Writing well isn’t magic—it’s a craft. And few books have demystified the art of clear, concise, and compelling writing as effectively as The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White. Whether you’re drafting an email, documenting a process, or writing a novel, this slim volume holds the key to improving your style. Let’s explore its ten core principles, each designed to make your writing sharper, stronger, and easier to read.
1. Omit Needless Words: Less is Always More
The first, and perhaps most famous, rule in The Elements of Style is to “omit needless words.” Strunk and White don’t mince words—literally. They believe that concise writing is powerful writing, and every word should pull its weight. Long-winded sentences not only confuse the reader but also dilute your message.
This principle is golden whether you’re working on a novel or writing technical documentation. If you’re involved in creating process documentation, for example, trimming unnecessary details ensures that the instructions are clear and to the point. And while The Elements of Style doesn’t mention specific tools, a streamlined documentation platform like Archbee can help you apply this rule by keeping content organized and concise.
2. Write in Active Voice: Power Up Your Sentences
Strunk and White are all about action. Their advice? Use active voice to make your sentences more dynamic. Active voice clarifies who is doing what, while passive voice can be vague and weaken your writing. “The dog chased the ball” is active and direct; “The ball was chased by the dog” feels sluggish and unclear.
The active voice rule is particularly useful in technical writing or documentation, where clarity is key. By keeping your sentences direct and focused, you’ll avoid confusion and make your content more accessible.
3. Use Definite, Specific, Concrete Language
Vagueness is the enemy of good writing. Strunk and White insist that strong writing requires definite, specific language that paints a clear picture for the reader. “A period of unfavorable weather” is abstract and fuzzy. “It rained for a week” is specific and direct, instantly creating an image in the reader’s mind.
Whether you’re describing a character in a story or detailing steps in a manual, being specific helps engage your reader. This principle can also be applied when you’re creating tutorials or guides, ensuring that the instructions are crystal clear and easy to follow.
4. Place Emphatic Words at the End
If you want your readers to remember something, place it at the end of a sentence. Strunk and White argue that the final word or phrase leaves a lasting impression, so give it some punch. Consider this: “He was determined, against all odds, to succeed.” The emphasis on “succeed” carries more weight than “He was determined to succeed, against all odds.”
This is particularly valuable in persuasive writing or when delivering critical instructions. In documentation, for instance, placing key takeaways at the end of sections can reinforce the most important points.
5. Eliminate Unnecessary Qualifiers
Strunk and White advise against peppering your writing with qualifiers like “rather,” “very,” “little,” or “pretty.” These words weaken your statements instead of strengthening them. Instead of saying, “It was a very important meeting,” cut the fluff and say, “It was an important meeting.”
This minimalist approach makes your writing stronger and clearer, and it’s especially effective in business communication or technical writing, where precision is paramount.
6. Use Parallel Construction for Balance
Parallel construction isn’t just about making your writing look neat; it’s about creating balance and flow. Strunk and White recommend using parallel structure to keep your writing smooth and cohesive. For example, “She likes reading, cooking, and jogging” flows better than “She likes to read, cooking, and to jog.”
In documentation or any instructional writing, parallelism ensures that lists or similar concepts are presented consistently, making them easier for readers to digest. It’s a small change that has a big impact on readability.
7. Keep Related Words Together
Strunk and White stress the importance of keeping related words together in a sentence. For example, in the sentence “She only ate apples,” the word “only” should ideally be placed next to the word it modifies: “She ate only apples.” Otherwise, your meaning might be unclear.
This rule applies across all writing genres, but it’s particularly important when explaining technical concepts or giving detailed instructions. Misplacing words can lead to misunderstandings, so careful sentence construction is key.
8. Revise and Rewrite: First Drafts are Never Perfect
No one nails it on the first try, not even Strunk and White. They encourage writers to revise and rewrite as much as necessary. Writing is a process, and good writing requires multiple drafts to refine thoughts, tighten sentences, and eliminate redundancies.
This advice is especially relevant in documentation and professional writing. Revisions allow you to spot errors and fine-tune explanations. Collaborative tools like Archbee can help streamline this process, allowing teams to work together on revisions and ensure the final product is polished and clear.
9. Do Not Overstate: Simplicity Wins
Overstating or exaggerating in writing makes your message less credible. Strunk and White remind us that being straightforward is more effective than embellishing. Instead of writing, “The project was an enormous success that changed everything,” consider a more restrained approach: “The project was a success.”
This principle is especially useful in professional settings, where overstating accomplishments or challenges can come off as unprofessional or unclear.
10. Be Clear: Clarity is Key
Above all else, Strunk and White preach clarity. Readers should never have to guess your meaning. If a sentence is confusing, rewrite it until the message is clear. This principle is especially important in technical writing and documentation, where misunderstandings can lead to errors or inefficiencies.
When creating guides, instructions, or processes, clarity is non-negotiable. This final piece of advice from The Elements of Style is a reminder that good writing is about delivering your message clearly and efficiently—without making your readers work too hard.
Conclusion: Small Book, Big Impact
The Elements of Style may be a small book, but its impact on writers is enormous. With rules that emphasize clarity, conciseness, and precision, Strunk and White give us a toolkit for creating effective, polished writing. Whether you’re crafting a story, writing an email, or documenting a process, these timeless principles can sharpen your skills and elevate your work. So, pick up your pen—or your keyboard—and let The Elements of Style guide you to better writing.
