Writing with Precision: How to Write So That You Cannot Possibly Be Misunderstood

by Jefferson D. Bates

Book Overview

One of the most popular and respected style guides ever written, this handbook by a seasoned writer with more than forty years of experience offers ten principles and seven axioms that professional writers use to express their thoughts clearly and effectively. This latest edition is expanded to include an extensive glossary of American idiomatic expressions, developed to assist users from other backgrounds and cultures; new chapters with tips on little-known...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140288538
• ISBN13: 9780140288537
• Release Date: April 2000
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.1" x 7.8"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Small and Brilliant Enough to be a Gem

This small book teaches just a few things about writing. But they are the important things and they are taught with grace, style, and wit. The organization is such that one can pick the book up, read a chapter, take the knowledge away and use it, and not worry about (or suffer because) one did not read the remaining chapters just yet. At the same time, reading it as a whole is a complete package that makes finishing worthwhile. The publisher will tell you that it has a glossary of American idiomatic expressions, chapters with tips on things such as compound words, hyphenation, numeration, and capitalization; and explanations of technical problems encountered in writing and editing. Maybe so, but the main use (I think) is to help writers THINK clearly about what they want to say and to offer guidance on how to get their words to support their communication of those ideas to other people. Reacquaint yourself with the active voice. It is not very expensive. If you gain from even one of the ideas it will be worth the price.

The best I've seen on clear communication.

I made this book "required reading" for my staff and also purchased copies for friends and colleagues.

Precisely Right

Excellent writing guide for the professional who is not necessarily a professional writer, but must write on the job frequently to occasionally. The material, which could have been a little dry and boring, is kept lively by the author's personal anecdotes and witty asides. This writing guide is more complicated than Strunk and White's "Elements of Style", and I don't recommend it for the beginner. Consider adding "Writing with Precision" as the next level of enhancement after reading "Elements of Style" and William Zinsser's "On Writing Well".

Straight to the point

Although english is a second language for me, I was looking for a book to improve my writing. I found that in this book and more: tips to be understood, to communicate effectively and to write with correct grammar. This author, a man with years of experience, has written a great book to enjoy and learn.

Thank you Mr. Jefferson Bates

I picked up this book because I was tired of never knowing for sure what the rules are when it comes to writing and grammer. I was surprised at how easy a read this book was. Mr. Bates has a true knack (or skill) of making a somewhat boring subject quite interesting indeed. The more I read, the more I wished I could just sit down and talk to this man in person. A very interesting read by a very interesting author. If you are a new writer looking for some guidence, or an old hack who has forgotten some of the basics, then this is a great place to start.