Oxford Guide to Plain English 3rd Edition

Author: Martin Cutts
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 9780199558506
Published In: August 2009
Format: Hardback
Jurisdiction: U.K. ? Disclaimer:
Countri(es) stated herein are used as reference only

New Edition is available now !

Description
Author
Reviews

Details

Revised edition of this essential writing tool for the office and home
New material includes advice on writing effectively for the web and proofreading
Helpfully split into a series of short guidelines dealing with a wide range of issues surrounding good writing, including using the active voice, correct punctuation, effective planning for writing, proofreading, and clear organization
Clear and lively layout makes the guide easy to use
New to this edition

Adds four new guidelines: writing for the web, proofreading, writing 'easy English' (i.e. very basic text for people with learning difficulties), and the use/abuse of readability tests
Format of the book increased in size to aid readability
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.

Readership: Anyone needing quick tips and authoritative help to make their English clearer and more effective in written documents.

Martin Cutts, Plain Language Commission

Review(s) from previous edition

"'An excellent book ... indispensable to anyone compiling a style guide ... The multitude of real-life examples demonstrating the practices described make the book equally useful to experienced writers checking specific points and to novices needing broader guidance.' - Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators (ISTC) magazine, Sept 2008