How to Write Clearly: Rules and Exercises on English Composition

by Edwin Abbott Abbott

"How to Write Clearly: Rules and Exercises on English Composition" by Edwin A. Abbott is a guidebook on English composition written in the late 19th century. The book aims to provide clear rules and exercises for teaching the art of writing clearly, which Abbott argues can be simplified to manageable instructions, contrasting it with the more complex nuances of writing with force and elegance. At the start of the book, the author emphasizes that while most boys can learn to write clearly through proper word arrangement and adherence to specific rules, clarity in writing does not necessarily guarantee clear thinking. Abbott introduces the main objectives of his work, which are to highlight common causes of ambiguity in writing and provide remedies through simple, repeatable strategies. He supports his thesis by referencing various forms of writing, including speeches and newspaper articles, that often fall prey to obfuscation due to deviations from these rules. The opening lays out the foundation for the rules and exercises that will follow, reflecting a commitment to improving English composition skills for students and writers alike.