The Elements of Style

Although this book is considered somewhat outdated, it still taught me a great deal about proper English writing. It was an interesting read and helped me to identify a couple of mistakes that frequently find their way into my writing. ( )

Parts of it seemed very simple, the type of common sense that everyone is already familiar with. That may be the biggest strength of Elements of Style; providing informative advice in a manner which makes it feel obvious. It is not a "read once and put on a shelf" book though. Having finished it, and having absorbed much of its teachings, I could read through the book again tomorrow and discover more. ( )

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Contents
1. Introductory
2. Elementary Rules Of Usage
3. Elementary Principles Of Composition
4. A Few Matters Of Form
5. Words And Expressions Commonly Misused
6. Words Commonly Misused ( )

I think my expectations were a little high for this one, so I was a little disappointed, but it's a handy book on craft, if not an inspiring or amazing one. A good reference to have on the shelf, though. ( )

Many other books on writing are not as directly helpful as this one. I have made every mistake a human being can make while writing. I'm making mistakes right now. Improvement is a lifelong process. This readable and referenceable book is one to keep in the desk drawer, to peruse before and after writing.

Aside from the argument that the English language is sliding toward less standardization, many editors, agents, publishers and readers demand or expect PhD-level grammar (whatever that equates to). But it really should not take years of reading and diagramming sentences to put words together in a satisfactory fashion.

If you have tried other how-to-write books, I'd set them aside until you've finished this one. This may contain all you need to know in a much smaller bundle. As a rule, I am not a fan of criticism. I could pick apart most pieces of writing. You could pick apart most of what I write. It's human nature to seek out flaws. In order to write competitively, writers must arm themselves against critics. But even more than that, communication benefits from clarity and articulation. I feel that a close study of this book will elevate a writer's awareness of certain flaws. These flaws pass most of us by without notice. But they can also undermine an otherwise excellent piece of writing.

Wouldn't we all like to write at a level where grammar is no longer part of the equation, where each sentence unfurls from the pen with the pithy lightning strike of Oscar Wilde's polished prose, on the first draft of course, where we can excavate the furthest reaches of our imagination and mind without regard to "should the comma go here, or here?" But I am not sure if such a state of nirvana exists. Revision never ends.

In summary, I recommend picking up this book. I trust it much more than those bloggers (paid by the word) posting "Helpful Tips." ( )