{"id":10614,"date":"2020-02-12T23:34:33","date_gmt":"2020-02-13T07:34:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/transfer.writingcommons.org\/?post_type=section&#038;p=10614"},"modified":"2023-12-29T21:03:49","modified_gmt":"2023-12-29T21:03:49","slug":"elements-of-style","status":"publish","type":"section","link":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/","title":{"rendered":"The Elements of Style &#8211; The DNA of Powerful Writing"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"tts_content_wrapper_2\" >\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_69_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/#What_are_The_Elements_of_Style\" title=\"What are The Elements of Style?\">What are The Elements of Style?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/#Synonyms\" title=\"Synonyms\">Synonyms<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/#The_Elements_of_Style_in_1918\" title=\"The Elements of Style in 1918\">The Elements of Style in 1918<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/#Guide_to_The_Elements_of_Style_2023\" title=\"Guide to The Elements of Style, 2023\">Guide to The Elements of Style, 2023<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/#FAQs\" title=\"FAQs\">FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/#Why_do_the_Elements_of_Style_Matter\" title=\"Why do the Elements of Style Matter?\">Why do the Elements of Style Matter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/#Which_Elements_of_Style_are_most_important_in_academic_and_professional_writing_contexts\" title=\"Which Elements of Style are most important in academic and professional writing contexts?\">Which Elements of Style are most important in academic and professional writing contexts?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/#How_do_audiences_%E2%80%94_such_as_editors_clients_or_teachers_%E2%80%94_use_the_elements_of_style_as_an_interpretive_framework\" title=\"How do audiences &#8212; such as editors, clients, or teachers &#8212; use the elements of style as an interpretive framework?\">How do audiences &#8212; such as editors, clients, or teachers &#8212; use the elements of style as an interpretive framework?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/#Recommended_Resources\" title=\"Recommended Resources\">Recommended Resources<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/#Elements_of_Style_PDF\" title=\"Elements of Style PDF\">Elements of Style PDF<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-the-elements-of-style\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_The_Elements_of_Style\"><\/span>W<strong>hat are <\/strong>T<strong>he Elements of Style?<\/strong> <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>&#8220;Elements of Style&#8221;<\/em> refer to a cluster of linguistic and rhetorical conventions (also known as <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/discourse-conventions\/\" title=\"Discourse Conventions\">discourse conventions<\/a>). For example, teachers and editors may refer to any of the following intellectual strategies as <em>&#8220;the elements of style&#8221;:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the careful choice of words (<a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/diction\/\" title=\"Diction\">diction<\/a>) to select works that set the appropriate tone for the audience <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the use of <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/grammar\/sentences\/sentence-types\/\" title=\"Sentence Types\">sentence type<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/grammar\/sentences\/sentence-structure\/\" title=\"Sentence Structure\">sentence structure<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/grammar\/sentences\/sentence-structure\/\" title=\"Sentence Structure\">syntax<\/a>), and <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/grammar\/mechanics\/punctuation\/\">punctuation<\/a> for rhythm, and <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/clarity\/\" title=\"Clarity (in Speech and Writing)\">clarity<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the use of <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/diction\/concrete-language-sensory-language\/\" title=\"Concrete Language, Sensory Language\">concrete, sensory language<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/diction\/figurative-language\/\" title=\"Figurative Language\">figurative language<\/a> to provide the reader, listener, or user with the <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/discourse\/description\/\" title=\"Description\">detailed information<\/a> they need to understand the<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the tactical application of <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-reasoning\/rhetorical-modes\/\" title=\"Rhetorical Modes\">rhetorical modes<\/a> like <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/discourse\/narration\/\" title=\"Narration\">narration<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/discourse\/description\/\" title=\"Description\">description<\/a>, comparison-contrast to achieve <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/purpose\/\" title=\"Purpose \u2013 Aim of Discourse\">discourse aims<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the use of <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-stance\/voice\/\">voice<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-stance\/tone\/\">tone<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-stance\/persona\/\">persona<\/a>, and<a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-stance\/point-of-view\/\" title=\"Point of View\"> point of view<\/a> to achieve an <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/purpose\/\" title=\"Purpose \u2013 Aim of Discourse\">aim of discourse<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the broad range of stylistic elements, certain <em>elements of