The Sense of Style: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of The Sense of Style, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
Good writing helps readers see
Pinker argues that good writing helps readers see what the writer sees.
He recommends classic style, in which the writer acts as a guide pointing out something interesting in the world.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
Experts forget what readers lack
Pinker identifies the curse of knowledge, the difficulty experts have imagining what it is like not to know something.
This, he argues, is the main cause of unclear writing. Experts often write as if the reader already knows everything.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
Sentences have hidden structure
Pinker explains that sentences are built like trees, with branches of grammar inside them.
Understanding this helps writers fix confusing sentences. Seeing how words group into phrases makes it clear why some sentences are hard to read.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Texts need coherence
Pinker argues that good writing connects ideas so readers can follow the thread.
Each sentence should lead naturally to the next. A reader who loses the thread has to stop and guess, which makes the page tiring.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Connections build understanding
Pinker describes arcs of coherence, the links between ideas across a whole text.
Clear signposts help readers know where an argument is going. Words like because, but and therefore show how one point leads to the next.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Some rules are myths
Pinker examines common grammar rules and argues that some are based on myths rather than real usage.
He separates useful guidance from fussy superstition. A rule that was once repeated by teachers is not always a rule that good writers follow.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
Avoid unnecessary jargon
Pinker urges writers to avoid jargon, abstraction and hedging that make writing hard to follow.
Plain words often work best. Writing with plain words and clear claims leaves the reader free to think about the idea itself.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Style is a pleasure
Pinker argues that good style is not just correct but enjoyable.
It shows respect for the reader. Elegant writing makes the reader enjoy the ideas, and a pleasing sentence stays in the mind longer than a dull one.
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