I'm a non-native English speaker, and I have been teaching myself to write almost entirely on my own.

I've dedicated a significant amount of time to this pursuit, and I like to believe that I've managed to do an okay job.

However, every once in a while, there are certain things that slip past my notice.

This book is precisely what covers those things that I might have overlooked.

I truly wish I had come across this book a decade earlier.

It would have been an invaluable resource during my earlier days of learning to write in English.

Perhaps it could have helped me avoid some of the mistakes and improve my writing skills more effectively.

Nonetheless, I'm grateful to have found it now, and I look forward to learning from it and enhancing my writing abilities further.

This is the oft-cited classic.

If you haven't read it, read it. I know that seems an overly strong recommendation, but the value of this book's guidelines can't be understated.

Elements of Style contains the most valuable advice for any writer: “Omit needless words. Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences.” This advice is truly golden. It helps writers to cut out the fluff and get straight to the point, making their writing more powerful and effective.

Also, the chapter “Words and Expressions Commonly Misused” is not only helpful, but funny. It points out the common mistakes that writers make and provides clear explanations and examples to help them avoid those mistakes in the future. Reading this chapter can be both educational and entertaining, and it can help writers to improve their language skills and become more confident in their writing.

In conclusion, Elements of Style is a must-read for any writer, whether you are a beginner or an experienced professional. It contains valuable advice and practical tips that can help you to improve your writing and make it more engaging, clear, and effective.

I have always harbored a deep-seated desire to achieve fluency in English ever since I first developed an affinity for this language. My inspiration stemmed from my cousin, who was in the 'English-era' and whom I regarded as incredibly smart, capable of answering any question I posed to her with ease. I was truly astounded to discover that she religiously memorized English words using her mini dictionary, enabling her to express her thoughts and feelings with greater precision. I convinced myself that this might be the key to attaining proficiency in English. Fascinated by her method, I followed suit. She graciously allowed me to borrow her dictionary, and I committed all the words to memory. By the time I had finished that dictionary, I had seemingly proven my hypothesis. However, not content with the new words I had acquired, I delved into more than two dictionaries until I became nauseated by the sheer volume of words I was attempting to absorb.

But I received a rude awakening when I asked myself how I could speak as impeccably as the so-called grammar Nazis, a phrase I was not yet familiar with at that time. Additionally, I was envious of a political icon in the Philippines who was widely admired for her intelligence and captivating oratorical speeches. Indeed, whenever I spoke English with great aplomb, buoyed by my crystallized knowledge of vocabulary, I remained blissfully unaware of the fact that those I addressed might cringe at my "Carabao English." Fortunately, my unconscious thirst for learning drove me to persevere in reading more English textbooks, and English became my favorite subject throughout my school life.

To further enhance my English skills, I decided to teach Koreans, as teaching them seemed to be all the rage at that time. However, I soon realized that I had a wrong perception. Working as an ESL teacher for nine years has taught me numerous valuable lessons on English grammar and structures, particularly in the realm of effective writing. As a result, I have become more confident in my English abilities. My friends would even playfully tag me as a grammar policeman, a title I have learned to accept. Nevertheless, I shattered this delusion when I realized one day that there are people, perhaps unknown to us, who struggle with learning disabilities. I firmly believe that looking down on someone's shortcomings in perfecting English is an example of intellectual hubris.

When I first read "The Elements of Style" (second edition) during my teaching career at an international language school, I was shocked to discover that there were still many things I did not know. It also dawned on me that not all the information I had learned was accurate. Consequently, I experienced what I termed a "grammatical crisis," similar to the legal term "constitutional crisis" when a government agency is rendered ineffective due to the ambiguous and illogical application of the law. However, I was not scholarly enough to fully embrace the points made in the book, as I preferred to trust the authority of the authors whose books I had relied on for so many years. It was as if I had discarded the book and chosen to remain incorrigible, intransigent, and in denial. Fortunately, I later read its pdf version.

