The Elements of Expression: Putting Thoughts into Words

A unique, compact, witty guide to writing and speaking vividly and expressively offers engaging examples of adventurous language grouped under such headings as "The Power of Tough Talk" and "Infusions for Tired Vocabularies."

This entertaining potpourri of thoughts about words by the associate publisher of the American Library Association touches on a variety of philological concerns. Plotnik (Elements of Editing) fails to lead with his strength: not a trained linguist, he does draw a distinction between prescriptive and descriptive grammar, coming down heavily in favor of the latter and ignoring possibilities of compromise. But he gets into trouble when he classifies all expressions as either standard or substandard, allowing for no distinction between formal and informal usage and accusing "authorities" of giving slang, jargon, argot and the like roughly equal status But once he turns to the steps leading to expressiveness, he is most effective, demonstrating a fine ability to choose quotations from writers past and present that really sing. He deals with verbal power, cliches, borrowing apt phrases from others, jargon and even public speaking. A helpful little compendium for writers and speakers wishing to brush up on their prose.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This is a well-written guide to making your writing more expressive, done by the associate publisher of ALA Editions who is also the author of the best-selling Elements of Editing (1982). After first lamenting the paucity of modern expression--a pattern he attributes to our age of standardization and mass media--Plotnik gives an overview of grammatical theory and standard English. He then provides numerous tips on how to write or speak in a lively, engaging, and forceful fashion. In an especially effective technique, Plotnik lists, in two-column format, the same sentiment expressed first in conventional language and then in more adventurous prose, often in the form of exquisite quotations from some of our best writers. These examples are accompanied by compact, insightful analysis on exactly how the language connects or fails to do so. Other topics covered include the judicious use of quotations, cliches, speechmaking, and jargon. A valuable book for both neophyte and veteran writers and speakers. Joanne Wilkinson