Upvoted both this and its parent, because the quoted bit of Strunk and White seems like good advice, and because the linked criticism of Strunk and White is lucid and informative as well as entertaining. I learned about two new but related things, one right after the other; my conclusions about Strunk and White swung rapidly from one position to the opposite in quick succession. Quite an experience! (“Oh look, there are these two folks who are recognized authorities on English, and they’re presenting good writing advice. Strunk and White… must remember. Wait; here’s a response… Oh—turns out not much of their advice is that good after all! Passive voice IS acceptable! Language Log… must remember.”)
You might enjoy this post, as well: Don’t put up with usage abuse. It’s one of many, many posts on Language Log in which the authors thoroughly destroy the notion of prescriptivist grammar.
The first thing to say is that the only possible way to settle a question of grammar or style is to look at relevant evidence. I suppose there really are people who believe the rules of grammar come down from some authority on high, an authority that has no connection with the people who speak and write English; but those people have got to be deranged.
Upvoted both this and its parent, because the quoted bit of Strunk and White seems like good advice, and because the linked criticism of Strunk and White is lucid and informative as well as entertaining. I learned about two new but related things, one right after the other; my conclusions about Strunk and White swung rapidly from one position to the opposite in quick succession. Quite an experience! (“Oh look, there are these two folks who are recognized authorities on English, and they’re presenting good writing advice. Strunk and White… must remember. Wait; here’s a response… Oh—turns out not much of their advice is that good after all! Passive voice IS acceptable! Language Log… must remember.”)
You might enjoy this post, as well: Don’t put up with usage abuse. It’s one of many, many posts on Language Log in which the authors thoroughly destroy the notion of prescriptivist grammar.
Upvoted for linking to something that mentions an alternative.
As someone who routinely abuses grammar for comedic effect, I greatly appreciated this link. Language Log is one of my favorite blogs on the internet.