Elements of Style

In comparison to the first assignment when we gave our first definition of style, this book really helped me to redefine what style is. There was one short paragraph that I think did an excellent job of showing an example of style. "If you doubt that style is something of a mystery, try rewriting a familiar sentence and see what happens. Any much-quoted sentence will do. Suppose we take 'these are the times that try men's souls.' Here we have eight short easy words words, forming a simple declarative sentence. The sentence contains no flashy ingredient such as 'Damn the torpedoes!' and the words you see are ordinary. Yet in that arrangement, they have shown great durability." (67) The variations of sentences that followed did indeed show different styles using the same words in the given sentence.

Another area which I thought was helpful was the misused words section. To have a relevant list of words that are so commonly misused was very helpful. Two words in paticular that I really have issues with are comprise and effect. I try to remember the United States analogy for it, but I always forget it. The example in the book was quite easy to remember. "A zoo comprises mammals,reptiles,and birds (because it 'embraces,' or 'includes,'them). But animals do not comprise ("embrace") a zoo-they constitute a zoo." (43) So I'll see how long this one sticks with me.

The few rules I did not consider helpful were some of the elementary rules of usage. Some were actually helpful in regards to the dashes and independent clauses, but some were very elementary as the book stated. For instance adding an 's' to make a word plural, or in a series of three place a comma after each term except the third. Everyone has their trouble spots when it comes to grammar, so the book does a good job of covering many areas.