style<\/em> play a commanding role in determining the <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/clarity\/\">clarity<\/a> and impact of a <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/text-composition\/\" title=\"Text \u2013 Composition\">text<\/a>. The most influential among these &#8212; <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/brevity\/\">brevity<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/coherence\/\" title=\"Coherence \u2013 How to Achieve Coherence in Writing\">coherence<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/flow\/\">flow<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/inclusive-language\/\">inclusivity<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/simplicity\/\">simplicity<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/unity\/\">unity<\/a> &#8212; go beyond shaping the text&#8217;s structure and language. They guide how readers engage with and <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/information-literacy\/interpretation\/\" title=\"Interpretation, Interpretative Frameworks\">interpret<\/a> the <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/information-literacy\/information\/\" title=\"Information, Data\">content<\/a>, directly shaping a text&#8217;s success in achieving its objectives. By understanding and applying these conventions, writers and readers enhance their communication skills within their discourse community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a set of discourse conventions, <em>The Elements of Style<\/em> serve as a shared language and common ground between <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/writer-speaker-author-rhetor-sender\/\">the writer<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/audience\/\">the reader<\/a>. They underpin <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/writer-speaker-author-rhetor-sender\/\">the writer&#8217;s<\/a> creative and strategic decisions during <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/design\/\">the writing process<\/a> and guide <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/audience\/\">the reader&#8217;s<\/a> engagement, <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/information-literacy\/interpretation\/\">interpretation<\/a>, and evaluation of the <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/text-composition\/\">text<\/a>. Thus, these elements are not just about the act of writing, but about the broader interaction between the <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/writer-speaker-author-rhetor-sender\/\">writer<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/text-composition\/\">text<\/a>, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/audience\/\">reader<\/a> within the context of established<a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/discourse-conventions\/\"> discourse conventions<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Synonyms\"><\/span>Synonyms<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>&#8220;Elements of Style,&#8221;<\/em> as a term, is often associated with the famous writing guide by Strunk and White, as discussed below. However, in a broader context, the <em>&#8220;Elements of Style,&#8221;<\/em> refers to the different components that make up the way we write and communicate in written form. Synonymous or related terms to the &#8220;Elements of Style&#8221; could include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Writing Principles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stylistic Devices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rhetorical Techniques<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Literary Elements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Writing Strategies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Composition Techniques<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Linguistic Features<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Literary Devices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Writing Mechanics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Style<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Style Techniques<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Writing Style<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These terms, while not exact synonyms, refer to overlapping concepts and tools used in the creation and evaluation of written works. Remember, the &#8220;Elements of Style&#8221; is not a fixed list; it can vary based on <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/\" title=\"Rhetorical Situation\">context<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/genre\/\" title=\"Genre\">genre<\/a>, and personal or cultural <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/discourse-conventions\/\" title=\"Discourse Conventions\">writing conventions<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related Concepts: <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/inclusive-language\/disability-studies-abelist-language-inappropriate-disability-metaphors\/\">Ableist Language<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/grammar\/\">Grammar<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/diction\/register\/\">Register<\/a>;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/research\/research-methods\/textual-methods\/rhetorical-analysis\/\">Rhetorical Analysis<\/a>;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/\">Rhetoric<\/a>;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-reasoning\/\">Rhetorical Reasoning<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/\">Style<\/a>;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-reasoning\/rhetorical-stance\/tone\/\">Tone<\/a>;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-reasoning\/rhetorical-stance\/voice\/\">Voice<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-the-elements-of-style-refers-to-the-title-of-an-influential-handbook-published-by-william-strunk-1918\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Elements_of_Style_in_1918\"><\/span><em><em>The