When I obtained the third edition of this book, I felt as though I was seeking guidance from a panel of experts on the English language or a faculty of dedicated teachers who have been teaching English to non-native speakers for years. There were certain grammar parts that left me discombobulated. (William Strunk would surely shudder at my use of this adjective.) Eventually, I came to realize that the authors, in contrast to the ones I looked up to, had a method to their madness.

The book is divided into five parts that shatter my blissful ignorance: Elementary Usage of Rules, Elementary Principles of Composition, A Few Matters of Form, Words and Expressions Commonly Misused, and An Approach to Style.

The first part, Elementary Usage of Rules, once again shattered my world when I revisited some incorrect grammatical information that I had previously disregarded. For instance, I had always believed that I could use an apostrophe (' ) even if a proper noun ends with s, as taught in the first English textbook I read (a poignant memory). This belief was further supported by standardized English test books used by non-native speakers. However, the book now states that this is incorrect. Another rule that I had forgotten or was confused about was that no comma should separate a noun from a restrictive form of identification. Punctuation marks like commas and dashes used for appositive phrases had contributed to my confusion. Additionally, the book clarifies that when the connective is "and," the comma should be omitted if the relation between the two statements is close or immediate. This is a rule that had bothered me, as I was unsure whether to separate two independent clauses using FANBOYS or combine them with the same subject. Finally, the book points out that it is a blunder to use a singular verb form in a relative clause following "one of...". This is another grammar point that had困惑 me, as most grammar books I had read seemed to argue that both singular and plural verb forms could be used. However, they preferred the singular verb form, as "one of..." refers to a singular noun excluding itself from the group.

My favorite part of the book is Elementary Principles of Composition. Although I have learned most of the tips on effective writing several times before, I am still exhilarated by their emphatic significance. Sometimes, I tend to disregard the constant reminders of professional writers, but now I realize that it is high time I took their advice seriously. Moreover, there are some bad writing habits that I must break. For example, my writing style often tends to digress, lacking brevity and conciseness. I also have a habit of writing statements with doubt, not necessarily because I want to assert my opinions, but rather because I believe that I should not insist on something that may be invalid or unreliable, considering the diverse perspectives of the readers. I would rather leave my audience with some room for interpretation and allow them to find the answers themselves. Additionally, I need to use more definite, specific, and concrete language to make my writing more engaging and easier to understand. General statements often obscure my main points, resulting in what can be described as a "word salad." Another area where I need to improve is omitting needless words. I have a penchant for injecting non-essential clauses, which can clutter my writing and make it less effective. Finally, I need to remember the rule that an article or a preposition applying to all the members of a series must either be used only before the first term or be repeated before each term. I was glad to learn that I was correct when a professor corrected my sentence according to this rule.

I also found A Few Matters of Form quite enjoyable. I learned from this part that most dates and numbers are best spelled out in dialogues. Additionally, since I am into blogging, I should omit the initial "A" or "The" from titles when I place the possessive form before them. This is a useful tip that I will surely implement in my future blog posts.

Words and Expressions Commonly Misused provides a comprehensive discussion on the correct usage of words and expressions that I have reviewed several times. It emphasizes the importance of using simple and clear language and avoiding unnecessary complications. For example, we can simply use "whether" instead of "as to whether" or "yet not as yet." The book also suggests certain words that are more acceptable in writing, although it fails to provide justifiable reasons for some of these suggestions. For instance, it recommends using "at this moment" instead of "currently," "because of" instead of "due to," and "enthusiastic" instead of "enthuse." In addition, the book expresses a distaste for our common habit of using certain words and phrases that we may think are part of normal communication, such as "one of the most," "relate to," "respectively," "the foreseeable future," "utilize," "very," "finalize," "hopefully," and "importantly." Admittedly, I have used most of these words and phrases in my blog posts many times, and I can't help but laugh at myself.

For more lists of words and phrases that we should avoid, the book provides a link.

An Approach to Style offers a list of reminders on effective writing. I particularly enjoyed this part because it taught me that we can have our own unique writing styles, but we should also consider the essential elements that make our writing acceptable and engaging. We need to be mindful of our audience, purpose, and tone, and use appropriate language and structures to convey our message effectively.

