Writing is difficult. Clear communication is the goal for business letters, reports, technical papers, and novels. Grammar rules and style guidelines aid the writer in reaching the audience. Having the best tools, and mastering them, makes the hard jobs easier. The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White is a reference to grammar, form, style, and commonly misused words. I like calling this reference book, the rules. For more details, refer to a textbook on grammar. The book lists many common mistakes among novice writers.  Rules may be broken by those understanding them.

Here I list a few of my favorite rules covered in the book.

Using Possessive Singular
This is the first rule appearing in the book stating to always add ‘s for singular nouns.

This is Charles’s room.

Common Misused Words
The text lists commonly misused words and expressions in Part IV.  One example is a confusion with effect vs affect. A rule reminds us affect means “to influence” while effect means “to accomplish.” Effect may also be a noun for “result” such as a special effect in a movie.  Avoid the use of and/or since by logic the or case includes the and case.

Use the Active Voice
Covered in Part II, this rule strengthens writing. The active voice is more direct than the passive voice. Too many sentences in the passive voice, or using weaker phrasing such as could be heard reads as shy and timid. Persuasive pieces and action scenes benefit from strong statements. [Edit: note that not all of the examples given in the text are active vs passive examples. Read carefully and check a textbook.]

Lucy’s first kiss will always be remembered.
Lucy will always remember her first kiss.

The ball was carried by John.
John carried the ball.

A gunshot was heard at noon.
At noon a gunshot could be heard.
We heard the gunshot at noon.
The gunshot boomed at noon.

Avoid Awkward Adverbs
Adding -ly to an adjective or participle generates an adverb. Never write tiredly, thusly, or overly. Sometimes published novels include many awkward adverbs, but that is no excuse to use them. Even worse is the overuse of adverbs for dialogue attribution. Reserve adverbs for necessity or rhythm, and avoid inventing adverbs.

“Go away,” Jason said, icily.

Jason’s gaze cut like ice. “Go away,” he said.

“Go away,” Jason said.

Use Definite, Specific, Concrete Language and Avoid Needless Words
These two rules work together producing shorter, easier reading sentences. Replace general words with specific words, and remove words that do not add any information. Compare the following paragraphs.

After a long period, Susan grew restless. At that moment, the bell rang loudly, and she leaped from her stool in a quick manner. Taking Bob’s hand in hers, she showed her satisfaction for the fact that she enjoyed the contact. As they exited, Bob smiled back at her. There is no doubt that Bob likes her, too.

Biology class dragged on. Leg kicking, Susan wobbled on the hard stool. The bell rang, and she quickly leaped onto her feet. Squeezing Bob’s hand, the contact warming her heart, she smiled at him. Strolling into the hall, Bob returned the smile.