The Sense of Style by Steven Pinker

Last updated: Aug 3, 2023

Summary of The Sense of Style by Steven Pinker

The Sense of Style by Steven Pinker is a comprehensive guide to writing well. Pinker, a cognitive scientist and linguist, argues that good writing is not a mysterious talent but a skill that can be learned and improved upon. He emphasizes the importance of clarity, coherence, and elegance in writing, and provides practical advice on how to achieve these qualities.

Pinker begins by debunking common myths about writing, such as the idea that good writing must be formal and stilted. He argues that clarity should be the primary goal of any writer, and that this can be achieved through careful attention to sentence structure, word choice, and organization. He encourages writers to be mindful of their audience and to avoid jargon and unnecessary complexity.

Pinker also addresses common grammar and usage issues, providing clear explanations and examples. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the rules of grammar, but also acknowledges that language is constantly evolving and that some rules are more flexible than others. He encourages writers to be aware of the context in which they are writing and to use language in a way that is appropriate and effective.

In addition to addressing the mechanics of writing, Pinker also explores the art of storytelling. He discusses the importance of narrative structure, character development, and pacing in creating engaging and memorable writing. He provides examples from a wide range of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and journalism, to illustrate his points.

Pinker also delves into the challenges of writing in the digital age, where attention spans are shorter and information is readily available. He offers strategies for capturing and maintaining the reader's attention, such as using vivid language, incorporating storytelling techniques, and structuring information in a way that is easy to digest.

Throughout the book, Pinker emphasizes the importance of revision and editing. He encourages writers to be ruthless in cutting unnecessary words and phrases, and to constantly strive for clarity and precision. He also provides practical tips for proofreading and avoiding common errors.

In conclusion, The Sense of Style is a comprehensive and practical guide to writing well. Pinker's approach is grounded in cognitive science and linguistics, and he provides clear explanations and examples to support his advice. Whether you are a professional writer or simply want to improve your communication skills, this book is a valuable resource.

1. The Curse of Knowledge

In "The Sense of Style," Steven Pinker introduces the concept of the curse of knowledge, which refers to the difficulty experienced by experts in communicating their knowledge to others who are not experts in the same field. This curse arises because experts often forget what it was like to not know what they know now. As a result, they struggle to explain concepts in a way that is accessible to non-experts.

Pinker suggests that overcoming the curse of knowledge requires experts to step back and adopt the perspective of a novice. By doing so, they can identify the gaps in their own understanding and find simpler ways to convey complex ideas. This insight is actionable for anyone who needs to communicate complex information to others, whether it be in writing, teaching, or public speaking. By recognizing the curse of knowledge and making a conscious effort to bridge the gap between expert and novice, we can enhance our ability to effectively communicate and share knowledge.

2. Good Writing Requires Rewriting

Pinker emphasizes the importance of rewriting in achieving good writing. He argues that the first draft of any piece of writing is usually far from perfect and requires multiple rounds of revision to refine and improve. This insight challenges the misconception that great writers effortlessly produce flawless prose on their first attempt.

Pinker suggests that rewriting involves critically evaluating each sentence and paragraph, considering alternative ways to express ideas, and eliminating unnecessary words or phrases. By embracing the process of rewriting, writers can refine their work, clarify their ideas, and enhance the overall quality of their writing. This takeaway is actionable for anyone who aspires to become a better writer. It encourages us to embrace the iterative nature of writing and invest time and effort into revising and polishing our work.

3. Embrace the Active Voice

Pinker advocates for the use of the active voice in writing, as opposed to the passive voice. He argues that the active voice is generally more engaging, direct, and concise, making it easier for readers to understand and follow the flow of ideas. In contrast, the passive voice can often lead to convoluted and unclear sentences.

By consciously choosing the active voice, writers can make their writing more dynamic and engaging. This takeaway is actionable for anyone who wants to improve their writing style. By paying attention to the voice used in their sentences and actively opting for the active voice, writers can enhance the clarity and impact of their writing.

4. Beware of Jargon and Technical Language

Pinker warns against the excessive use of jargon and technical language in writing. While these terms may be familiar to experts in a particular field, they can alienate and confuse non-expert readers. Pinker suggests that writers should strive for clarity and accessibility by using plain language whenever possible.

This takeaway is particularly relevant for professionals who need to communicate their expertise to a broader audience. By avoiding jargon and technical language, they can ensure that their writing is accessible and understandable to a wider range of readers. It also serves as a reminder to all writers to consider their audience and choose language that is appropriate and inclusive.

5. Use Metaphors and Analogies

Pinker highlights the power of metaphors and analogies in making complex ideas more accessible and relatable. By comparing unfamiliar concepts to familiar ones, writers can help readers grasp abstract or technical ideas more easily.

This insight is actionable for anyone who wants to improve their communication skills. By incorporating metaphors and analogies into their writing, speakers can make their ideas more vivid and memorable. It also encourages writers to think creatively and find innovative ways to explain complex concepts.

6. Grammar Matters

Pinker emphasizes the importance of grammar in effective communication. While some may view grammar as a set of arbitrary rules, Pinker argues that it provides a framework for clarity and precision in writing.

This takeaway is actionable for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills. By paying attention to grammar and striving for grammatical correctness, writers can enhance the clarity and coherence of their writing. It also serves as a reminder that grammar is not just a set of rules to be followed blindly, but a tool that can be used to enhance communication.

7. Be Mindful of Your Audience

Pinker emphasizes the importance of considering the needs and expectations of your audience when writing. He suggests that writers should strive to meet their readers' needs by providing clear explanations, anticipating questions, and addressing potential concerns.

This insight is actionable for anyone who wants to effectively communicate with their audience. By putting themselves in the shoes of their readers and considering their perspective, writers can tailor their writing to be more engaging, relevant, and impactful.

8. Read Widely and Analytically

Pinker encourages readers to engage in wide and analytical reading as a means of improving their writing skills. By exposing themselves to a variety of writing styles and genres, readers can expand their vocabulary, develop a sense of good writing, and gain inspiration for their own work.

This takeaway is actionable for anyone who wants to become a better writer. By making a conscious effort to read widely and analytically, individuals can expose themselves to different writing styles, learn from successful authors, and develop their own unique voice and style.