by Sandra Merville Hart
Two months ago we talked about the author of Charlotte’s Web, E.B. White, and the influence of his writing professor, William Strunk Jr.
Last month we dug into three of the White’s twenty-two Elementary Rules of Usage.
This article focuses on commonly misused words. The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White, lists twenty-six pages of them; we will mention only a sampling.
Some speakers or writers use certainly or very to intensify statements. Used often, these words become a mannerism.
The authors considered using contact as a verb as self-important and unclear. Phone, email, or meet someone; don’t contact them.
If you are disinterested in something, you are impartial; being uninterested means indifferent or not interested.
A three-day battle started in Gettysburg on July 1, 1863 is a fact because it is verifiable information. An opinion such as the greatest president or the worst restaurant shouldn’t be confused with facts.
Folk is the same as people. Folks refer to family or those gathered. Use the singular form of the word in formal writing.
Beginning a sentence with however gives it the meaning ‘in whatever way.’ However doesn’t mean the same as nevertheless.
Rephrase a sentence to avoid using the word importantly.
The authors label interesting an unconvincing word. There is no need to announce something will be interesting; grab the reader’s attention with the writing.
Less (denoting quantity) is sometimes mistakenly used for fewer (a number.)
There is an important difference between nauseous (causing nausea) and nauseated (upset stomach.) Saying I feel nauseous actually means we create that feeling in others. Whoops! Don’t we often say this when sick to our stomachs?
Writers should avoid split infinitives (placing an adverb between to and the infinitive) unless desiring to stress the adverb. To tirelessly search or to search tirelessly is an example.
Write with the reader's enjoyment and understanding in mind. #Historical #Writing Click To TweetWhen choosing whether to write that or which, remember that defines the one spoken of and which is nonrestrictive.
When writing of customary actions, would can usually be omitted. Every month she would volunteer at the soup kitchen. Remove would and make volunteer an action verb: every month she volunteered at the soup kitchen.
White dubbed his writing professor “Sergeant Strunk” in the introduction. He taught with authority and assurance of being right and that is the tone of this book that he wrote and White lovingly revised.
One of the greatest gifts of studying The Elements of Style was the emphasis on the reader. An author’s job is to communicate clearly so the reader understands exactly what’s happening.
So writing with readers in mind – people who can’t see what’s going on inside our head – should realign our focus to their enjoyment and understanding. It’s hard work that is worth the effort.
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