Synthesized answer
A writer might intentionally disregard the rule against joining independent clauses with a comma if they want to create a stylistic effect similar to an "after-thought" [1]. This would indicate that a relation exists between the clauses without explicitly defining it [1]. Such a choice could also serve to prevent a style from becoming "too formal" and to provide the reader with "a certain relief," as an occasional "loose sentence" can be effective [1]. This stylistic choice is described as common in "easy, unstudied writing" [1].
Similarly, a writer might disregard the rule to "make the paragraph the unit of composition" by not always beginning with a topic sentence. In "brief paragraphs of animated narrative," the absence of a clear topic sentence can lead to the break between paragraphs serving "the purpose of a rhetorical pause, throwing into prominence some detail of the action" [4].
The passages do not provide further details on the communicative purpose beyond these effects, nor do they offer additional circumstances under which these stylistic choices might be deliberate and effective.
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
s reached, the second clause has the appearance of an after-thought. Further, and, is the least specific of connectives. Used between independent clauses, it indicates only that a relation exists between them without defining that relation. In the example above, the relation is that of cause and result. The two sentences might be rewritten: Or the subordinate clauses might be replaced by phrases: But a writer may err by making his sentences too uniformly compact and periodic, and an occasional loose sentence prevents the style from becoming too formal and gives the reader a certain relief.…
this rule, when dialogue and narrative are combined, is best learned from examples in well-printed works of fiction. 10. As a rule, begin each paragraph with a topic sentence; end it in conformity with the beginning. edit Again, the object is to aid the reader. The practice here recommended enables him to discover the purpose of each paragraph as he begins to read it, and to retain the purpose in mind as he ends it. For this reason, the most generally useful kind of paragraph, particularly in exposition and argument, is that in which the topic sentence comes at or near the beginning; the…
m, a comma is usually permissible: 6. Do not break sentences in two. edit In other words, do not use periods for commas. In both these examples, the first period should be replaced by a comma, and the following word begun with a small letter. It is permissible to make an emphatic word or expression serve the purpose of a sentence and to punctuate it accordingly: The writer must, however, be certain that the emphasis is warranted, and that he will not be suspected of a mere blunder in punctuation. Rules 3, 4, 5, and 6 cover the most important principles in the punctuation of ordinary…
tatement serving to hold together the details that follow. But this device, if too often used, would become a mannerism. More commonly the opening sentence simply indicates by its subject with what the paragraph is to be principally concerned. The brief paragraphs of animated narrative, however, are often without even this semblance of a topic sentence. The break between them serves the purpose of a rhetorical pause, throwing into prominence some detail of the action. 11. Use the active voice. edit The active voice is usually more direct and vigorous than the passive: This is much better than…
se requiring to be set off by a comma, precedes the second independent clause, no comma is needed after the conjunction. For two-part sentences connected by an adverb, see the next section. 5. Do not join independent clauses by a comma. edit If two or more clauses, grammatically complete and not joined by a conjunction, are to form a single compound sentence, the proper mark of punctuation is a semicolon. It is of course equally correct to write the above as two sentences each, replacing the semicolons by periods. If a conjunction is inserted, the proper mark is a comma (Rule 4). Note that if…
More questions about this book
- If you were to explain the core philosophy behind Strunk's "Elementary Principles of Composition" to someone unfamiliar with writing, what overarching goal would you emphasize, and how do rules like "Omit needless words" or "Use the active voice" directly serve that goal?
- The text describes "The Elements of Style" as a "prescriptive treatment." What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of a widely influential guide dictating specific rules for writing, rather than merely observing and describing common usage?
- Choose any three specific rules from either the "Elementary Rules of Usage" or "Elementary Principles of Composition." For each, explain not just *what* the rule is, but *why* following it enhances clarity, impact, or readability in written communication.
- Considering the book's lasting influence and status as "required reading," what does its continued prevalence suggest about the relationship between fluid linguistic evolution and the enduring principles of effective communication?