos, but it can help you avoid full-out, no-excuse errors.
Reading this book will not make you a grammar Nazi. It will not make you appear strange to your friends, give you understanding of Ezra Pound, or make your walk into the waves like Virginia Woolf. It will save you some embarrassment and stop people who judge you on your writing (like me) from rolling their eyes at you.
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LibraryThing member TyrellAlles
The Elements of Style (4th Edition) by William Strunk
Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style, is a short, concise guide to effective writing. This short guide covers everything from basic grammatical usage to composition, but it is more than just a guide to good writing. The book is filled with
There is an overwhelming emphasis in this guide on clear, concise writing. “When a sentence is made stronger, it usually becomes shorter. Thus, brevity is a by-product of vigor.” (p. 19). The best-known writers—Homer, Dante, and Shakespeare are mentioned—grab the reader’s attention by being “specific, definite, and concrete” and use words to create pictures (p. 21) in order to create impactful writing. It is always important to use the active voice in writing and to avoid conditionals such as should, could, and would, in order to prevent a piece of writing from sounding as though it lacks authority. The authors therefore recommend rewriting and revising and to “ruthlessly delete the excesses” (p. 72).
Composition is a major element in creating clear, readable writing. To be effective, writing must be organized and follow a specific plan—although that plan may not always follow the order of a writer’s thought process. However, it forces the writer to think; “the act of composition, or creation, disciplines the mind” (p. 70).
In the course of their writing, writers end up revealing something about themselves and their identity, and this is what makes good writing stand out. A writer develops their style through practice and patience. EB White suggests that the writer first place themselves in the background, so that a sense of style can be achieved by first having none. “Style is the writer, and therefore what you are, rather than what you know, will at last determine your style” (p. 84).
Although the authors are very definite in their opinions, they present them with humor in some places, preventing this book from becoming too pedantic. It is also important to consider that this guide is not the last word in what is “correct” writing or style; “the shape of our language is not rigid” (p. 39) and that “there is no satisfactory explanation of style, no infallible guide to good writing, no assurance that a person who thinks clearly will be able to write clearly, no key that unlocks the door, no inflexible rule by which writers may shape their course” (p. 66). However, The Elements of Style is an invaluable guide that gives a reader advice on how to think about their writing, how to write clear and concise prose, and how to achieve a unique sense of style.
Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style, is a short, concise guide to effective writing. This short guide covers everything from basic grammatical usage to composition, but it is more than just a guide to good writing. The book is filled with
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provocative axioms to keep in mind while writing. Because writing is a form of communication, a hallmark of it is to be succinct.There is an overwhelming emphasis in this guide on clear, concise writing. “When a sentence is made stronger, it usually becomes shorter. Thus, brevity is a by-product of vigor.” (p. 19). The best-known writers—Homer, Dante, and Shakespeare are mentioned—grab the reader’s attention by being “specific, definite, and concrete” and use words to create pictures (p. 21) in order to create impactful writing. It is always important to use the active voice in writing and to avoid conditionals such as should, could, and would, in order to prevent a piece of writing from sounding as though it lacks authority. The authors therefore recommend rewriting and revising and to “ruthlessly delete the excesses” (p. 72).
Composition is a major element in creating clear, readable writing. To be effective, writing must be organized and follow a specific plan—although that plan may not always follow the order of a writer’s thought process. However, it forces the writer to think; “the act of composition, or creation, disciplines the mind” (p. 70).
In the course of their writing, writers end up revealing something about themselves and their identity, and this is what makes good writing stand out. A writer develops their style through practice and patience. EB White suggests that the writer first place themselves in the background, so that a sense of style can be achieved by first having none. “Style is the writer, and therefore what you are, rather than what you know, will at last determine your style” (p. 84).
Although the authors are very definite in their opinions, they present them with humor in some places, preventing this book from becoming too pedantic. It is also important to consider that this guide is not the last word in what is “correct” writing or style; “the shape of our language is not rigid” (p. 39) and that “there is no satisfactory explanation of style, no infallible guide to good writing, no assurance that a person who thinks clearly will be able to write clearly, no key that unlocks the door, no inflexible rule by which writers may shape their course” (p. 66). However, The Elements of Style is an invaluable guide that gives a reader advice on how to think about their writing, how to write clear and concise prose, and how to achieve a unique sense of style.
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LibraryThing member RajivC
I am surprised that anyone would give this book a one-star rating, and yet some people have done that. I have no arguments with them, as we each have our own view of the books we read.
For me, this is a brilliant book. I did not think that it would take me ten days to read 97 pages, but it did. The
The rules have been laid out in a simple manner, and the examples are clear.
I like this book so much, that I ordered two paperback copies, one for my son and one for me. It is good to have this book as a handy reference.
Prof Strunk seems to have been a man of exceptional clarity of thought, and this is reflected in the manner in which he has laid out the book, and given the examples. Mr White's section is a very useful addition. It adds to the value of the book.
It is an essential guide to any aspiring writer.
For me, this is a brilliant book. I did not think that it would take me ten days to read 97 pages, but it did. The
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writing style is simple, and not a word is wasted. It was well worth the time I took to read the book carefully. The rules have been laid out in a simple manner, and the examples are clear.
