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100 reviews
July 14,2025
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This article is truly very helpful for young authors.

It contains a wealth of valuable information and insights that can significantly enhance their writing skills and understanding of the craft.

Whether it's about developing engaging storylines, creating vivid characters, or mastering the art of pacing, the article offers practical tips and examples that are easy to follow and apply.

Young authors would do well to read this article more than once, as each reading is likely to reveal new details and perspectives that they may have missed before.

By internalizing the lessons presented here, they can take their writing to the next level and increase their chances of success in the highly competitive world of publishing.

So, if you're a young author looking to improve your writing, don't miss out on this essential resource. Read it, study it, and let it inspire you to create great works of literature.

July 14,2025
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This book was recommended to me by my former manager in Psychiatric Quality Control as a guide for effective writing. It truly stands out as the best writing text I have ever come across.

William Strunk and E.B. White, with White being one of Strunk's students and famous for works like Charlotte's Web, independently contributed to this excellent piece of work. Strunk initially wrote the original "draft" as classroom notes, and after his passing, White arranged them for publication.

The book consists of five chapters and a glossary. It contains 22 rules, notes on good form, and a 26-page section on "Words and Expressions Commonly Misused", which I find to be the most dated and debatable part. However, the final chapter on the approach to style is, in my opinion, the most crucial and useful section.

I deeply wish I had read this book during my high school days, not necessarily for the specific rules but for the clear and concise presentation of the material. They stress that these are merely guidelines for creating effective and convincing writing, not inflexible stone tablets to be blindly followed for the sake of order and standardization. I firmly believe that most readers will concur that the final chapter, which deals with style in general, beautifully summarizes what good writing entails and does so in plain and understandable English.

If you struggle to get your point across or simply desire to enhance your writing skills in general, this book is a must-read. It is not only beneficial for English writers but is essential for them.
July 14,2025
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I think The Elements of Style is an enjoyable read. It has a sense of humor that really appeals to me. However, it's not just the humor that makes it great. It might very well turn out to be one of the most useful books on writing that I've ever come across. Despite being short and not looking particularly impressive at first glance, the amount of practical information it contains is truly remarkable.

My favorite rule by Strunk is "Omit needless words." This may sound simple enough, but eliminating the excess words can have a significant impact on one's writing. It can make the text more concise, clear, and engaging.

Some of the rules that Strunk sets forth in this book, though, can be limiting for a writer. They seem to be more focused on formal writing rather than fiction writing. Many of the rules are concerned with the clarity of the text and how to avoid ambiguity. While I understand the importance of clarity so that the reader can easily understand what's going on, I also believe that ambiguity can have its place in fiction. When used correctly, it can even enhance the story and add depth and complexity. Strunk's strictness about clarity is one aspect of his teachings that I find a bit of a drawback.

White, on the other hand, seems to have a better understanding of fiction writing and is not as rigid when it comes to writing rules. When their ideas are combined, they form a great duo. This book does have its limitations, especially considering how it has aged over time. Nevertheless, I still feel that it has a lot to offer and I will definitely be adding it to my re-readable shelf. I'm sure I'll continue to learn from it and apply its principles to my own writing.
July 14,2025
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I find this book truly fascinating.

When I compare it to modern style guides, it presents a unique perspective.

Although it won't necessarily be the first choice I reach for when working with students, I still consider it to be a highly valuable resource.

It offers insights and knowledge that can enhance our understanding of language and writing.

The book may have its own charm and characteristics that set it apart from the more contemporary style guides.

Perhaps it contains historical or traditional elements that can add depth and richness to our writing.

Even if it doesn't fit perfectly into every teaching or writing situation, its value cannot be ignored.

I believe that by exploring different resources, we can expand our horizons and become more well-rounded writers and educators.

This book, with its fascinating qualities, definitely has a place in my collection of valuable writing resources.

July 14,2025
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Sometimes it's truly comforting to spend some quality time with two old guys who have extremely strong opinions about commas.

These two individuals, with their vast knowledge and unwavering stance on the proper usage of commas, can make for some very interesting conversations.

They will passionately debate the placement of a comma in a sentence, arguing over whether it should be here or there.

Their discussions can be both enlightening and entertaining, as they share their insights and experiences on the importance of punctuation.

Spending time with them not only gives you a new perspective on the humble comma but also reminds you of the beauty and precision of the English language.

It's a unique and enjoyable experience that you won't soon forget.
July 14,2025
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I really don't know what the fuss is all about.

You have the option to purchase the book right here.

Moreover, if you feel so inclined, you can also show your support by clicking on the image below. It's a simple way to let me know that you appreciate my work.

\\n  \\"Buy\\n
July 14,2025
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This book is the 'go-to' for most writers for a reason. It is quick, concise and amazing.

It offers valuable insights and practical advice that can enhance the writing process.

But, it's also very helpful for readers.

