# William Strunk - The Elements of Style (Highlights)  ## Metadata **Review**:: [readwise.io](https://readwise.io/bookreview/33271938) **Source**:: #from/readwise #from/reader **Zettel**:: #zettel/fleeting **Status**:: #x **Authors**:: [[William Strunk]] **Full Title**:: The Elements of Style **Category**:: #books #readwise/books **Category Icon**:: 📚 **Highlighted**:: [[2023-10-19]] **Created**:: [[2023-10-19]] ## Highlights - non-restrictive relative clauses, that is, those which do not serve to identify or define the antecedent noun, and similar clauses introduced by conjunctions indicating time or place. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd16hnvp3hw2q69hkjf75nv8)) ^612361299 ### II. ELEMENTARY RULES OF USAGE - Compare the restrictive relative clause, not set off by commas, in the sentence, The candidate who best meets these requirements will obtain the place. Here the clause introduced by *who* does serve to tell which of several possible candidates is meant; the sentence cannot be split up into two independent statements. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd16mbj2134d9j9479r6w5tf)) ^612361617 #### 3. Enclose parenthetic expressions between commas. - But whether the interruption be slight or considerable, he must never insert one comma and omit the other. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcydzncb4e9qf0hy9nw5rcaj)) ^611884904 #### 4. Place a comma before a conjunction introducing a co-ordinate clause. - When the subject is the same for both clauses and is expressed only once, a comma is required if the connective is *but*. If the connective is *and*, the comma should be omitted if the relation between the two statements is close or immediate. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd3w1gb1k7cq3xvxck7a6z8h)) ^612828046 #### 7. A participial phrase at the beginning of a sentence must refer to the grammatical subject. ### III. ELEMENTARY PRINCIPLES OF COMPOSITION #### 8. Make the paragraph the unit of composition: one paragraph to each topic. - As a rule, single sentences should not be written or printed as paragraphs. An exception may be made of sentences of transition, indicating the relation between the parts of an exposition or argument. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcye1q6m2ax79q7vq2jmrh24)) ^611885054 #### 9. As a rule, begin each paragraph with a topic sentence, end it in conformity with the beginning. - the final sentence either emphasizes the thought of the topic sentence or states some important consequence. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcye2g2cxmnz9skegs1058f4)) ^611885097 - Ending with a digression, or with an unimportant detail, is particularly to be avoided. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcye2s1mrfmys71mxj3wh4gp)) ^611885106 #n #blockchain - According to the writer's purpose, he may, as indicated above, relate the body of the paragraph to the topic sentence in one or more of several different ways. He may make the meaning of the topic sentence clearer by restating it in other forms, by defining its terms, by denying the contrary, by giving illustrations or specific instances; he may establish it by proofs; or he may develop it by showing its implications and consequences. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcye4hvz4jkyte8veythk7n6)) ^611885189 #### 10. Use the active voice. - As a rule, avoid making one passive depend directly upon another. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcye56wg3s3chrnv6w7zndyy)) ^611885234 - A common fault is to use as the subject of a passive construction a noun which expresses the entire action, leaving to the verb no function beyond that of completing the sentence. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcye6k058az969qr4vhhqgvd)) ^611885421 > A survey of this region was made in 1900. #### 11. Put statements in positive form. - Make definite assertions. Avoid tame, colorless, hesitating, non-committal language. Use the word *not* as a means of denial or in antithesis, never as a means of evasion. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcye87wxfaa79gxettvpr314)) ^611885493 - Consciously or unconsciously, the reader is dissatisfied with being told only what is not; he wishes to be told what is. Hence, as a rule, it is better to express even a negative in positive form. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcye8pmp4yv4z2epa44awfj7)) ^611885501 #### 12. Use definite, specific, concrete language. - If those who have studied the art of writing are in accord on any one point, it is on this, that the surest method of arousing and holding the attention of the reader is by being specific, definite, and concrete. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcye9dwv2829mqf4gd9hfwzm)) ^611885548 #### 13. Omit needless words. - In especial the expression *the fact that* should be revised out of every sentence in which it occurs. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcyeawh1kx1mk11gefc021xs)) ^611885732 - positive statement is more concise than negative, and the active voice more concise than the passive ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcyebbww3m8hsb88q14t3gvt)) ^611885748 #### 15. Express co-ordinate ideas in similar form. - This principle, that of parallel construction, requires that expressions of similar content and function should be outwardly similar. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcyec3hdms55dnny60kk832y)) ^611885764 - On closer examination he will probably find that the difficulty is imaginary, that his twenty ideas can be classified in groups, and that he need apply the principle only within each group. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcyecq3eaggbgvy9wn2f9fyf)) ^611885777 #### 16. Keep related words together. - The subject of a sentence and the principal verb should not, as a rule, be separated by a phrase or clause that can be transferred to the beginning. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcyed8qhwwhy7ykrxgh1q7kv)) ^611885791 - The relative pronoun should come, as a rule, immediately after its antecedent. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcyedjvgf646ctk11q7sshra)) ^611885797 - Modifiers should come, if possible, next to the word they modify. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcyedycvy5ae637rp1ayambd)) ^611885810 #### 17. In summaries, keep to one tense. - If the summary is in the present tense, antecedent action should be expressed by the perfect; if in the past, by the past perfect. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcyeeesxtgnpwnj9zc6t8c3n)) ^611885857 - He should indicate clearly at the outset, once for all, that what follows is summary, and then waste no words in repeating the notification. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcyeetzxyshj8amr5ew6bpmv)) ^611885876 #### 18. Place the emphatic words of a sentence at the end. - The word or group of words entitled to this position of prominence is usually the logical predicate, that is, the *new* element in the sentence, as it is in the second example. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcyefpetm0z92snxq8zcjkj7)) ^611886079 Introduce new elements in the end of the sentance. - Any element in the sentence, other than the subject, may become emphatic when placed first. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcyegrp15s0teaccwpqsecqb)) ^611886255 - To receive special emphasis, the subject of a sentence must take the position of the predicate. Through the middle of the valley flowed a winding stream. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcyehgn75763bafgmyn1qpm6)) ^611886288 ### IV. A FEW MATTERS OF FORM #### References - As a general practice, give the references in parenthesis or in footnotes, not in the body of the sentence. Omit the words *act*, *scene*, *line*, *book*, *volume*, *page*, except when referring by only one of them. Punctuate as indicated below. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcyen6cx42gpg44jzvvtnqk7)) ^611886612 > After the killing of Polonius, Hamlet is placed under guard (IV.ii. 14). #### Titles - For the titles of literary works, scholarly usage prefers italics with capitalized initials. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcyep0wzc0fgetq6t69k44jj)) ^611886652 - Omit initial *A* or *The* from titles when you place the possessive before them. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcyeq4kg6rvjhz7tgebdnpzs)) ^611886709 > A Tale of Two Cities; Dickens's Tale of Two Cities. ### V. WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS COMMONLY MISUSED - **But.** Unnecessary after *doubt* and *help*. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcyeqy976vqyg4xcm3691c08)) ^611886820 > I have no doubt that - A loose sentence formed with *but* can always be converted into a periodic sentence formed with *although*, as illustrated under [Rule 4](#Rule_4). ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcyes8p4wajm2mmryqskjds9)) ^611886887 - **Can.** Means *am (is, are) able*. Not to be used as a substitute for *may*. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcyeskhjkc33krdc0yc78y8b)) ^611886911 - **Case.** The Concise Oxford Dictionary begins its definition of this word: “instance of a thing's occurring; usual state of affairs.” In these two senses, the word is usually unnecessary. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcyet3kz84psvgw8rzg6p140)) ^611886928 - **Character.** Often simply redundant, used from a mere habit of wordiness. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcyetc2pz4p9ydxcqcg2qvgb)) ^611886933 - **Consider.** Not followed by *as* when it means “believe to be.” “I consider him thoroughly competent.” Compare, “The lecturer considered Cromwell first as soldier and second as administrator,” where “considered” means “examined” or “discussed.” ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd07edmp9xgew22z5b4jd77v)) ^612189659 - **Clever.** This word has been greatly overused; it is best restricted to ingenuity displayed in small matters. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcyetgjybaqbzfbe15xk8x3b)) ^611886935 - **Compare.** To *compare to* is to point out or imply resemblances, between objects regarded as essentially of different order; to *compare with* is mainly to point out differences, between objects regarded as essentially of the same order. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hcyetv26d26b1mpwmx3zntw4)) ^611887094 - **Data.