I like this book so much, that I ordered two paperback copies, one for my son and one for me. It is good to have this book as a handy reference.
Prof Strunk seems to have been a man of exceptional clarity of thought, and this is reflected in the manner in which he has laid out the book, and given the examples. Mr White's section is a very useful addition. It adds to the value of the book.
It is an essential guide to any aspiring writer.
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LibraryThing member ronjawdi
I can see why this is a classic. Short and to the point, this book is must for all writers. This title will be by my side whenever I write. Buy it! Learn it! Master it!
LibraryThing member aethercowboy
The Elements of Style, or as some colloquially have called it "Strunk and White," is a style book originally written by William Strunk, and then subsequently modified by E. B. White. It act, today, as the primordial style book upon which more modern style books are based.
It's still worth a read, as
If you have been looking to improve your writing, and not make it seem too simplistic, yet at the same time, not make it seem too pompous, then this is an excellent place to start. However, my personal recommendation is to read every single notable style book you can get your hands on, so that you may take all these recommendations into account before developing your own, unique, style.
It's still worth a read, as
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it won't take up that much more time to review. My copy, which had eye-chart style text, was about 50 pages. A more readable copy may be closer to 100. Still, that's small potatoes with respect to reading books. In fact, you may have already read this book if you've taken any of most American high school composition classes.If you have been looking to improve your writing, and not make it seem too simplistic, yet at the same time, not make it seem too pompous, then this is an excellent place to start. However, my personal recommendation is to read every single notable style book you can get your hands on, so that you may take all these recommendations into account before developing your own, unique, style.
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LibraryThing member Abbas.Jafri
Whenever I write (this line included), I make use of something I read in this book.
LibraryThing member Cecilturtle
This little book is a great reminder of how easy it is to write in clear, plain English, but how it is just as easy to stumble into common pitfalls. Concrete, prescriptive and short, this book is a great quick reference. Witty and sometimes downright funny examples keep the reader's interest up.
I
I
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will definitely have this handy little book by my side at the office. Administrative mumble jumble has become too common for me to fall prey to it. This will help me stay on the straight path! Show Less
LibraryThing member andrewlovesoldbooks
If everybody in the world read this book before afflicting us with their writing, the world would be a better place.
THE book on improving one's writing style.
THE book on improving one's writing style.
LibraryThing member jimmaclachlan
Everyone thinks of this as a book for writers, but today, most of us are. We write to communicate through email, memos & letters. Everyone can benefit by reading this book. It looks quite short & slim, but that is deceiving, like Kern & Ritchie's book on C. They fit a LOT into a small package & it
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takes practice & referral to get the basics down. Show Less
LibraryThing member MrsLee
I find this a great resource for both teaching and reference. It is laid out in a practical and clear way, the examples and lessons are easy to understand and pithy. Someday, I will actually remember everything in it and then I will sound very educated and eloquent.
LibraryThing member MathewBridle
Not as good as blurb suggests.
LibraryThing member trilliams
A bit intense on grammar vocabulary, but beyond that, an invaluable handbook.
LibraryThing member ntempest
Classic. I remember seeing my first copy in seventh grade English class and thinking what a clever, handy little book. I think I've probably gone through a few copies of my own since then. Other style books may be bigger and cover more complex usage situations, but really, if you have Strunk and
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White the chances are good you can find an answer to your question. Show Less
LibraryThing member Tatoosh
It has been years since I first looked at an earlier version of Elements of Style, but my intention to review Elements again finally resulted in action. The 4th edition contains the rules on usage, principles of composition, notes on manuscript form, and list of commonly misused words and
While much of the material is applicable today’s, some of it is dated. Most troublesome is the coverage of words and expressions. Perceptive writers will recognize those admonitions that have become outdated but less experienced readers may be led astray.
Elements is an easy read with 85 pages of text and a seven-page glossary. There is far too much detail to memorize but a periodic review will be beneficial to most writers. That preparation will be sufficient to allow most readers to use the text as a handy reference book.
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expression that earlier readers will expect. White has added a new chapter to this edition detailing his approach to style.While much of the material is applicable today’s, some of it is dated. Most troublesome is the coverage of words and expressions. Perceptive writers will recognize those admonitions that have become outdated but less experienced readers may be led astray.
Elements is an easy read with 85 pages of text and a seven-page glossary. There is far too much detail to memorize but a periodic review will be beneficial to most writers. That preparation will be sufficient to allow most readers to use the text as a handy reference book.
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LibraryThing member Airycat
Should be required reading annually for all speakers of English, from grade school 'til death.
LibraryThing member wenestvedt
Use this stick to beat bad writers and sloppy thinkers. (There's probably something in those 92 potent pages that says where the previous sentence went wrong. *sigh*)
LibraryThing member angharad
It astonishes me that at the age of 31 and a half, I've only just acquired Strunk and White. Everyone who is glad to own a dictionary should have this too. Classic reference work.
Subjects
Awards
Language
Original publication date
1959 (copyright)
1972 (copyright, second edition)
1979 (copyright, third edition)
2000 (copyright, fourth edition)
Physical description
105 p.; 7 inches
ISBN
020530902X / 9780205309023
UPC
076092005445