The Sense of Style Summary

“What makes writing truly sing is its style – a combination of clarity, rhythm, and thoughtfully chosen words.”

1. Learn Style by Studying Great Writing

Good writers don't just rely on style guides—they learn by reading and analyzing compelling prose.

Writers refine their craft by noticing what captivates them in their favorite books. A prime example is Richard Dawkins’ striking opening line in Unweaving the Rainbow: “We are going to die, and that makes us the lucky ones.” This line grips the reader with its poetic twist on mortality. Similarly, Margalit Fox’s obituary of Maurice Sendak mixes wit and depth in just a few words: "Roundly praised, intermittently censored, and occasionally eaten."

Observing how effective authors create strong introductions, use vivid imagery, and avoid clichés can inspire your own writing. Whether it's in novels or even unusual places like obituaries, well-crafted prose leaves a lasting impression by painting clear, engaging pictures in readers’ minds.

Examples

• Highlight from Richard Dawkins: using “unborn ghosts” to explain missed genetic possibilities.
• Maurice Sendak’s playful and compact obituary by Margalit Fox.
• Studying diverse genres, from obituary writing to scientific essays.

2. Classic Style Brings Clarity

Classic style focuses on making ideas accessible to any reader without oversimplifying or patronizing.

This approach assumes that the writer and reader are equals. Instead of complicating ideas with jargon, the classic style presents concepts using simple and relatable language. For instance, physicist Brian Greene compares the multiverse to a shoe store—his metaphor helps readers understand a complex concept comfortably.

Bad writing does the opposite, relying on qualifiers like “seemingly” or “virtually” that obscure originality. Avoid these hedges and aim for clarity; a confident, clear delivery maximizes understanding and gives your prose real impact.

Examples

• Brian Greene simplifying multiverse theory for Newsweek with a shoe store analogy.
• Avoiding academic “stuffiness” by skipping qualifiers such as “somewhat.”
• Classic style makes even complex ideas digestible for non-experts.

3. Simplify by Dodging the Curse of Knowledge

Experts often forget how much their readers don’t know, leaving their texts overly technical or inaccessible. This is called the "curse of knowledge."

When you know a subject deeply, it’s easy to forget how unfamiliar the topic might be to others. Writers can sidestep this problem by avoiding jargon, breaking down technical terms into simpler words, and eliminating excessive abbreviations. For example, rather than using “murine” in a zoological piece, explaining it as “relating to rats and mice” will make it clearer to readers.

Keep your reader in mind by actively checking your work for overly complex language—it’s better to clarify a term upfront rather than risk losing your audience.

Examples

• Replace “murine” with “relating to rats and mice” for better accessibility.
• Spell out obscure abbreviations rather than assuming readers know them.
• Envision your reader asking, “What does that mean?” as you write.

4. Mastering Syntax Empowers Clarity

Syntax—the arrangement of words—determines whether a sentence communicates its meaning effectively.

Poor syntax is confusing, while solid structure turns ideas into cohesive sentences. A small error can alter a whole sentence, like mixing up subjects and verbs: “The impact of the budget cuts have...” should be corrected to “has.” Likewise, proper punctuation can resolve ambiguity—“Joe Shmoe Finds Inspiration in Cooking His Family and His Dog” becomes far less disturbing when a comma is added after “cooking.”

Understanding grammar and where to streamline will sharpen your writing. Edit sentences to remove redundancy but don’t fear longer ones—just ensure your syntax works to keep them clear.

Examples

• Correcting plural and singular mismatches like “has” versus “have.”
• Adding commas to fix misleading sentences like the Joe Shmoe headline.
• Avoid redundant phrase fillers to tighten writing.

5. Recognizing When Passive Voice Works

Though often criticized for lacking energy, the passive voice has its time and place.

The active voice emphasizes subjects in action, as in: “A dog bit Jack.” But the passive voice shifts focus to who is acted upon: “Jack was bitten by a dog.” While editors often reject passive constructions on the basis of dullness, they shouldn’t be entirely dismissed. For example, switching to passive voice helps organize focus, especially when your subject—not the agent—deserves prominence.

Passive voice also enhances flow in complex sentences. Adjusting “Another man, whom someone had told to get rid of the puppy, gave it to him” to “The puppy was given to him by another man told to get rid of it” smooths comprehension.

Examples

• Passive voice helps keep subjects like "red-tailed hawks" front and center.
• Simplified narrative rephrasing: "The puppy was given" instead of awkward active clauses.
• Passive voice avoids misplaced focus, emphasizing clarity over rigidity.

6. Coherent Text Requires Transitions and Structure

A series of strong sentences doesn’t mean your reader fully understands your argument.

For coherent writing, define your main idea clearly and ensure each sentence flows naturally to the next. Tools like transition words—such as “similarly” to connect parallels or “however” for contrasts—guide readers in following your logic. Beginning with a clear topic ensures your readers don’t get lost.

Even if you don’t follow a rigid outline, plan for a natural progression of ideas, ensuring each paragraph builds on the last.

Examples

• Use connecting phrases: “in contrast” or “furthermore” for smoother transitions.
• “Don’t bury the lead”—introduce your main topic early in the piece.
• Mapping out arcs of coherence boosts readability.

7. Grammar Rules Are Made To Evolve

Certain grammar “rules” are less strict than language purists insist.

Take split infinitives like “to boldly go,” often condemned as incorrect but clearly understandable. Or consider using the singular “they” for gender-neutral pronouns, a choice used by both Shakespeare and Jane Austen long before it became widespread. Another “rule” often debated concerns “less” versus “fewer,” with “less” being acceptable in phrases like “less than 21 years.”

Language evolves, and grammar guides now accept many previously "incorrect" constructions if they serve clarity or sound natural.

Examples

• Star Trek’s “to boldly go” resisted outdated conventions on split infinitives.
• “They” as a singular pronoun solves gender-neutral constructions elegantly.
• “One less thing” versus rigid usage of “fewer.”

8. Correct Words Count—Avoid Malaprops

Misusing words can make your writing less credible or outright confusing.

A malaprop occurs when a writer uses a similar-sounding word in place of the right one. For instance, “disinterested” (impartial) versus “uninterested” (not caring). Similarly, “nonplussed” truly means bewildered, not unimpressed. Missteps like these can distract readers and weaken your arguments, so always check your choice of words.

Using a dictionary and rereading your work can protect against embarrassing mistakes or miscommunication.

Examples

• Don’t confuse "phenomena" (plural) with “phenomenon” (singular).
• “Tortuous” is twisting; “torturous” is painful—don’t mix them up.
• Shakespeare avoided malaprops even with complex vocabulary.

9. Read Aloud for Better Rhythm

Your ears often catch errors your eyes don’t.

Reading aloud reveals whether your sentences flow smoothly or feel stilted. A well-written passage has rhythm, while clumsy writing sounds awkward. Testing your text in this way adds another layer of self-editing that improves its quality for the reader.

Relying solely on silent proofreading? Supplement it with vocal checks!

Examples

• Catch redundancies or overly long phrases easily when spoken.
• Listening helps fine-tune your sentence rhythm for better engagement.
• Pre-record passages to hear additional improvements.

Takeaways

1. Write with your reader in mind by simplifying jargon and technical terms.
2. Build coherence using connecting words and topic clarity in every paragraph.
3. Always proofread aloud to detect awkward phrasings or rhythm issues.