russia has launched a full-scale war in Ukraine. Donate to support Ukraine and protect the world’s peace.

The Elements of Style

summary ofThe Elements of StyleBook by William Strunk Jr., E.B. White

12 min
00:00
/
00:00
Get full summary

You’ll learn

  • Why simplicity rules in writing
  • How semicolons and colons enhance clarity
  • The 's' secret to possessive singular nouns
  • Importance of self-editing for quality

first KEY POINT

Break down English writing into simple steps for faster progress

Elements of Style has a history. It was initially just 43 pages long, although it contained a goldmine of writing advice. Broken down into just a few rules that help anyone not only to understand English writing but to improve their performance, Elements of Style has become the go-to handbook for wannabe writers the world over.This latest edition has had a slight revamp to bring it up to date with the modern world. The information contained within the book is clear and designed to give confidence to a new writer or someone lacking the courage to write.

English grammar is often complicated, even to a native speaker. However, the rules can be made easier to understand.

English isn’t the most straightforward language to write in and its rules often contradict themselves, making it easy to tie yourself up in knots. By breaking the complicated rules down, writers can ensure that their work is grammatically correct and makes perfect sense to the reader.If you’re someone who has always struggled to get the words down right, the good news is that you just need to learn a few golden rules. After that, you can base your work on these rules and make sure that you impress every time you need to. Regular textbooks are often full of confusing rules and examples, but the beauty of this guide is that it cuts out the confusion and sticks to the basics. After all, the basics are all you really need.Did you know? The original Elements of Style was written in 1918 and published in 1920.

second KEY POINT

The fundamental rules you need to know to master your English writing skills

One of the most challenging parts of grammar is the terminology used. Like everything in the book, this can be simplified.Possessive singular nounsThese are easy to create. All you need to do is add the apostrophe S. For example, if you wanted to say that Karen has a dog, you would say Karen’s dog. In this case, you’re taking the noun (dog) and adding possession, e.g., it belongs to Karen.

book cover

Continue reading with Headway app

Continue reading

Full summary is waiting for you in the app

first KEY POINT

Pay attention to the basic structure of your sentences

second KEY POINT

Pay attention to your writing form for professional outcomes

third KEY POINT

Always pay attention to your style of writing

fourth KEY POINT

Don’t overcomplicate things when you’re trying to improve your work

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

William Strunk Jr. was an American writer and professor of English famous for his style guide for writing. E.B. White was his student and later co-author of the book's fourth edition.

Join 55+ million learners worldwide

172K 5 reviews on App Store and Google Play

Get started

Frequently asked questions

What is The Elements of Style about?

The Elements of Style, authored by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White, is a timeless guide focused on improving writing clarity and style. It distills essential rules and principles for effective communication, making it invaluable for students, writers, and professionals alike.

What are the key takeaways from The Elements of Style?

Key takeaways from The Elements of Style include the importance of brevity, the value of active voice, and the necessity of proper grammatical structure. These principles help writers convey their ideas more clearly and effectively.

Is The Elements of Style worth reading?

Yes, The Elements of Style is worth reading for anyone looking to enhance their writing skills. Its straightforward advice and practical tips make it a fundamental resource for aspiring writers and seasoned professionals.

How many pages is The Elements of Style and when was it published?

The Elements of Style typically spans around 100 pages and was first published in 1918. Its enduring popularity reflects its lasting impact on writing and style guidance.

How does The Elements of Style improve writing?

The Elements of Style improves writing by offering clear guidelines on grammar, punctuation, and style choices. It empowers writers to communicate ideas more effectively, making their work more engaging and understandable.