Customer Reviews

Oxford Guide to Plain English

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Add the Oxford Guide to Plain English to your essential reference library alongside The Chicago Manual of Style. Martin Cutts, founder of the Plain Language Commission and longtime advocate for clear, simple but not simplistic writing, crams 21 guidelines into this compact yet comprehensive book. Terse, straightforward writing, effective layout and many examples introduce the reader to plain English while effectively modeling the rules presented. Consult the Oxford Guide to Plain English often if you want to improve your writing.

"The writing and setting out of essential information in a way that gives a co-operative, motivated person a good chance of understanding it at first reading, and in the same sense that the writer meant it to be understood". Martin Cutts

Business and professional writing could benefit a lot by using this advice on how to get the message across. No nonsense. Good writing. I use it myself and as our standard office guide.

I use this book for self-study rather than as a reference. Maintaining and improving my writing skills is an ongoing need. The book's 21 guidelines discuss common problems and give inspiration.

Sentences that include the wording "The best alternative that American English can come up with..." demonstrate that the author favors British English. I keep the author's subtle bias in mind when reading. I can then focus on the main point - plain writing in any English dialect is good - rather than spending time unraveling the differences between American and British English. Am I overreacting? Not really, come live in Europe and see for yourself. Being consistent seems to be what is most important - not whether one is writing in American or British English.

If you can keep in mind that your English dialect may differ from British English then do get a copy of this book. It is short, yet filled with valuable ideas useful when working to strengthen your writing skills.