Style Guide

Writing and speaking are the most difficult skills to learn if you're a non-native speaker. Even though most learners believe that speaking is more useful - and there is some vanity involved in it - it's actually writing that takes precedence in today's connected world. Most business communications today are done through email, and no one wants the recipient to have a laugh at their expense. Grammar, punctuation and vocabulary are important, for sure, but once you have mastered those, why not spend a few more hours dedicated to polishing a bit your written English? With just 160 pages, you get tips that will make your writing look formal, but not stilted; correct, but not pretentious. You may even have a laugh or two with the entries.

I speak English as a second language. This style guide has been incredibly useful and informative. I have improved my writing even in other languages thanks to this book. It even is pleasurable reading. In the Guide's own style: Buy it.

Very useful handbook for writing. It is fashioned similarly to other journalism guides of Brazilian newspapers, but it is far more witty. It brings a section about differences between American and British English - with clues I couldn't find anywhere else. Lots of vocabulary, as usual. It could bring more examples of good and bad practices, though. But I guess those you can find at live on the pages of The Economist itself. Enjoy your reading, Ruli.

More than grammar. This book helps with style and it also has reference information on abbreviations, calendars, countries, currencies, science, geology, internet, latin, proofreading, stockmarket, world times, etc. It has many interesting sections.

Simple. Straightforward. Writing instruction as you would expect from perhaps the best magazine on the planet. Clear, concise, to the point. If you want to write well, then buy this book.