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Table of Contents
Introduction
The Secrets of Style
The Steps to Improve One's Style
The Elements of Style Original Introduction
I. Elementary Rules of Usage
1. Form the possessive singular of nouns by adding 's.
2. In a series of three or more terms with a single conjunction, use a comma after each term except the last.
3. Enclose parenthetic expressions between commas.
4. Place a comma before a conjunction introducing an independent clause.
5. Do not join independent clauses by a comma.
6. Do not break sentences in two.
7. A participial phrase at the beginning of a sentence must refer to the grammatical subject.
II. Elementary Principles of Composition
8. Write with varied sentence length.
9. Make the paragraph the unit of composition: one paragraph to each topic.
10. As a rule, begin each paragraph with a topic sentence; end it in conformity with the beginning.
11. Write with a purpose.
12. Use the active voice.
13. Put statements in positive form.
14. Use definite, specific, concrete language.
15. Omit needless words.
16. Avoid a succession of loose sentences.
17. Express co-ordinate ideas in similar form.
18. Keep related words together.
19. In summaries, keep to one tense.
20. Place the emphatic words of a sentence at the end.
III. The Secrets of Style
21. Imitating the Masters of Literature
22. Writing Dialogue with Style
23. Shifting Style at Will
Appendices
Appendix A: The Elements of Style Checklist
Appendix B: Supporting Material for Exercise 21.1.
Appendix C: Supporting Material for Exercise 21.9.
Appendix D: Supporting Material for Exercise 21.11.
Appendix E: Answer Key
References
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