The Elements of Style: Chapter 3

Chapter three of The Elements of Style covers: colloquialisms (slang words or phrases), exclamations, headings, hyphens, margins, numerals, parentheses, quotations, references, syllabication, and titles.

I found the excerpt about the use of colloquialisms or slang words/phrases interesting. I have always thought that using such language was not acceptable in proper writing, but this chapter encourages writers to use it. However, the chapter says to "not draw attention to it by enclosing it in quotation marks [because it] put[s] on airs, as though you were invited the reader to join you in a select society of those who know better" (Strunk & White). I think I will try to incorporate colloquialisms or slang words/phrases into a future writing of mine to see how it goes.

Works Cited

Strunk, William and  E.B. White. The Elements of Style. 4th ed. Needham Heights: Allyn & Bacon, 2000. Print.