The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. is a wonderful book for all writers to use as a guide. Beginners would especially benefit from this book, but since it clearly spells out the rules of English grammar and provides examples to explain each guideline, it's useful for everyone who writes in English.
Among the myriad of books on writing, few prove as directly beneficial as this one. As a writer, I've stumbled through every conceivable mistake, and even now, I am not immune to errors. The journey of improvement spans a lifetime. This book, both easy to comprehend and a valuable point of reference, deserves a permanent spot in the desk drawer – before, during, and after the writing process.
Language evolves with time, but good grammar is the most important tool to help you through whatever you write. Editors, agents, publishers and readers demand good grammar. But it should not take years of reading and diagramming sentences to combine words satisfactorily.
This book is not your typical how-to-write book. It isn't about time management and the mindset and all the fluff. It's about the writing. Plain good English writing. (Another good book I recommend for writing English is On Writing Well by William Zinsser- read my review here). Good writing comes with clarity and articulation. Closely studying The Elements of Style will elevate a writer's awareness of certain flaws. Tiny flaws pass most of us by without notice indeed, but they can also undermine an otherwise excellent piece of writing.
Don't we all yearn to write at a level where grammar becomes inconsequential? Picture each sentence effortlessly flowing from the pen, adorned with the succinct brilliance reminiscent of Oscar Wilde's polished prose – all achieved on the very first draft. Imagine exploring the deepest recesses of our imagination and thoughts, unburdened by concerns like, "Should the comma be placed here or there?" Alas, I wonder if such a state of writing nirvana truly exists. The process of revision seems never-ending.
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