Plain English is an essential tool for effective communication. Information transmitted in letters, documents, reports, contracts, and forms is clearer and more understandable when presented in straightforward terms. The Oxford Guide to Plain English provides authoritative guidance on how to write plain English using easy-to-follow guidelines which cover straightforward language, sentence length, active and passive verbs, punctuation, grammar, planning, and good organization. This handy guide will be invaluable to writers of all levels. It provides essential guidelines that will allow readers to develop their writing style, grammar, and punctuation. The book also offers help in understanding official jargon and legalese giving the plain English alternatives. This guide gives hundreds of real examples and shows 'before and after' versions of texts of different kinds which will help readers to look critically at their own writing. It is organized in 25 short chapters, which each cover a different aspect of writing. Clearly laid out and easy to use, the Oxford Guide to Plain English is the best guide to writing clear and helpful documents.
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About the Author
Martin Cutts is a writer, editor, and teacher. He founded the Plain English Campaign in 1979, and in 1994 he co-founded the Plain Language Commission. He is a leading voice in the international plain language movement.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
32 of 33 people found the following review helpful
By windsor_lad
Format:Paperback
I have been running writing courses for over a decade and have looked through many books on clear writing. Overall, I think this is the most helpful. I recommend it to attendees.
It even has a section on how to manage colleagues' writing. Many people who come on a writing course want their boss to attend too; to learn the real 'rules'!
It even has a section on how to manage colleagues' writing. Many people who come on a writing course want their boss to attend too; to learn the real 'rules'!
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Padavi
Format:Paperback
I bought copies for my daughters who both use them at work and swear by this very handy and accessible guide. As an English teacher, I have a shelf full of grammar books and dictionaries but was so impressed I bought one for myself too. I am recommending it to all my students. 'The Plain Words' is still my 'Bible' though!
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By P. Charmoy
Format:Paperback
The book is clear and concise. I learnt a lot, and the content is clearly applicable to more than English. But probably the crowning touch is that Mr. Cutts managed to write a book that is quite funny to read. Anybody having to write occasionally should have a copy.
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4.5 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Read this !!!
Every person who has to write any form of report, document, description, explanation - anything whatsoever - should read at least the first three chapters of this book - especially... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Martin Starkie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sublime !
This amazing little book is almost a metaphor for the language about which it seeks to enlighten. It's easy to read, beautifully presented and places precise facts clearly and... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Duncurin
3.0 out of 5 stars
Review of Oxford Guide to Plain English
As an academic, I found parts of this book both useful and necessary to apply to my own work. However, one has to be selective. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Mars
4.0 out of 5 stars
Best writing guide book I have found
This is a great style guide book which gives plentiful help on a wide variety of topics, from punctuation to Web page design and e-mails. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Programmer675
5.0 out of 5 stars
Essential reading for all people writing for professional reasons
I'd read the bumph on the Plain English Campaign website. I wanted to go further. As a teacher, when I opened this book, I knew immediately it was a tool that would help me. How? Read more
Published 17 months ago by Ian Bell
4.0 out of 5 stars
You'll enjoy this one--initially
Why do letters from my insurance company end with the anodyne statement: " Please don't hesitate to contact us should we be able to be of further assistance" or " I trust that you... Read more
Published 21 months ago by A. O. P. Akemu
4.0 out of 5 stars
improving writing skills
It gives clear explanations and examples about what to write and what to 'avoid' writing to make your texts really effective. I like it.
Published on 18 April 2011 by Green Lizard
3.0 out of 5 stars
Generally sound, but better guides are available
The advice offered is usually sound, but the topics aren't treated evenly: Some pages are filled with waffle, while important points aren't discussed in enough details. Read more
Published on 3 Aug 2010 by Adam Nohejl
4.0 out of 5 stars
keep it simple
If you're interested in cutting through business jargon and keeping your writing simple, you'll find it interesting; a little over-elaborate in places but insightful nonetheless
Published on 18 Feb 2010 by Languagelover
5.0 out of 5 stars
Oxford Guide to Plain English
I saw this guide mentioned in The Times and bought it for my son, in the hope that it would improve the appalling standard of his e-mails. Read more
Published on 5 Feb 2010 by Molly Malone
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