Updated and expanded, this popular writer's style manual covers the basics of effective communication. It includes rules of English grammar and sentence structure, punctuation, word usage in correct contexts, and advice on adapting one's writing style to different assignments, both for classroom and business use. In classrooms the program contained in this book can constitute a course, proceeding from easy to more complex ideas. More advanced instruction covers topics that include logic, clarity, emphasis, consistency, and punctuation, and ends with advice on handling larger elements of language, such as paragraphs and full essays.
Most writing handbooks have the same content, so I couldn't get five-star excited about this book, but I really liked the organization of the book, and like that it included not just grammar and punctuation, but it worked through writing coherent sentences, paragraphs, essays, resumes, and even manuscript formatting. If I could replace the department-mandated books I currently use in my writing classes, I would--not only would it be cheaper for my students, but it would be easier for them to navigate.
Purchased this book for last semester. Really didn't understand it or learn much. Focused on "to be and 3rd participles. Learned more than we did from Elementary English class. Things have obviously changed since the Nuns taught us in the Seventies. Great resource and reference book.