The Elements of Style
by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
"The Elements of Style" is a classic guide to writing clear and concise English prose. Authored by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White, it emphasizes the importance of simplicity, clarity, and correctness in writing while providing practical rules and principles for effective communication. The book is renowned for its straightforward advice and has become an essential reference for writers and students alike.
18 curated highlights from this book
Key Insights & Memorable Quotes
Below are the most impactful passages and quotes from The Elements of Style, carefully selected to capture the essence of the book.
Vigorous writing is concise.
Omit needless words.
Place the emphatic words of a sentence at the end.
A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences.
Avoid a succession of loose sentences.
In writing, it is best to keep the subject and the verb close together.
Make sure the reader knows who is speaking.
Use the first person in writing.
A sentence should contain no unnecessary words.
Place yourself in the background.
Avoid the use of qualifiers.
The beginning of a sentence should be striking.