The Best in Style :: Writing Writers Essays

The Best in Style ‘Style’ is an idea that can mean different things to different people. Some like to define it in terms of ‘being one's self’ and going against the norm. But after reading two prominent style guides, "Style Towards Clarity and Grace," and "The Elements of Style," I began to form a different view on the subject as it pertains to writing. When attempting ‘good style’ and ‘good writing,’ writers should try to be original and not follow every rule religiously, but still follow some common writing elements. Many can increase usability for readers. A writer could make something completely unique and the only one who'd ‘get it’ might be himself. In "Style," John M. Williams says it this way: "But however well a writer understands principles, it is not enough for those who also want to articulate that understanding to others"(2). Unless we're writing in a diary, we write to ‘talk’ to other people and the style rules aid in this. That is where the style manuals come. They both outline many useful elements, but at the same time contain some that aren't needed by everyone. The first of these manuals is "The Elements of Style." Of the two manuals read in the class, this one had the least information yet the highest usability. It outlines grammar, usage, and style elements into simple paragraphs lead by headers. The approach sacrifices the depth that's offered in "Style," but allows for quicker referencing. The first section of "Elements" outlines most of the common usage and grammar rules. Some examples are "Use proper case of proper noun," and "Use a colon after an independent clause to introduce a list†¦"(Struck and White 7-9). Some would find these rules obvious or tedious. They don't guarantee great writing or style, but its less likely that you'll make useable writings without them. Seamless grammar alone aids the flow of reading. Multiple errors might slow the reader down and divert focus to the errors rather than the main point. Even after years of college, its not uncommon to find usage and grammar mistakes in some of my own papers; therefo re, I could use much of what's in here. The next section of "Elements" talks about principles of composition. It's similar to the usage section in that nothing alone listed will create great writing, but following some rules will make better writing more likely to happen.