** A plural, like *phenomena* and *strata*. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd07dx9ajw5ac47tgx3jewm6)) ^612189639 - **Dependable.** A needless substitute for *reliable*, *trustworthy*. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd07empmdhjtpgzm14qsvved)) ^612189664 - **Different than.** Not permissible. Substitute *different from*, *other than*, or *unlike*. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd07f0p6c0dpx3651axfxe1s)) ^612189700 - **Folk.** A collective noun, equivalent to *people*. Use the singular form only. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd07f8q3v0kv3y0fr5jt8vfr)) ^612189704 - **Factor.** A hackneyed word; the expressions of which it forms part can usually be replaced by something more direct and idiomatic. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd07fm8rpkj0wacwgwb5gr6c)) ^612189715 - **Feature.** Another hackneyed word; like *factor* it usually adds nothing to the sentence in which it occurs. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd07fr0gwse2k99w3qgncevk)) ^612189731 - **Fix.** Colloquial in America for *arrange*, *prepare*, *mend*. In writing restrict it to its literary senses, *fasten*, *make firm or immovable*, etc. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd07fzr46nvmtqbtesbrev2c)) ^612189739 - **However.** In the meaning *nevertheless*, not to come first in its sentence or clause. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd07gac1anfs6yy25y9xchkf)) ^612189761 - When *however* comes first, it means *in whatever way* or *to whatever extent*. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd07vgg4yzhn4kbbr1fv619j)) ^612191547 - **Interesting.** Avoid this word as a perfunctory means of introduction. Instead of announcing that what you are about to tell is interesting, make it so. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd07vwnpqjbaqvnr3kmcjd1p)) ^612191559 - *Less* refers to quantity, *fewer* to number. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd07w8gckaeh68na07gqr42y)) ^612191568 - **Like.** Not to be misused for *as*. *Like* governs nouns and pronouns; before phrases and clauses the equivalent word is *as*. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd07wh5h13ja7rakeebqx3pc)) ^612191575 - **Most.** Not to be used for *almost*. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd07wtk8kcdw4aem7td1b6ns)) ^612191612 - **Nature.** Often simply redundant, used like *[character](#Character)* . ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd07x152q0e84ktpcxsk1ped)) ^612191824 - **Oftentimes, ofttimes.** Archaic forms, no longer in good use. The modern word is *often*. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd07x7jc1v9fm2r4x03wvb60)) ^612191830 - **People.** *The people* is a political term, not to be confused with *the public*. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd07xn1y9g6rf1fyxw7bt9bj)) ^612191849 - **Possess.** Not to be used as a mere substitute for *have* or *own*. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd07xxcvx2mbbbdxexs16tbx)) ^612191861 - **Respective, respectively.** These words may usually be omitted with advantage. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd07y4hnd69hzfkryf2vwp1k)) ^612191911 - **So.** Avoid, in writing, the use of *so* as an intensifier: “so good;” “so warm;” “so delightful.” ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd07ycz2kwjhrd51yhbndpym)) ^612191929 - Split Infinitive. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd07z6f3f776bz0vymedyf0x)) ^612191959 > correct: To inquire diligently - **State.** Not to be used as a mere substitute for *say*, *remark*. Restrict it to the sense of *express fully or clearly*, as, “He refused to state his objections.” ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd07zrgrnxq7bzn4sc0278fc)) ^612193933 - **System.** Frequently used without need. Dayton has adopted the commission system of government. Dayton has adopted government by commission. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd0806hwqp4jt3a6zhvanmgj)) ^612193958 - **Very.** Use this word sparingly. Where emphasis is necessary, use words strong in themselves. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd080ecp50vt3396t4karvj5)) ^612193963 - **Viewpoint.** Write *point of view*, but do not misuse this, as many do, for *view* or *opinion*. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd080j62tve62ng3xmfpxv05)) ^612193966 - **While.** Avoid the indiscriminate use of this word for *and*, *but*, and *although*. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd080tx9rfx0385vnkfdmdn4)) ^612194013 <!-- New highlights added October 22, 2023 at 5:51 AM --> - *and* is the least specific of connectives ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd5p002eq78m7n1yf6thvtz7)) ^613323374 - If the second member is introduced by an adverb, a semicolon, not a comma, is required (see [Rule 5](#Rule_5)) ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd5nyvxjwc2y59cp57hh5bse)) ^613323352 - If a dependent clause, or an introductory phrase requiring to be set off by a comma, precedes the second independent clause, no comma is needed after the conjunction. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hd5p21yr319mq4z1v3drjdgv)) ^613323506