ABSTRACT

This is an engaging and practical introduction to the elements of grammar, sentence structure, and style that you need to write well across a range of academic, creative, and professional contexts, deftly combining practical strategies with scholarly principles.

The second edition includes updated material based on a longstanding commitment to writing and to best international practice. It includes advice on reading; language; grammar and style; structuring; designing; paragraphing; punctuation; workplace and academic documents; digital writing for social media; and revising, editing, and proofreading.

How Writing Works should be on the desk of everyone who needs to write: students, professionals in all fields, and creative writers. It is an essential handbook for working writers and writing workers in the contemporary writing-reliant workplace.

The accompanying companion website includes video interviews and presentations from leading grammarians including Professor David Crystal and Professor Geoff Pullum, in addition to online quizzes and activities to support readers’ learning.

chapter Chapter 1|17 pages

How writing works

chapter Chapter 2|19 pages

How reading works

chapter Chapter 3|31 pages

How words work

chapter Chapter 4|37 pages

How sentences and content words work

chapter Chapter 5|24 pages

How structure words and paragraphs work

chapter Chapter 6|21 pages

How punctuation works

chapter Chapter 7|25 pages

How structure and design work

chapter Chapter 8|30 pages

How genres and workplace documents work

chapter Chapter 9|33 pages

How academic research and writing work

chapter Chapter 10|22 pages

How digital writing works

chapter Chapter 11|26 pages

How revising, editing, and proofreading work