Rules for Writers written by Diana Hacker is an amazing writing handbook that helps college students or anyone who enjoys writing and wants to perfect his or her skill. I love this book. The examples are clear and relevant. One example I really liked and learned from was the section on sentence building. Ms. Hacker presents a sentence that is passable in everyday speech, but not so for those looking for greater precision in their writing. See for yourself. "When Gloria set the pitcher on the glass-topped table, it broke." In personal conversation, that construction poses no problem. But in print it might. The problem with that sentence is that the placement of the pronoun "it" distracts subtly from clearly grasping its specific referent. Does it refer to the pitcher or to the glass-topped table? She rewrites the sentence to eliminate any doubt, which increases the readability and flow of her sentences. "The pitcher broke when Gloria set it on the glass-topped table." I found this book really useful. I keep my copy close and use it whenever I write. Used copies of Ms. Hacker's book are affordable. Amazon sells them for $8.80 here.
Lupe Aguirre
Lupe Aguirre
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