The style is the author and results from his or her chose of words. Good style results from a wise chose of words while poor style occurs from poor word choice.

Since words are the language, the words used by the writer are important; they decide the author’s style that should be to convey ideas and feelings in the best way possible. Strunk and White condense it down to two rules: 1. Use definite, specific, and concert words. 2. Omit needless words.

What are definite, specific, and concrete words? Definite means explicit, open, and plain. In other words, the simple, ordinary word, the word that most people use every day should be used. Specific means exact, and what can be more exact than the word in common usage that has been tested in time. Concrete means real, and what can be more real that words that are used every day by millions of people.

Good style omits the needless words. It condenses writing to its most basic structure making it vigorous and concise. Avoid many common expressions such as ‘the reason why is that’ that can be reduced to one word ‘because.’

Thus good style requires that the writer consider carefully and revise wisely the words chosen. The way the words are put together is the author’s style.

Charles O. Goulet has a BA in history and a BEd in English literature so he writes historical novels, most based on Canadian history. He may be contacted at:

E-mail: go1c@telusplanet.net

Website: http://www.telusplanet.net/public/go1c

Blog: http://go1c.blogspot.com

• Morning in Huancayo, Peru


• A French Teachers Memories: The Last Would Be First


• Limousine Hire Tips and Advice


• Expressing Profound Ideas and Feelings


• Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith


• Sin City


• The Longest Yard


• Unleashed


• Mr. and Mrs. Smith


• Flightplan