Elements of Style<\/em><\/em> in 1918<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>William Strunk&#8217;s first self published <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gutenberg.org\/files\/37134\/37134-h\/37134-h.htm\"><em>The Elements of Style<\/em><\/a><\/em> in 1918 to <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/brevity\/\">concisely<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/discourse\/summary\/\">summarize<\/a> the basic rules and conventions writers needed to follow in order to write with <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/clarity\/\" title=\"Clarity (in Speech and Writing)\">clarity<\/a>, impact, and <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/information-literacy\/authority\/\">authority<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Strunk conceptualized <em>the elements of style<\/em> to be composed of a few elementary rules of usage and composition, a few matters of form, and some misspelled words and misused expressions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1012\" src=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Screen-Shot-2022-08-09-at-2.46.51-PM-1024x1012.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45673\" srcset=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Screen-Shot-2022-08-09-at-2.46.51-PM-1024x1012.png 1024w, https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Screen-Shot-2022-08-09-at-2.46.51-PM-300x297.png 300w, https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Screen-Shot-2022-08-09-at-2.46.51-PM-768x759.png 768w, https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Screen-Shot-2022-08-09-at-2.46.51-PM-1536x1518.png 1536w, https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Screen-Shot-2022-08-09-at-2.46.51-PM-2048x2025.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-the-elements-of-style-refers-to-the-title-of-an-influential-handbook-published-by-william-strunk-1918\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Guide_to_The_Elements_of_Style_2023\"><\/span>Guide to <em><em>The Elements of Style<\/em><\/em>, 2023<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since Strunk first described the elements of style&nbsp; in 1918, <em>The Elements of Style<\/em> have evolved significantly, adapting to societal and technological shifts. The digital revolution has expanded the platforms for communication and redefined the norms of interaction, necessitating an evolution in stylistic conventions. As a result, some stylistic elements have assumed heightened significance, while others have emerged to join the traditional canon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among these, six core elements of style stand out in 2023: <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/brevity\/\">brevity<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/coherence\/\">coherence<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/flow\/\">flow<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/inclusive-language\/\">inclusivity<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/simplicity\/\">simplicity<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/unity\/\">unity<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/brevity\/\">Brevity<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/clarity\/\" title=\"Clarity (in Speech and Writing)\">clarity<\/a> are more crucial than ever in our fast-paced, information-saturated world. <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/coherence\/\" title=\"Coherence \u2013 How to Achieve Coherence in Writing\">Coherence<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/flow\/\" title=\"Flow \u2013 How to Create Flow in Writing\">flow<\/a> ensure our messages are cohesive and engaging, fostering understanding and retaining the attention of our diverse audiences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/inclusive-language\/\" title=\"Inclusive \u2013 Inclusive Language\">Inclusivity<\/a> acknowledges and respects the rich diversity of our global community, and design has emerged as a powerful tool of visual communication, adding another dimension to our expressiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/brevity\/\" title=\"Brevity \u2013 Say More with Less\">Brevity<\/a>:<\/strong> \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In a digital ecosystem saturated with information, brevity\u2019s power \u2014 using the minimum words necessary to communicate effectively \u2014 becomes increasingly significant<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/coherence\/\" title=\"Coherence \u2013 How to Achieve Coherence in Writing\">Coherence<\/a>:<\/strong> \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ensuring that all parts of a text logically connect and contribute to the overall message is an enduring requirement for effective writing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/design\/\" title=\"Design Matters: The Visual Language That Shapes Our World\">Design<\/a>:<\/strong> \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Emerging as a new element in our list, design&#8217;s role in communication has grown in tandem with the rise of <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/medium-media-social-media\/visual-language\/\" title=\"Visual Language\">visual languag<\/a>e and digital interfaces.