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chuskeyreads's review against another edition
2.0
Although Safire was a well-know columnist and language connoisseur, I was not exactly impressed with this book as a true guide to grammar and usage. While parts were amusing and even interesting, I was not thoroughly 'guided.' In fact, some sections were rather confusing to me - a former English teacher and grammar-Nazi - and I know the rules.
I'm not exactly sure who Safire's intended audience is, but I suspect it's mostly for his fans and followers. Students in grades 7-12 who are still learning the rules of good writing (grammar, usage, syntax, and word choice) would certainly benefit from such a text but would hardly get past the introduction. The average adult hoping to quickly learn the rules of writing would be hard-pressed to explain, much less demonstrate the 50 rules outlined in Safire's book because he doesn't clearly outline the each rule and its correction.
For those searching for a concise, easy-to-read grammar guide, I recommend Strunk and White's The Elements of Style. Packed inside the 105-page book, Strunk provides examples of what not to do; but, more importantly, he explains the why and furnishes solutions to correct each writing error.
I'm not exactly sure who Safire's intended audience is, but I suspect it's mostly for his fans and followers. Students in grades 7-12 who are still learning the rules of good writing (grammar, usage, syntax, and word choice) would certainly benefit from such a text but would hardly get past the introduction. The average adult hoping to quickly learn the rules of writing would be hard-pressed to explain, much less demonstrate the 50 rules outlined in Safire's book because he doesn't clearly outline the each rule and its correction.
For those searching for a concise, easy-to-read grammar guide, I recommend Strunk and White's The Elements of Style. Packed inside the 105-page book, Strunk provides examples of what not to do; but, more importantly, he explains the why and furnishes solutions to correct each writing error.
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