The Sense of Style
A modern guide to the art of writing by cognitive scientist Steven Pinker.
Summary of 7 Key Points
Key Points
- The cognitive science behind good writing
- Classic style as a model for clarity and engagement
- The importance of syntax in crafting sentences
- Usage: following the rules and knowing when to break them
- The art of composing coherent and elegant paragraphs
- Toning voice and style for varying audiences
- Navigating the evolving norms of written English
key point 1 of 7
The cognitive science behind good writing
The cognitive science behind good writing, as explained in The Sense of Style, is an intriguing mix of psychology, linguistics, and social understanding. It’s not just about grammar rules and vocabulary, but more about understanding how our brains work when we read and write. It delves into the concept of ‘cognitive fluency,’ which is the brain’s preference for information that is easy to think about. Thus, great writing should not be overly complex, but rather should flow naturally and be easily digestible for the reader. ..Read&Listen More
key point 2 of 7
Classic style as a model for clarity and engagement
Classic style is presented as an ideal model for constructing clear and engaging written pieces. It is positioned as a conversational approach in which the writer addresses the reader directly, as if they were equals, sharing a discovery. The writer, in classic style, is the guide who unveils the subject, rather than a lecturer imparting knowledge. This style seeks to engage the reader to participate in the exploration of the subject matter, creating a sense of dialogue and mutual discovery…Read&Listen More
key point 3 of 7
The importance of syntax in crafting sentences
Syntax plays an indispensable role in crafting sentences as it provides the structural guidelines, which are crucial for communication clarity and coherence. It dictates how words from different parts of speech are put together to convey a complete thought, making it a tool for creating meaningful and impactful sentences. An intentional and skillful use of syntax can lead to sentences that are not only grammatically correct but also clear, concise, and compelling. It allows for variety and creativity in sentence construction, helping the writer articulate complex ideas more effectively…Read&Listen More
key point 4 of 7
Usage: following the rules and knowing when to break them
The perspective of ‘following the rules and knowing when to break them’ is conveyed as a delicate but essential balance in successful writing. This approach suggests that while grammar and stylistic rules are important to maintain clarity and professionalism, there are situations where breaking them can lead to a more engaging and effective piece of writing. The key lies in understanding these rules to a point where you can manipulate them to suit your intended message…Read&Listen More
key point 5 of 7
The art of composing coherent and elegant paragraphs
The art of composing coherent and elegant paragraphs, as presented in the book, begins with the selection of appropriate words. The choice of words not only impacts the clarity of the content but also influences the tone and overall impression on the reader. An ideal paragraph should be a seamless blend of sophisticated and simple words, ensuring that it is neither too bombastic nor too colloquial. The balance is crucial in maintaining the elegance and comprehensibility of the paragraph…Read&Listen More
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Toning voice and style for varying audiences
An important perspective offered in the book is about adapting one’s writing voice and style to suit different audiences. The author emphasizes that a successful writer is sensitive to their audience and crafts their message appropriately. This involves understanding the audience’s prior knowledge, interests, values, and language proficiency. It means making conscious decisions about the complexity of the vocabulary, the length and structure of sentences, the use of jargon, and the level of formality or informality…Read&Listen More
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Navigating the evolving norms of written English
The ever-changing norms of written English are not always straightforward to navigate. This is because they often diverge from the grammatical rules taught in classrooms, which tend to be more static. In reality, written English is a living language that grows and evolves with its users, influenced by societal changes, technological advancements, and shifting cultural attitudes. As such, it features a wide array of styles and conventions, some of which may even contradict each other…Read&Listen More