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/flow\/\" title=\"Flow \u2013 How to Create Flow in Writing\">Flow<\/a>:<\/strong> \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A smooth progression of ideas, facilitated by thoughtful sentence structure and transitions, remains crucial to engage readers and make our writing accessible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/inclusive-language\/\" title=\"Inclusive \u2013 Inclusive Language\">Inclusivity<\/a>:<\/strong> \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reflecting societal change, inclusivity in language use, particularly in the use of <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/grammar\/parts-of-speech\/pronouns\/inclusive-pronouns\/\" title=\"Pronouns and Inclusivity\">pronouns<\/a>, has become a new and necessary consideration in our writing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/simplicity\/\" title=\"Simplicity\">Simplicity<\/a>:<\/strong> \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>As we tackle increasingly complex topics, striking a balance between depth of discussion and simplicity of presentation remains a prized attribute.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/unity\/\" title=\"Unity\">Unity<\/a>:<\/strong> \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Achieving <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/unity\/\" title=\"Unity\">unity<\/a><\/strong> in a <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/text-composition\/\" title=\"Text \u2013 Composition\">text<\/a> conveys a sense of completeness, ensuring that all parts are present and contribute to <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/design\/principles-of-design\/gestalt-gestalt-theory\/\" title=\"Gestalt, Gestalt Theory\">a cohesive whole, a gestalt<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span>FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_the_Elements_of_Style_Matter\"><\/span>Why do the Elements of Style Matter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Enhance Readability: \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>By following stylistic conventions such as <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/brevity\/\" title=\"Brevity \u2013 Say More with Less\">brevity<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/clarity\/\" title=\"Clarity (in Speech and Writing)\">clarity<\/a>, and coherence, you can make your work easier to read and understand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improve Comprehensibility: \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Elements such as <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/clarity\/\" title=\"Clarity (in Speech and Writing)\">clarity<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/simplicity\/\" title=\"Simplicity\">simplicity<\/a> help to ensure that your <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/writing-styles\/\" title=\"Writing Styles\">prose style<\/a> is <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/clarity\/\" title=\"Clarity (in Speech and Writing)\">clear<\/a> and easily understood by the <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/audience\/\" title=\"Audience \u2013 Audience Awareness\">target audience<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/genre\/argument-argumentation\/\" title=\"Persuasive Arguments\">Persuasive Arguments<\/a>: \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>With effective use of elements like <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/coherence\/\" title=\"Coherence \u2013 How to Achieve Coherence in Writing\">cohesion<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/flow\/\" title=\"Flow, Transitions, Coherence @ Paragraph Level\">flow<\/a>, you can build <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/genre\/argument-argumentation\/\" title=\"Argument \u2013 Argumentation\">compelling arguments<\/a> that logically link ideas together and persuade readers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increase Engagement: \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>By using stylistic elements that enhance the <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/flow\/\" title=\"Flow, Transitions, Coherence @ Paragraph Level\">flow<\/a> and rhythm of the <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/text-composition\/\" title=\"Text \u2013 Composition\">text<\/a>, you can make your work more engaging and hold the audience&#8217;s interest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fostering <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/inclusive-language\/\" title=\"Inclusive \u2013 Inclusive Language\">Inclusivity<\/a>: \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reflecting societal change, inclusivity in language use, particularly in the use of <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/grammar\/parts-of-speech\/pronouns\/\" title=\"Pronoun \u2013 Guide to Writing with Pronouns\">pronouns<\/a>, has become a new and necessary consideration in our writing. By using <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/inclusive-language\/\" title=\"Inclusive \u2013 Inclusive Language\">inclusive language<\/a>, you can demonstrate <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/writing-styles\/professional-writing-style-guide\/\">professionalism<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/information-literacy\/authority\/\">competence<\/a>, which is particularly important in <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/writing-styles\/academic-writing-style-guide\/\">academic<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/writing-styles\/professional-writing-style-guide\/\">professional writing contexts<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Guiding <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/collaboration\/critique\/\" title=\"The Power of Critique in Academic and Workplace Writing\">Feedback and Critique<\/a>: \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For editors, teachers, and other critical readers, the Elements of Style provide a framework for evaluating a <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/text-composition\/\" title=\"Text \u2013 Composition\">text<\/a> and providing <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/collaboration\/critique\/\" title=\"The Power of Critique in Academic and Workplace Writing\">constructive feedback<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Elements_of_Style_are_most_important_in_academic_and_professional_writing_contexts\"><\/span><em>Which Elements of Style<\/em> are most important in <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/writing-styles\/academic-writing-style-guide\/\">academic<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/writing-styles\/professional-writing-style-guide\/\">professional writing<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/\">contexts<\/a>?