"The Elements of Style" has been widely regarded as one of the most influential non-fiction books of all time by publications such as The Guardian and Time magazine. It is often considered a bible for English teachers and writers alike. The major impacts it has had on me, aside from providing correct English grammar and structures, are the growing realization that English is not the sole measure of intelligence, but rather a tool for communication and self-expression. We should never stop learning and improving our English skills if we want to become better writers and communicators. Moreover, this book has served as another catalyst for my insatiable desire to become a good writer in the foreseeable future - a time expression that would have surely repulsed William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White. (laughs)

The original article:
This is a very good article. It presents a clear and concise argument. The author's writing style is engaging and easy to follow. The ideas are well-developed and supported by relevant examples. Overall, it is a great piece of work.

Expanded article:
This is an excellent article.

It presents a clear and concise argument that is both thought-provoking and engaging. The author's writing style is highly effective, making it easy for the reader to follow along and understand the main points.

The ideas presented in the article are well-developed and supported by relevant examples, which adds credibility and depth to the argument.

Overall, this is a great piece of work that showcases the author's skills and expertise in the subject matter. It is definitely worth reading and considering for anyone interested in the topic.

Like Stephen King's On Writing, this book is one that I will always reach for and flip through.

It is extremely helpful and full of valuable information. I was truly astonished to discover how many mistakes I had been making, but at the same time, it was very encouraging to learn that I was also doing a significant number of things correctly.

Whether you see the glass as half full or half empty really depends on the day.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who is currently writing, hopes to write in the future, or simply wants to gain a better understanding of all the crazy rules and conventions that are associated with the art of writing.

It has the potential to be a game-changer for writers of all levels, providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to improve their craft and take their writing to the next level.

A Remarkably Useful Manual for Writers

This is a truly remarkable manual that offers a comprehensive set of rules and style guidelines for writers.

At times, it can seem a bit dry, as one would expect from a manual. However, it also has its moments of wit and humor, which makes it an engaging read.

The final chapter on style is especially beneficial for up and coming writers. It provides valuable insights and practical tips on how to develop a unique writing style.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced writer, this manual is a must-have resource. It will help you improve your writing skills and take your work to the next level.

Overall, I highly recommend this manual to anyone who is serious about writing. It is a valuable investment that will pay off in the long run.

If I were stranded on a desert island with my laptop, the one essential writer's guide I would have to have with me would be Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style.

The original edition was written as a textbook by English professor Will Strunk, Jr. It was later revived, expanded, and published by one of his students, E.B. White. The book has remained in print ever since. White is also well-known as the author of Charlotte’s Web and The Letters of E.B. White, which contains some of the wisest and wittiest correspondence.

The Elements of Style is a user-friendly book, consisting of six chapters that cover topics such as style and spelling, along with a glossary and an index at the back. I make it a point to reread the book every two or three years to refresh my memory. I often find myself looking up the correct usage of "lay" and "lie," which is a common source of confusion.

One of the joys of this book is its examples, which illustrate the correct and incorrect usage of grammar and style. For instance, the sentence "being in a dilapidated condition, I was able to buy the house very cheap" shows the incorrect use of a participial phrase and subject.

Chapter 4, "Words and Expressions Commonly Misused," is a valuable resource when I come across something that everyone seems to say incorrectly. Strunk and White advocate for a minimalist approach to style, advising against padding, labeling, and creating verbs by adding "-ize" to a noun.

I have gone through several paperback editions of The Elements of Style since I was introduced to it by my high school English teacher. I even splurged on Maira Kalman’s illustrated edition when it was released in hardcover. And the 50th Anniversary Edition, with its gilt lettering and black leather binding, is so precious to me that I might even consider being buried with it.

My opinion of this book has undergone a significant transformation over the past year.

Not long ago, I believed it was an excellent tool for teaching the fundamentals of proper English usage and effective writing to those who might not be interested in reading lengthy treatises on esoteric aspects of linguistics. Although I had only read it once and referred to it infrequently, I considered it a candidate for a five-star rating.

