The Elements of Style
From The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
Contents |
Chapter Summary
Introduction
William Strunk Jr. wrote The Elements of Style in the early 1900's. He composed this book of rhetoric as a professor at Cornell University. This was a required text for his students. Strunk's work was nicknamed "the little book" because of its condensed length. The text compiles the basics of English rhetoric. The book includes rules of grammar posed as orders. The rules and principles are assertive and straight to the point, making them easy for readers to understand. Each rule is then followed by both good and bad examples. This book is known for its sharp advice and assertiveness. In its fourth edition, it has been shaped and edited by one of Strunk's former students, E.B White, who plays the role of "the messenger" throughout the text.
Elementary Rules of Usage
1. Form the possessive singular of nouns by adding 's. - The only exceptions to this rule are names ending in -es and -is, like James.
2. In a series of three or more terms with a single conjunction, use a comma after each term except the last. - Do this so that terms are separated and defined individually.
3. Enclose parenthetic expressions between commas - We do this to emphasize importance and to define the prime of what we are saying.
4. Place a comma before a conjunction introducing an independent clause - Sentences with two segments (with the second part starting with either as, for, or, nor, or while) need a comma separating them.
5. Do not join independent clauses with a comma. - If two parts of a sentence are complete, you need not join them by a comma. In this case you could, however, use a semicolon. Commas are only preferred when segments of a section are short and choppy.
6. Do not break sentences in two - Do not put periods in the place of commas; it makes the sentences choppy, and there are too many stops for the reader.
7. Use a colon after an independent clause to introduce a list of particulars, an appositive, an amplification, or an illustrative quotation. - Placing a colon in a sentence shows the readers that both clauses are linked. A colon comes after an independent clause.
8. Use a dash to set off an abrupt break or interruption and to announce a long appositive or summary. - A dash has more significance than a comma, but not a colon. Put a dash mark only when other more frequent punctuation cannot be used.
9. The number of the subject determines the number of the verb. -Words that are between the subject and the verb do not affect the number of the verb.
10. Use the proper case of pronoun -The personal pronouns, as well as the pronoun who, change form as they function as subject or object.
11. A participial phrase at the beginning of a sentence must refer to the grammatical subject.
Elementary Principles of Composition
12. Choose a suitable design and hold to it.
13. Make the paragraph the unit of composition.
14. Use the active voice. -This voice is usually more direct and vigorous than the passive.
Ex.
I shall always remember my first trip to Boston. (Active) My first trip to Boston will always be remembered by me. (Passive)
15. Put statements in positive form. - When writing, be bold and say exactly what you mean. Do not use the word 'not' freely, only use it when actually in denial.
Example: Incorrect-> There will never be enough time for you to do that. {Not positive form} Correct-> There is a lack of time for you to do that.
16. Use definite, specific, concrete language. Example: Incorrect-->A period of infavorable weather set in. Correct-->It rained every day for a week.
17. Omit needless words. -A sentence should contain no unnecessary words.
Example: Incorrect-> His hat is a different one. Correct-> His hat is different.
18. Avoid a succession of loose sentences.
19. Express coordinate ideas in similar form.
Example:
Loved is the baby.
Loved is the mommy.
Loved is the daddy.
It would be incorrect to write:
Loved is the baby.
Mommy is loved.
By someone, loved is the daddy.
20. Keep related words together.
21. In summaries, keep to one tense. -In summarizing the action of a drama, use the present tense. In summarizing a poem, story, or novel, also use the present tense. Only use past tense if it seems more natural to do so.
22. Place the emphatic words of a sentence at the end.
A Few Matters of Form
2. Exclamations This is a difficult rule to follow sometimes because we have a tendency to use it inappropriately. It is used in an excited statement or a command
Example:
Stop!
Put that down!
6. Numerals The rule is to not spell out the numbers. Instead, use Roman Numerals. For dates, write out the date with the numbers.
Example:
May 25, 2010
