- Unknown Binding
- Publisher: Penguin books (1902)
- Language English
- ASIN: B001OP220Q
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
71 of 71 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a classic book. The first sentence of the Prologue says "the main purpose of this book is to help officials in their use of written English as a tool of their trade". I think that this book should be required reading for all officials, bureaucrats, managers and other professional people who have to write in English as part of their work.
I particularly like the many examples throughout the book of poor writing followed by the improved versions suggested by the author. The meaning of the improved versions is crystal clear in comparison with the original versions! And the improved versions are much easier to read.
There is a checklist of words and phrases to be used with care. It occupies 70 pages of the book and contains a few hundred words and phrases. Many of the words listed have their own proper function, but they are often used by unwary or careless writers in place of a simpler or more apt word. It is well worth reading through the author's comments and recommendations for each entry.
This is a book that I have read and re-read, and I now try to practice what Gowers preaches.
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I first read this book cover-to-cover, like a novel. It is interesting, easy to read and entertaining. It also covers a LOT of ground without being complicated or long-winded.
I bought this book in the late 90s and I still refer to it regularly. It's a fantastic little reference book. It explains things very clearly, and the examples it uses are very helpful indeed.
Its index is great; you can find what you're looking for very quickly.
It's refreshing to read a book about English usage which reflects our times and stresses the importance of clarity and elegance over blind adherence to Latin-based rules (e.g. it takes a sensible and pragmatic approach to the splitting of infinitives and to sentences ending with prepositions), but which at the same time doesn't do any "dumbing down" - everything it recommends is firmly rooted in good grammar and educated, clear use of the language.
This book was first published 52 years ago, but it has been updated to keep it current. In my opinion it is the best book you can buy if you want a clear, concise, sensible guide to writing well.
Oh - and the section on verbo-pomposity is a hoot!
I bought this book in the late 90s and I still refer to it regularly. It's a fantastic little reference book. It explains things very clearly, and the examples it uses are very helpful indeed.
Its index is great; you can find what you're looking for very quickly.
It's refreshing to read a book about English usage which reflects our times and stresses the importance of clarity and elegance over blind adherence to Latin-based rules (e.g. it takes a sensible and pragmatic approach to the splitting of infinitives and to sentences ending with prepositions), but which at the same time doesn't do any "dumbing down" - everything it recommends is firmly rooted in good grammar and educated, clear use of the language.
This book was first published 52 years ago, but it has been updated to keep it current. In my opinion it is the best book you can buy if you want a clear, concise, sensible guide to writing well.
Oh - and the section on verbo-pomposity is a hoot!
37 of 38 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The premise of this book is that writing is a tool that should enable communication and minimize misunderstandings, not a tool with which to show-off learning. This premise shines out in every chapter as the author deals with: choosing the correct word, avoiding superfluous words, arranging words well, and punctuating clearly.
This is not a strict grammar with definitive statements on the split infinitive or the use of hyphens, it is a council of commonsense, filled with examples of poor English (often very funny ones), and suggestions for how they should be improved.. The result is a fantastic and valuable guide to how to write better.
I learnt a lot from this book and enjoyed reading it cover to cover. It also has an excellent index making it a useful reference work. Now all I have to do is learn how to put these great lessons into practise.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
A sound counterpoint for any academic writing course
I have found this book to be full of useful discussion of style, cliches, and basic punctuation. The examples and discussion are really great. Read more
Published 7 months ago by N. Rutherford
plain words
As a writer, I found the book very useful indeed. It was written orginally for Civil Servants, but would prove to serve as a useful tool in our schools today to teach pupils what... Read more
Published 15 months ago by K. M. Whitehead
Useful guide
This is an update of Gower's 'Plain Words' and 'ABC of Plain Words'. I think I preferred the originals to this latest edition. Read more
Published on 29 May 2010 by The Consul
Updating an old friend
I have known of The Complete Plain Words since the mid 1950's and have my 1973 copy on my desk at all times. Read more
Published on 8 April 2010 by Graham J. Goulding
Formal, old fashioned, not plain English.
'Plain Words' is an 'English usage' guide aimed at government officials who write for a living and was first published in the 1940s. Read more
Published on 28 Sep 2009 by A. Butterfield
A useful book, but for a specialised readership
First of all: if you are someone who hasn't read a lot of books about the English language, but you have to do a fair amount of writing in your daily life and you feel that you... Read more
Published on 30 May 2008 by lexo1941
English how it is supposed to be wrote
This is a brief, easily read book which gives guidance as to how to cut down waffle in written word and to make the meaning clear. Read more
Published on 1 Oct 2007 by Billy No Mates
AVOIDING CATACHRESIS
'Catachresis' is a simple Greek word meaning 'misuse'. If you had never come across it in English before, neither had I until I read it in the second chapter of... Read more
Published on 31 Dec 2005 by DAVID BRYSON
Confused words
I bought this book on the strength of the previous reviews. I wanted to improve my grammar & punctuation. After starting to read some of this book I became even more confused. Read more
Published on 2 July 2004
Witty and entertaining guide to writing
This book is excellent if you feel a little uncomfortable with your punctuation and grammar. In no time atall you will know your active from your passive and your personal from... Read more
Published on 8 Mar 2001
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