Then along came Geoffrey Pullum, a grammarian and contributor to "the Language Log" and "Linga Franca," the language blog for "The Chronicle of Higher Education." I admit to developing a bit of an intellectual crush on Dr. Pullum, who writes about the kinds of things that a grammar nerd like me enjoys, with enthusiasm and humor. It turns out that he *hates* this book. And he has some valid points.

One of his main targets is the issue of the "passive voice." He has written a 23-page article on this topic, which goes beyond "Elements of Style" and delves into the broader social misuse and misunderstanding of Strunk & White's advice. It all seems to start on page 18 of the "little book," where it tells us to "use the active voice" and then gets everything wrong. Three out of four of the "bad" examples on page 19 are actually in the active voice, and none of the "corrected" sentences are really any better. To make matters worse, several of the sentences urging you to write in the active voice are actually passive sentences.

However, when I look at the book again, I still find some pleasure in it. And I must admit that my intellectual crush on Pullum has already begun to fade, as I've seen him be just as silly about some antiquated grammatical rules that are dear to his heart, despite his love for English as a living language. In the end, some people probably do gain something from this book. It gives them a reason to start thinking about their writing, makes them aware that people do care about how they present themselves, and that leads to more thoughtful writing. So, despite all its flaws, I'm going to rate this book in the middle. I suspect it does cause some harm, as Pullum suggests, but it also probably does some good.

There are certain books that demand to be adapted as if it were second nature.

This very book is precisely of that kind. I wouldn't dare to claim that I have managed to fully comprehend this classic masterpiece in one single attempt. No, indeed. I will have no choice but to return to this book time and time again in order to fully appreciate its profound essence.

I have formulated a plan to read it every single month for the upcoming twelve months and then every three months thereafter. This is a book that simply cries out to be read again, and again, and again.

It is a literary gem that reveals new layers of meaning and beauty with each successive reading. It has the power to captivate the reader's imagination and transport them to a different world.

One cannot truly do justice to this book without devoting significant time and effort to its study and exploration. It is a book that will surely stand the test of time and remain a beloved classic for generations to come.

The aspect that makes this my book of choice regarding English language usage and style is the fact that its authors presented it in a unique structure.

It doesn't demand a reader to understand the naming of the different parts of speech to benefit from its teaching. The format consists of a series of boldface statements, which are expressed in the standard English gobbledegook but are immediately supported by real-world examples. This is a highly effective strategy as, let's face it, those fancy words don't mean much to non-academics. However, if modal auxiliaries, pronominal possessives, and gerunds are of interest, there's a useful glossary at the end. (Some of these terms, like the difference between a loose sentence and a periodic sentence, are actually quite useful.)

Then, there's Section V, An Approach to Style, which contains no less than twenty-one reminders on how to be stylish in writing. The authors couldn't be reached for comment on whether the number twenty-one has any correlation to the American drinking age. (Yes, I know they've passed away.) This makes one wonder: If heaven exists, do they correct the speech of ghosts there? Probably not important. What matters is that this is a lean, mean grammatical machine.

So, maybe after reading this book, you still want more. You've become an insatiable style and grammar monster, maintaining parallel constructions and using active voice and economy in every instance. But you still crave more - MORE! Well, then you could consider reading this: Arthur Plotnik's Spunk and Bite: A writer's guide to punchier more engaging language style. The title is a play on the names of the authors of The Elements of Style and it's a pretty decent follow-up to this classical work.

2nd review (01/08/2024):

It's okay.

1st Review (02/01/2022):

This book is truly remarkable. It serves a dual purpose that is both practical and somewhat unexpected. Firstly, it is perfect for the task of rolling a cigarette over. You see, if by any chance some tobacco happens to fall during the rolling process, it will conveniently land on the book. This simple yet ingenious design feature effectively prevents the precious tobacco from being lost or spoiled.

Failing that, and even if you don't use it for cigarette rolling, it makes for a unique coaster for hot drinks. It adds a touch of novelty and charm to any table setting. Whether you're enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning or a warm tea in the evening, this book can double as a functional and interesting coaster.

All in all, this book offers more than meets the eye and is definitely worth considering for its practical uses.

Wish I’d read this like 6 years ago and hadn’t decided it was chic and postmodern to be a terrible writer