The Plain English Approach to Business Writing (Paperback)

~ Edward P. Bailey Jr. (Author), Larry Bailey (Author) "When I first came across plain English, I was teaching writing in college..." (more)
Key Phrases: records for the past year, bulleted paragraphs, abstract writing, Times New Roman, New Baskerville, Avant Garde (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Memos, letters, reports--for a business world supposedly going paperless, we're writing quite a lot these days. Nonetheless, argues business communications professor Edward P. Bailey Jr., reliance on industry terminology and "business-ese" is ruining many of these attempts to exchange information. His practical guide to reversing that unfortunate situation, The Plain English Approach to Business Writing, shows how to "write as you would talk," which he contends is actually easier than penning convoluted sentences filled with obscure jargon. A basic overview of organization and layout (including typefaces, headings, and graphics) is provided along with advice on proper constructions and style.

From Library Journal

Writing consultant/business professor Bailey has written extensively on writing. His book Writing Clearly: A Contemporary Approach (Charles E. Merrill, 1984) covered the psycholinguistic study of reading and writing, ideas that lead into this undemanding work. The author tells how he once realized that much writing, even his own, is too formal and obscure. Stressing the value of using plain (i.e., similar-to-spoken) English, he presents a simple model for organizing most business writing and supplies tips on style, punctuation, layout, and writing methods for oneself or one's staff. Although the book is directed to business readers, this mild slant should not put off others. Most likely of value to those concerned with short memos and reports, it might serve as an alternative to fuller works.
- William A. Donovan, Chicago P.L.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; Rev Sub edition (August 7, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195115651
• ISBN-13: 978-0195115659
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #722,457 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great little book on writing, January 17, 1999

By A Customer

This is the best little book I've read and used on business writing. As a teacher I'm always looking for simple, practical guides that will improve my students' and my own business skills. This book gives useful, practical advice and practices exactly what it preaches. Its even clear enough and well written enough for me to use with my Japanese students. This is the kind of guide that should be available on-line and in various language versions. Highly recommended.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Short, smart, sensible guide to English writing, September 15, 2008

By	Rolf Dobelli "getAbstract.com" (Switzerland) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Much of what passes for business writing today is so convoluted and pompous that it is difficult to understand. Here's an example: "Subsequent to the adoption of the latest employee policy regulations-cum-guidelines, it is incumbent upon (said) employees to rigorously review the current documentation; and to then advise (or at the minimum, contact) management regarding any perceived, needed exceptions...." How about this instead: "Please review the proposed guideline changes, and let us know if they make sense and support current policies. If not, we'll change them." Far too many people think they need to write business prose with grandiose words and phrases, passive voice, third person and past tense, when actually such practices muddle their messages. Into the business-writing breach comes Edward P. Bailey Jr., a master of composition, and an expert at teaching people to write and speak plainly and simply. Although even the professor lapses into dullness now and then, getAbstract thinks that anyone who wants to write - and thus communicate - more effectively can learn a lot from reading this short, sensible book.

4.0 out of 5 stars Great review of writing fundamentals, November 2, 2008

By	Edward Durney (San Francisco) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Plain English Approach to Business Writing (Hardcover)

Coaches in sports often speak of the importance of fundamentals. Players who forget fundamentals often fail. Most top players drill every day. They want to make sure that the basics of the game never need to be thought about -- their bodies do them automatically.

Writing may be the same as sports. Fundamentals should not be forgotten. Bailey's book helps with that. You won't find anything really new here. The points he emphasizes are points you will see in most books of this type.

But Bailey's book gives clear, concise coaching on how to write well, in plain English that gets a point across powerfully. It's a book that I turn to often, to make sure that I don't forget the fundamentals.