My first impression of The Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr. with Revisions, an Introduction, and a Chapter by E.B. White, 4th edition is that this very small book containing simple rules and basic information for using English language in formal writing. In my opinion, this is a book that was meant to be used as a reference source for intermediate writers that have had previous experience in written composition and that it was not meant to be used for teaching English. Beginning writers might find the format of the book boring to read or perhaps they might not have enough experience to appreciate the advice. The book was first published in 1918 and has been revised several times. While the information and structure of the book are current, some of the rules and language seem dated.
The book is divided into five sections. Each section contains brief rules and suggestions for composition writing. The first chapter is on basic grammar rules. In my opinion, it was actually helpful to have a quick review of grammar rules. It helped me realize that since I have been going to college, I have been relying on spelling and grammar checkers for all of my writing assignments. Chapter one, made me realize just how lazy I’ve gotten with grammar and it has helped me to realize that it’s time to be more proactive in learning how to write.
The second chapter had brief rules, more like helpful suggestions for composition. Reviewing information from this chapter reminded me of basic composition principals that I learned along time ago and had forgotten about. I found rule fourteen, “Use the active voice” to be helpful. It says, “The active voice is usually more direct and vigorous than the passive.” Additionally it says, “The habitual use of the active voice, however, makes for forcible writing. This is true not only of narrative concerned principally with action but in writing of any kind”(18). It gives a few examples in constructing sentences that result in more direct, bold, and concise writing.
A short list of technical ideas regarding formatting made up the third chapter. This chapter might help a new writer, however for students that have been using APA and MLA guidelines, this chapter was redundant.
Chapter four was interesting. It had suggestions for words and expressions that are considered to be commonly misused. I learned that there were several words that I have been misusing, but then there were also some questionable rules. For example, the definition of the following rule needs rewording, clarification, and updating: “Noun Used As Verb. Many nouns have lately been pressed into service as verbs. Not all are bad, but all are suspect” (54). The book gives some examples and then makes recommendations that I don’t feel are really that significant.
One example says, “The meeting was chaired by Mr. Oglethorpe.” Strunk and White’s recommendation is, “Mr. Oglethorpe chaired the meeting.” Another example says, “The candidate hosted a dinner for fifty of her workers.” The suggested change is, “The candidate gave a dinner for fifty of her workers.” Sometimes in writing, it’s more important to create interest and variety in sentences than in using plain and simple verbs for the sake of clarity.
This rule on “Avoiding using nouns as verbs” needs to be updated and reworded. People speak and write much differently now than they did when my 2000 edition came out and the book seems to be using sentences and making reference to social situations from the 1950’s. With the advent of computer technology and the Internet, many words we use today are nouns that work effectively as verbs.
Furthermore, Strunk and White’s rule seems to contradict itself. In chapter five, rule fourteen it says, “Avoid fancy words.” Avoid the elaborate the coy and the cute. Do not be tempted by a twenty-dollar word when there is a ten center handy, ready and able. Anglo Saxon is a livelier tongue than Latin, so use Anglo Saxon words. In this, as in so many matters pertaining to style, one’s ears must be one’s guide: gut is a lustier noun than intestine, but the two words are not interchangeable, because gut is often inappropriate, being too coarse for the context. Never call the stomach a tummy without good reason” (77).
The description of this rule goes on lecturing about avoiding fancy words and then it says, “…The question of ear is vital. Only the writer whose ear is reliable is in a position to use bad grammar deliberately” and “So cock your ear.” They are using the noun ear instead of a verb to mean hearing or more precisely, auditory discrimination. Not only is the way they use the word ear dated, it is also subjective. Are they saying that if I have good hearing I am permitted to use bad grammar whenever I would like? Using the word hearing is not a twenty dollar word and the word ear isn’t a handy ten cent word option; it’s politically incorrect and anatomically wrong to talk about ears like that. Some people are born without ears and they can hear better than many people that have two ears. One does not have to “cock” their ear to listen well, or even to discriminate. Additionally, “fancy words” is a subjective term in itself. There is never a good reason to replace the word ear for hearing.
The fifth and last chapter was about style. The introduction had concepts worth consideration, however in my opinion the list of reminders were vague and in need of editorial revision and updating.
While there are many writing style books available in the market today, and I personally have others that I prefer using, I still think The Elements of Style, is relevant as a basic and helpful reference book, especially after they update it. Rather than looking at the book, rule by rule, I think the book needs to be considered overall as a whole in order to appreciate what it was meant and is suppose to be.
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