The Elements of Style ( Fourth Edition ) ( A to Z Classics)

By William Strunk and A to Z Classics

Auteur Strunk, William, 1869-1946
Titre The Elements of Style
Langue Anglais
Classe LoC PE: Language and Literatures: English
Sujet English language -- Rhetoric
Sujet English language -- Style
Sujet Report writing

• Language: English
• Publisher: ATOZ Classics
• Release date: Jun 7, 2018
• ISBN: 9782378072964

Book preview

Style

William Strunk Jr.

Published: 1918

Categorie(s): Non-Fiction

Chapter 1

Introductory

This book is intended for use in English courses in which the practice of composition is combined with the study of literature. It aims to give in a brief space the principal requirements of plain English style. It aims to lighten the task of instructor and student by concentrating attention (in Chapters II and III) on a few essentials, the rules of usage and principles of composition most commonly violated. The numbers of the sections may be used as references in correcting manuscript.

The book covers only a small portion of the field of English style, but the experience of its writer has been that once past the essentials, students profit most by individual instruction based on the problems of their own work, and that each instructor has his own body of theory, which he prefers to that offered by any textbook.

The writer's colleagues in the Department of English in Cornell University have greatly helped him in the preparation of his manuscript. Mr. George McLane Wood has kindly consented to the inclusion under Rule 11 of some material from his Suggestions to Authors.

The following books are recommended for reference or further study: in connection with Chapters II and IV:

F. Howard Collins, Author and Printer (Henry Frowde);

Chicago University Press, Manual of Style;

T. L. De Vinne Correct Composition (The Century Company);

Horace Hart, Rules for Compositors and Printers (Oxford University Press);

George McLane Wood, Extracts from the Style-Book of the Government Printing Office (United States Geological Survey);

In connection with Chapters III and V:

Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch, The Art of Writing (Putnams), especially the chapter, Interlude on Jargon;

George McLane Wood, Suggestions to Authors (United States Geological Survey);

John Leslie Hall, English Usage (Scott, Foresman and Co.);

James P. Kelly, Workmanship in Words (Little, Brown and Co.).

It is an old observation 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. After he has learned, by their guidance, to write plain English adequate for everyday uses, let him look, for the secrets of style, to the study of the masters of literature.

Chapter 2

Elementary Rules of Usage

1. Form the possessive singular of nouns with 's.

Follow this rule whatever the final consonant. Thus write,

Charles's friend

Burns's poems

the witch's malice

This is the usage of the United States Government Printing Office and of the Oxford University Press.

Exceptions are the possessives of ancient proper names in -es and -is, the possessive Jesus' , and such forms as for conscience' sake, for righteousness' sake. But such forms as Achilles' heel, Moses' laws, Isis' temple are commonly replaced by

the heel of Achilles

the laws of Moses

the temple of Isis

The pronominal possessives hers, its, theirs, yours, and oneself have no apostrophe.

2. In a series of three or more terms with a single conjunction, use a comma after each term except the last.

Thus write,

red,

Reviews for The Elements of Style ( Fourth Edition ) ( A to Z Classics)

[emanate28 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I like the concise points and don't understand what the controversy is about the book; his points make sense to me and seem valid, especially for student writers.

[joel_overbeck · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the best books on writing fiction.

[mathewbridle · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Not as good as blurb suggests.

[ymusmani0 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Best book on writing I have read so far! concise and easy to understand...

[somebodyelse_1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

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 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.

[tcwriter · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A classic I first read in college -- one that has informed my work ever since. Its embrace of brevity is admirable, and in the age of the Internet, more relevant than ever.

[authorraezryans · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a must to read if not to own and reference. The updated version gives further insight and explanation, but overall the information remains valid for writers in the modern day. I refer to this when needed or when instructing writing.

[chwiggy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great style guide for non fiction and fiction. Tart rules for everything written.

[jenngauthier · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I firmly believe that everyone who plans to attend school past the ninth grade needs to own a copy of this book, and read it cover to cover at least once. It's not exactly a gripping read, but so many common mistakes could be avoided if the general public would at least skim this classic work. And really, it's not as boring as you would think. In fact, some parts are downright amusing.

[datrappert · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is still the best short guide to English grammar and usage, although you could argue with a few points.

[airycat_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Should be required reading annually for all speakers of English, from grade school 'til death.

[abeckert23 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Really a wonderful guide. It's not just a guide, though! I actually read it front to back and the voice of these men blends and instructs with sharp wit and dry humor. There are one-liners here on writing that are priceless!

[nocturnish · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

If you're only going to buy one writing reference book, this is the one you want. It's the bedrock upon which clear, understandable prose is based.

[andrewlovesoldbooks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[locriian · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Great book, however I disagree with their opposition to the use of singular "they".

[tatoosh-3 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

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 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.

[kaulsu · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

How did I ever get out of high school without having to read this book? At any rate, it is small enough that no student, ever, should be allowed to graduate without having read it!And, surprisingly, it is quite readable. Who knew? the 4th edition has been updated to reflect modern slang and other 'with-it-isms' students should be on the lookout for. Oops. Just ended that sentence with a preposition. Tsk, tsk.

[trile1000 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A short, concise, and practical reference for those who want to improve their writing skills.

[caitlin.la.folle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Indispensable.

[lisamaria_c · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Classic book on usage, composition, form and style, it's less than 100 pages and is a miracle of lucidity and succinctness. Most memorable rule? Easy: 13. Omit needless words.

[brikis98 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A fairly boring read - the book is just a long list of grammar and style suggestions - but a decent reference to check every now and then. That said, if you already know what to look for, a google search is likely more effective. Therefore, a quick read through of this sort of book may be useful to know what questions to ask.

[jonarnold_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Nearly a century on it remains an excellent guide to clear communication, though time has rendered the tone prescriptive enough to make you want to commit the occasional atrocity to the language just to annoy the long dead author.

[ntempest_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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 White the chances are good you can find an answer to your question.

[jpsnow · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A classic and it should be. Eliminate needless words. Be clear. Know the language and let it speak.

[ibeth_2 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This book is famous and well-loved by people who tend to be good writers anyway. Alas, the book's advice is somewhat dubious.

[cecilturtle · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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 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!

[thebooknerd · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

 This is one of the most important reference books for any student to own. I used it frequently during my college days, even still pull it down from the shelf from time to time. To the point, clearly written, it really is the perfect guide to writing.

[trilliams · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A bit intense on grammar vocabulary, but beyond that, an invaluable handbook.

[math_foo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Is this a flawed book?Of course. The style of prose it advocates was already out of date when it was published. It presents the taste of its authors' as inviolable laws, leading to painful contortions in the written language of those who try to follow it.As the previous sentence indicates, even in matters of simple punctuation I do not agree with The Elements of Style.And yet much of the advice is still solid. Even if you disagree with Strunk and White, it is better to have consciously rejected a rule than to have never considered the matter. There is also a surprising playfulness with language that appears between dour pronunciations. This side of The Elements of style was unknown to me prior to reading it, seemingly having been missed by both its detractors and fanatics.

[murdocke23 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

 From a writer as an ode to his late teacher, it's a great pocket book reference/words of wisdom for writing in any medium. Does what it sets out to do—clearly—and that's about it.