03 May Book Review of Dreyer's English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity a…
A Chat About Clarity: Dreyer’s English
Is there anything more maddening than realizing you’ve been following outdated writing rules your whole life? Benjamin Dreyer’s Dreyer’s English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style caught my eye like a magnetic strip catches a stray paperclip. As a passionate word nerd, the title promised a mix of both clarity and a bit of cheek, and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint. I found myself laughing, nodding in agreement, and occasionally cringing as I instinctively recalled rules I should have long ago embraced or abandoned.
In Dreyer’s English, we’re taken on a delightful journey through the quirks of English grammar, punctuation, and everything unsightly in between. Dreyer, an esteemed copyeditor at Random House, not only busts myths about “proper” writing but does so with the flair of a stand-up comedian—who also happens to be a grammarian. For instance, his riff on the passive voice is brilliantly illustrated through witty anecdotes, including the infamous “Celebrated Ending-a-Sentence-with-a-Preposition-Story.” The dialogue between the Southern Gal and the Frosty Matron left me chuckling, a reminder that clarity can be humorous, too.
Now, let’s address those pesky rules we’ve been told to adhere to, like the age-old prohibition against beginning sentences with “and” or “but.” Dreyer’s unapologetic stance—“Only godless savages eschew the series comma”—resonated deeply with me. I’ve been guilty of clutching at my high school grammar teachings, especially around rules Number 2, 5, and 8 of that quick quiz churned up in the book. The list is a prototype of writing constrictions many of us unconsciously follow, and Dreyer helps us to acknowledge them, dismantle them, and ultimately replace them with better practices.
One of the standout moments for me was Chapter 12, “The Trimmables.” I mean, who knew that phrases like "crisis situation" or "free gift" were not just redundant but also collectively cluttering our prose? Dreyer’s humorous approach to these bloated phrases opened my eyes, not just to the need for clarity but also to the beauty of succinctness. His observations were light-hearted yet profoundly insightful—perfect for anyone striving to communicate more effectively.
On a personal note, as someone who spent years crafting my voice in the world of writing, Dreyer echoes many of my own sentiments. There’s a generous dose of empathy in his humor, grounding the often-stuffy world of grammar in relatable experiences. I found myself reflecting on my own writing journey while tapping into the valuable nuggets Dreyer offers.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Dreyer’s English to anyone who wrestles with the fine balance between strict grammatical rules and the poetic freedom of language. It’s a must-read for writers, editors, and readers alike, offering not just guidance but also a light-hearted reminder that the journey toward better writing can be as amusing as it is educational. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced writer, Dreyer’s witty pen will leave you savoring the intricacies of English, reminding you to embrace clarity and maybe—just maybe—let go of some of those stubborn old rules.
Discover more about Dreyer's English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity a… on GoodReads >>
