How to Write Clearly
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Ambiguity may arise, not only from bad arrangement, but also from other causes-from the misuse of single words, and from confused thought. These causes are not removable by definite rules, and therefore, though not neglected, are not prominently considered in this book. My object rather is to point out some few continually recurring causes of ambiguity, and to suggest definite remedies in each case. Speeches in Parliament, newspaper narratives and articles, and, above all, resolutions at public meetings, furnish abundant instances of obscurity arising from the monotonous neglect of some dozen simple rules. The art of writing forcibly is, of course, a valuable acquisition-almost as valuable as the art of writing clearly.
Edwin Abbott Abbott
Edwin Abbott Abbott (1838-1926) was an author, schoolmaster, Anglican priest, and theologian. Born in London, he excelled at both the City of London School and St. John's College, taking the highest honors in classics, mathematics, and theology. After retiring as the headmaster of the City of London School (a position he earned at the age of 26) in 1889, he dedicated his life to literary and theological pursuits. Beyond expounding on his open-minded approach to theology, he also wrote a Shakespearean Grammar that is still considered to be a central piece of English philology. He is best remembered for his 1884 novella Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions, an evergreen piece of proto-Science Fiction that still inspires authors and readers to this day.
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