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/brevity\/\" title=\"Brevity \u2013 Say More with Less\">Brevity<\/a> is key\u2014especially in today&#8217;s fast-paced world where readers value concise yet complete information. <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/clarity\/\" title=\"Clarity (in Speech and Writing)\">Clarity<\/a> ensures your arguments are easy to follow and comprehend, preventing misinterpretation. <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/coherence\/\" title=\"Coherence \u2013 How to Achieve Coherence in Writing\">Coherence<\/a> guarantees that your points connect logically, making your argument or narrative more persuasive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Flow enables a seamless transition from one idea to another, enhancing your readers&#8217; engagement and understanding. Inclusivity is vital in the increasingly diverse academic and professional landscape, ensuring respect for all readers. Simplicity allows your work to be accessible to a wider audience, and unity provides consistency, strengthening your voice throughout the text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While all these elements are essential, the &#8216;most important&#8217; among them can vary depending on your writing task. A complex research paper might need more emphasis on <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/clarity\/\" title=\"Clarity (in Speech and Writing)\">clarity<\/a> and cohesion, while a brief professional email might prioritize <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/brevity\/\" title=\"Brevity \u2013 Say More with Less\">brevity<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/simplicity\/\" title=\"Simplicity\">simplicity<\/a>. Always consider your <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/audience\/\" title=\"Audience \u2013 Audience Awareness\">audience<\/a>, your <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/purpose\/\" title=\"Purpose \u2013 Aim of Discourse\">purpose<\/a>, and your <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/\" title=\"Rhetorical Situation\">context<\/a> when deciding which elements to focus on in your writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-how-do-audiences-such-as-editors-clients-or-teachers-use-the-elements-of-style-as-an-interpretive-framework\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_audiences_%E2%80%94_such_as_editors_clients_or_teachers_%E2%80%94_use_the_elements_of_style_as_an_interpretive_framework\"><\/span><em><em>How do audiences &#8212; such as editors, clients, or teachers &#8212; use<\/em><\/em> the elements of style as an <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/information-literacy\/interpretation\/\">interpretive framework<\/a>?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In academic and professional writing contexts, the elements of style function as a shared language, a shared set of textual expectations, that both writers and readers hold when engaged in acts of communication. Thus, <em>The Elements of Style<\/em> not only shape the creation of the text, but also how it is received, <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/information-literacy\/interpretation\/\" title=\"Interpretation, Interpretative Frameworks\">interpreted<\/a>, and evaluated, reinforcing their importance in the broader <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/audience\/discourse-community\/\" title=\"Discourse Community \u2013 Community of Practice\">discourse community<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recommended_Resources\"><\/span>Recommended Resources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Elements_of_Style_PDF\"><\/span>Elements of Style PDF<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gutenberg.org\/ebooks\/37134\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Strunk, William and E.B. White. The Elements of Style, 2nd Edition<\/a><br>Available from gutenberg.org<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ia804502.us.archive.org\/5\/items\/pdfy-2_qp8jQ61OI6NHwa\/Strunk%20%26%20White%20-%20The%20Elements%20of%20Style%2C%204th%20Edition.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Strunk, William and E.B. White. The Elements of Style, 4th Edition<\/a><br>Available from us.archive.org<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":57259,"parent":2124,"menu_order":0,"template":"","tags":[],"chapters":[2176,1922],"class_list":["post-10614","section","type-section","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","chapters-elements-of-style","chapters-style"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/section\/10614","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/section"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/section"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"version-history":[{"count":252,"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/section\/10614\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":62327,"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/section\/10614\/revisions\/62327"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/section\/2124"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/57259"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10614"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10614"},{"taxonomy":"chapters","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapters?post=10614"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}