Introduction
In "The Sense of Style," renowned linguist and cognitive scientist Steven Pinker sets out to help writers of all kinds improve their craft. Whether you're an aspiring novelist, a journalist, or simply someone who wants to write better emails, this book offers valuable insights into the art of clear, engaging, and effective writing.
Pinker challenges the notion that good writing can't be taught, arguing that there are concrete steps anyone can take to enhance their writing skills. By examining various types of writing from different fields, he provides a comprehensive guide to developing a keener sense of style.
The Power of Reading Good Writing
One of the key messages in Pinker's book is that writers often develop their sense of style by reading good writing. While there are countless style guides available, most accomplished writers will tell you that they hone their skills by paying close attention to works they've read and enjoyed.
Studying good prose is essential for developing solid writing skills. Pinker uses examples to illustrate what makes writing engaging and effective. For instance, he highlights the opening line of Richard Dawkins' "Unweaving the Rainbow": "We are going to die, and that makes us the lucky ones." This sentence captures the reader's attention by starting strong and avoiding clichés.
Pinker emphasizes the importance of using vivid imagery to make abstract ideas more concrete and anchor the reader's imagination. He points out how Dawkins describes countless unrealized genetic possibilities as "unborn ghosts" – a potent and evocative image that helps readers grasp a complex concept.
The author also encourages writers to look beyond literary classics for inspiration. He cites the work of New York Times obituary writer Margalit Fox as an example of how to capture a person's legacy in just 800 words. Fox's obituary for Maurice Sendak, author of "Where the Wild Things Are," cleverly summarized the impact of his books as "Roundly praised, intermittently censored, and occasionally eaten." This playful juxtaposition perfectly encapsulates the broad impact of Sendak's work on critics and toddlers alike.
The Classic Style: A Model for Clarity
Pinker advocates for the use of classic style as a means to develop good prose and clarity in writing. The primary objective of classic style is to present information to the reader in a way that is clear and simple enough to understand, regardless of the topic's complexity.
To achieve this, writers must let go of pedantic or unnecessarily analytical tendencies that often crop up in academic, business, or legal writing. Pinker uses the example of physicist Brian Greene's writing for Newsweek to illustrate how complex topics can be explained using clear, everyday images and examples.
Greene compared the concept of the multiverse to a well-stocked shoe store to explain the perfect conditions of our particular universe. This analogy makes a complex scientific theory more accessible to the average reader.
The classic style assumes that the writer and reader are equals, and the text aims to guide the reader to an understanding of the concept under discussion. In contrast, bad writing often leaves the reader feeling lost or intimidated, full of unexplained references and intimidating passages.
Pinker advises against the overuse of qualifying words and phrases like "virtually," "seemingly," "somewhat," or "I would argue." Instead, he encourages writers to present information clearly and confidently in the classic style.
Avoiding the Curse of Knowledge
One of the biggest obstacles to clear writing is what Pinker calls the "curse of knowledge." This occurs when a writer forgets that their readers may not have the same level of expertise on the subject. To combat this, Pinker offers several strategies:
- Avoid jargon, abbreviations, and technical vocabulary that only experts would understand.
- When technical terms are necessary, define them when they're introduced.
- Resist the urge to prove expertise by using unnecessarily complex language.
- Imagine a potential reader looking over your shoulder as you write, reminding you when you use words that might not be immediately understood.
Pinker emphasizes that clear and concise writing is more effective in conveying arguments than writing filled with technical jargon or self-absorbed thoughts.
The Importance of Syntax and Grammar
A solid understanding of syntax and grammar is crucial for improving one's writing, according to Pinker. He explains that English syntax is essentially a code that tells us who did what to whom. By understanding how sentences are structured and how words should agree with each other, writers can more easily spot and correct errors.
Pinker provides examples of common syntactical errors, such as subject-verb disagreement, and explains how to avoid them. He also advises writers to cut unnecessary words from their writing, but cautions against blindly following this rule at the expense of clarity or style.
The author also highlights the importance of proper punctuation in preventing confusion. A well-placed comma, for instance, can completely change the meaning of a sentence.
