When Good People Write Bad Sentences: 12 Steps to Better Writing Habits : Book Review

"When Good People Write Bad Sentences" by Robert W. Harris is a highly practical and insightful guide for anyone looking to improve their writing skills. As an experienced writer and editor, Harris delves into common writing mistakes and provides clear explanations on how to avoid them. This book is a valuable resource for enhancing both writing and communication abilities, with a specific focus on grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.

Harris begins by emphasizing the importance of good writing and its impact on personal and professional success. He highlights that even intelligent individuals can fall into the trap of crafting poorly constructed sentences. Throughout the book, he addresses various causes for bad writing, such as lack of knowledge or carelessness, and offers advice on overcoming these obstacles.

One of the strengths of Harris's book is the practical examples he uses to illustrate common writing errors and their corrections. From misplaced modifiers to run-on sentences, he breaks down complex grammatical concepts into easy-to-understand terms. His explanations are straightforward and concise, allowing readers to grasp the principles behind effective sentence construction.

What sets this book apart is Harris's engaging and relatable writing style. He adopts a conversational tone, injecting humor into his explanations. This approach makes the book enjoyable to read and less intimidating, ensuring that readers stay motivated to improve their writing skills.

In conclusion, "When Good People Write Bad Sentences" is a valuable resource for enhancing writing abilities. Robert W. Harris provides practical advice, clear explanations, and engaging examples to help readers improve their grammar, punctuation, and overall sentence structure. Whether you are a student, professional, or simply seeking to communicate more effectively, this book is an indispensable addition to your writing toolkit.

What are readers saying?

Robert W. Harris' book, "When Good People Write Bad Sentences," has received a range of reviews, showcasing the diversity of readers' opinions. Some find the book to be a valuable tool for enhancing their writing skills, while others believe it falls short in providing practical advice.

Many reviewers appreciate Harris' ability to explain grammar and sentence structure in a clear and concise manner. They find his examples easy to comprehend, and appreciate his talent for breaking down complex concepts. Additionally, readers enjoy the author's conversational tone, which adds to the book's engaging and enjoyable nature.

Furthermore, readers value the book's focus on common mistakes, as well as the accompanying explanations as to why these errors are made. The thorough analysis of each mistake proves helpful in helping readers avoid similar pitfalls in their own writing. Reviewers frequently mention that the book serves as an excellent reference guide, catering to both novice and experienced writers.

However, there are readers who believe the book lacks practical advice. While they find the explanations of grammatical concepts helpful, they feel that the book fails to provide specific guidance on applying these principles to real-life writing situations. Some express disappointment that the book leans more toward theory rather than offering actionable tips.

Additionally, opinions on the book's organization are mixed. Some reviewers appreciate the logical progression of topics, finding it easy to navigate through the different chapters. Conversely, others feel that the book jumps too abruptly from one concept to another, making it difficult to follow along seamlessly.

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