Write It Right: A Little Blacklist of Literary Faults

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Gutenberg ID

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Title

Write It Right: A Little Blacklist of Literary Faults

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Ambrose Bierce's witty guide exposes common writing errors with sharp humor and precise advice. This practical manual teaches clarity by blacklisting vague words, correcting misused phrases, and distinguishing subtle grammatical nuances. Ideal for writers seeking to refine their style and ensure their thoughts are expressed with absolute precision and taste.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'Write It Right: A Little Blacklist of Literary Faults,' Ambrose Bierce presents a satirical yet rigorous examination of English usage, functioning as a corrective manual that equates precision in writing with clear thinking. Published in 1909, the text argues that good writing requires the careful selection of words that accurately express intent while excluding those that denote unrelated meanings. Bierce rejects bloated dictionaries in favor of 'actual and serviceable meaning,' dismissing both narrow scholarly etymons and loose ignorant locutions. The book's core is 'The Blacklist,' a comprehensive catalog of errors where Bierce systematically addresses specific faults, often contrasting incorrect usage with preferred alternatives. He corrects common confusions such as using 'action' for 'act,' 'admit' for 'confess,' or 'aggravate' for 'irritate.' He clarifies that 'approach' implies bribery, 'apt' means facile rather than likely, and 'business' in the sense of 'right' is a misuse. Bierce meticulously distinguishes between 'hung' (for objects) and 'hanged' (for people), separates 'lay' and 'lie,' and corrects the misuse of 'unique' as a comparative adjective. Beyond vocabulary, Bierce tackles stylistic issues, advising against slang like 'bug' or 'jackies,' and urging restraint with colloquialisms. He critiques the overuse of the definite article with diseases and the redundant phrase 'kind of a.' Throughout, he maintains a tone that is both authoritative and self-deprecating, acknowledging that even great writers are 'habitual sinners.' The text serves as a timeless resource for anyone wishing to eliminate ambiguity, avoid solecisms, and elevate their prose through a disciplined adherence to the rules of taste and precision.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Language & Writing
• Reference