STRUNK & WHITE ON WRITING

The Elements of Style by Strunk and White, is a little book I recommend, not only to would-be writers but also to would-be learners of English. In 100 pages, the authors condense all there is to know about writing and speaking. We are exposed to simple facts that most students are not aware of. For example: "The colloquial have got  for have  should not be used in writing." He has not got any sense should be He has no sense. You have got a problem should be you have a problem. We are told about the usage of people and person: "If of six people, five went away, how many people would be left? Answer: one people." (one person, of course.) Many Spàniards begin by saying: "La verdad es que..." and Strunk and White tell us: "The truth is..., a bad beginning for a sentence. If you feel you are possessed of the truth, simply state it. Do not give it advance billing." And ditto for the fact is el caso es.