The Proper Use of Passive Voice
Contrary to popular belief, Pinker argues that the passive voice can be a useful tool in writing when used properly. While many style guides and editors have long frowned upon the passive voice, Pinker explains that it has its benefits and a good writer should know when to use it.
He provides examples of situations where the passive voice can actually improve clarity and guide the reader's attention more effectively than the active voice. For instance, when writing about a specific subject, using the passive voice can help keep that subject at the forefront of the sentence.
Pinker advises writers to focus on keeping their writing clear and concise, using whichever voice best achieves that goal in each particular instance.
Creating Coherent Texts
Writing a coherent text involves more than just stringing together well-written sentences, Pinker explains. It requires having a clear topic in mind and an outline that tracks the flow of ideas. He introduces the concept of "coherence relation," which involves creating transitions between sentences or paragraphs to make their connections clear.
Pinker offers advice on using appropriate connecting words to show similarities, contrasts, elaborations, or explanations between ideas. He emphasizes the importance of making the topic and the writer's point of view clear from the beginning of the text, adhering to the journalistic principle of "don't bury the lead."
Challenging Grammar Purism
Pinker takes on the role of a grammar myth-buster, challenging some commonly held beliefs about correct usage. He argues that language evolves, and some rules that purists cling to are outdated or were never truly rules to begin with.
For example, he discusses the use of "less" versus "fewer," pointing out that in many cases, the use of "less" for countable quantities has become widely accepted in everyday language. He also defends the use of the singular "they" as a gender-neutral pronoun, noting its long history in English literature.
Pinker particularly takes issue with the prohibition of split infinitives, explaining that this rule comes from a misguided application of Latin grammar to English. He encourages writers to prioritize clarity and natural flow over strict adherence to such outdated rules.
Avoiding Common Word Misuses
To help writers avoid embarrassing mistakes, Pinker dedicates a section to common word misuses. He explains the difference between often confused words like "who" and "whom," offering a simple trick to determine which to use.
Pinker also warns against malaprops – the mistaken use of a word that sounds similar to the intended word but has a different meaning. He provides examples of commonly confused words, such as "disinterested" (unbiased) versus "uninterested" (not interested), and "phenomenon" (singular event) versus "phenomena" (multiple events).
The author encourages writers to consult a dictionary when in doubt, emphasizing that the time spent looking up a word is well worth avoiding the embarrassment of misusing it.
Practical Tips for Better Writing
Throughout the book, Pinker offers practical advice that writers can immediately apply to improve their work:
- Read your writing aloud to check for rhythm and clarity.
- Use vivid imagery to make abstract concepts more concrete.
- Start strong and avoid clichés to capture the reader's attention.
- Define technical terms when you introduce them.
- Use the classic style to present information clearly and confidently.
- Be aware of the curse of knowledge and explain concepts as if to a non-expert.
- Understand and use proper syntax and grammar.
- Use the passive voice when it improves clarity or emphasis.
- Create coherence by using appropriate connecting words and establishing clear links between ideas.
- Don't be afraid to challenge outdated grammar rules if doing so improves your writing.
- Be vigilant about commonly confused words and use a dictionary when in doubt.
Final Thoughts
"The Sense of Style" is a comprehensive guide that empowers writers to improve their craft through a deeper understanding of language, style, and effective communication. Pinker's approach is both practical and enlightening, offering insights that can benefit writers at all levels.
By focusing on clarity, coherence, and engagement, Pinker provides a roadmap for creating writing that is not only grammatically correct but also a joy to read. He encourages writers to think critically about language rules and to prioritize effective communication over rigid adherence to outdated conventions.
Ultimately, Pinker's message is one of empowerment: while mastering the art of writing may take a lifetime, there are concrete steps that anyone can take to improve their writing immediately. By paying attention to detail, understanding the principles of good style, and continually refining one's skills, any writer can learn to craft prose that is clear, engaging, and impactful.
Whether you're a professional writer, a student, or simply someone who wants to communicate more effectively in writing, "The Sense of Style" offers valuable insights and practical advice that can help you achieve your goals. By applying Pinker's principles and techniques, you can develop a stronger sense of style and become a more confident, competent writer.