You know how sometimes you're reading and can't quite pinpoint what it is about a book that is wrong? You just know it doesn't sound right?

This book tells why.

It delves into the elements of good writing and helps readers understand what makes a story engaging or not.

By reading this book, readers can develop a better sense of literary criticism and appreciate the art of writing on a deeper level.

Whether you're a writer looking to improve your skills or a reader seeking to enhance your understanding of literature, this book is a must-read.
July 14,2025
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I feel as if I've just been unceremoniously dumped into a bathtub, where I'm being vigorously and roughly scrubbed until my skin is raw.

This book is short and, in a sense, viciously concise. Its strongly worded list of dos and don'ts in writing leaves no room for ambiguity. (I suspect the author is adhering to his own advice.)

I don't concur with those who regard this book as the absolute authority on grammar and writing. (Are we really not supposed to say "five people" but rather "five persons"? Seriously?) However, I also don't dismiss it as an outdated and pretentious work, as many modern students of writing and literature do. Most of my own differences of opinion lie in the fourth chapter, "Words and Expressions Commonly Misused," which is where the author really began to lose me. Some of his gripes are truly outdated or simply, in my view, the author's personal preferences. Nevertheless, the majority of this book's content consists of basic but unfortunately neglected grammar guidelines that I wholeheartedly agree with and wish to heaven that more people would follow.

Still, despite having some reservations, I would recommend this to any writer desiring to refresh their knowledge of some of the basics. It really is like taking a scalding bath to wash away the grime and dirt of the cringe-worthy grammar we encounter on a daily basis. (Thanks, social media.)
July 14,2025
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It is always beneficial to review grammar and punctuation. These fundamental aspects of language play a crucial role in effective communication. By brushing up on grammar, we can ensure that our sentences are structured correctly, making our ideas more清晰易懂. Punctuation, on the other hand, helps to clarify the meaning and rhythm of our writing. A misplaced comma or a missing period can completely change the intended message. Therefore, taking the time to improve our grammar and punctuation skills is well worth the effort. Whether it's through reading grammar books, practicing with exercises, or seeking feedback from others, there are many ways to enhance our language proficiency. So, let's make it a habit to regularly review and refine our grammar and punctuation, and watch our communication skills soar!

July 14,2025
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When I first delved into "The Elements of Style" during my freshman year in college, it was like opening a treasure chest of knowledge about writing.

I absorbed a great deal of valuable insights and techniques that truly enhanced my understanding of the written word.

However, as the years have passed, I find myself filled with regret. It has taken me far too long to pick up this remarkable book again.

I realize now that I have forgotten many of the crucial lessons it imparted.

I apologize to Mr. Strunk and Mr. White for my oversight.

From this moment forward, I have made a solemn vow to myself. I shall make it a point to review this book on a yearly basis.

This way, I can ensure that the wisdom and guidance within its pages remain fresh in my mind, constantly improving my writing skills and helping me to become a better writer.

I look forward to the journey ahead and the continued growth that "The Elements of Style" will undoubtedly bring.
July 14,2025
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I have a bone to pick with the author of this book. Several bones, in fact.

First off, the book is way too Americanised. The so-called "elements of style" in this book are sold as international standard, which is a linguistic crime as there is no such thing. It sets aside the British proprieties as well as the Irish, Indian and Australian niceties.

Now, maybe I'm a true internationalist, but when a book tells me that I should not use contractions in an official document, when in fact, there's a huge and extensive debate about it still going on, and leaning nowadays towards using them for ease and flow of language purposes, I become immediately suspicious.

Moreover, when a book of "style" tells me that I should not use my native "utilize" and instead should use "use", it makes me question the author's understanding and respect for different language usages and preferences.

This book seems to impose a one-size-fits-all approach to writing style, which is not only limiting but also inaccurate. There are many valid and diverse ways to express oneself in writing, and a truly useful style guide should embrace and celebrate this diversity rather than trying to homogenize it.

Overall, I find this book to be disappointingly narrow-minded and lacking in the necessary flexibility and open-mindedness that a good style guide should possess.
July 14,2025
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This was a quick reminder of high school English.

Some of these "rules" I had forgotten; others no longer apply, such as writing "to-day" instead of "today".

I spaced it out over a couple of weeks, reading just one lesson at a time.

I love the examples and revisions the author gives, along with the reasons why things were incorrect.

Most of them I thought were common sensical but occasionally I was stymied.

It's worth reading to improve both English and writing skills.

However, please don't start writing "to-day" and "to-morrow"!

Those spellings need to remain in the past!

This book serves as a useful refresher for those who want to brush up on their English grammar and writing techniques.

The author's clear explanations and practical examples make it easy to understand and apply the concepts.

Whether you're a student, a professional, or just someone who loves the English language, this book is definitely worth a read.

So, go ahead and pick it up today!
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