The Elements of Style is doubtless overrated, especially by those who don't know much about writing, but this piece seems a tad excessive. Pullum not withstanding, when I revise what I write I often find I have used more words than necessary. Everyone who has worked as an editor encounters unnecessary words. Often, it is because the writer has explained more than is necessary. After all, the word explain simply means to make plain. Determining how much information is needed to make something plain involves an exercise of judgment. There's nothing self-evident about it. And the more you know about something, the more likely you are to something is necessary that isn't.
Maxine had some interesting things to say about S&W a few years ago: Horses for courses.
There is also Robertson Davies's comment on S&W: "This is a wonderful book, if you want to write like a White or a Strunk. But do you? I should hate to read a novel written in Strunkese. As for Mr. White, his style is a perfect instrument for what he has to say, but for my taste that sounds too often like a few wise, weary words written by a man who is on the point of retiring to bed with a heavy cold."
Maxine had some interesting things to say about S&W a few years ago: Horses for courses.
There is also Robertson Davies's comment on S&W: "This is a wonderful book, if you want to write like a White or a Strunk. But do you? I should hate to read a novel written in Strunkese. As for Mr. White, his style is a perfect instrument for what he has to say, but for my taste that sounds too often like a few wise, weary words written by a man who is on the point of retiring to bed with a heavy cold."
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