The Curious Case of the Misplaced Modifier: How to Solve the Mysteries of Weak Writing
Curious Case of the Misplaced Modifier: How to Solve the Mysteries of Weak Writing
Most people think that good grammar leads to good writing. But the truth is that while good writing may be technically correct, it's also strong, concise, and specific. This guide identifies the seven writing weaknesses that editors everywhere must fix again and again; in fact, almost all of an editor's corrections on any piece of writing will come from the material covered in this book's lessons. In an engaging solve-the-mystery format, you'll solve these cases: The Tantalizing Tale of Passive Voice
The Peculiar Puzzle of the Vague -ing Word
The Confusing Caper Concerning the Super-Long Sentence
You don't have to wade through hundreds of pages of dry grammar references to improve your writing. Rather than memorize the picky details that very few people care about, learn what really leads to good writing in this easy-to-use and friendly book.
- Writing Nonfiction Language Reference
152 pages, Hardcover First published April 11, 2006
Ratings & Reviews
Community Reviews
1,061 reviews 25 followers
never let it be said I don't know how to party on a Saturday night. This was the most entertaining hornbook on grammar I've read all year. it has a nice, light tone, clear rules and helpful examples.
Author 27 books 15 followers
This book is a GREAT tool for anywriter's toolbox.
Author 2 books 1 follower
Update August 7, 2012: Although the content of the book should allow a largely self taught author to feel satisfied with one's investment, of both time and money, but the most enjoyable part of the book remains the presentation of content. Whosesoever taste, the author or the publisher, in presentation and layout it reflects, the book, with its brilliant formatting, makes the whole process of knowledge acquisition an extremely enjoyable activity. It definitely offers a welcome respite from the general trend, which has become an epidemic in the publishing industry, of not enough line spacing, poor formatting, and general presentation that resembles dumping of whole lot of text on a sheet of paper. If book reading and review communities were to introduce two separate ratings for quality of content and quality of presentation, then this book would get 6 stars in the presentation department: an excellently laid out book. Having referred to the need to introduce tiered rating system, so to encourage publishers to assign some importance to layout and formatting, I would like to urge the decision makers at GoodReads to take the lead and introduce the aforementioned rating scheme, as, at least on occasions, the formatting of a book can prove decisive in terms of a person's desire to read a book.
1,651 reviews 32 followers
Yes, this is a grammar book. Yes, I read it for school. Yes, I liked it. In fact, this is one of the best improve-your-writing books (correctly placed hypens) I've read. It is fun, gives good tips, and even better, has exercises to help you practice what you've learned. Okay, I realize that might not be for everybody, but this was a pleasant surprise for me. We are so impressed at school that we are going to be writing some curriculum for our students using this book. Ms. Trenga not only sold me, but will make a few well-deserved dollars when we buy copies for our students. It is not often that you can get a writing guide that helps you teach for $10. Yippee!
- non-fiction
1,072 reviews
This is a well-written, very accessible guide to overcoming common writing issues. It's written in a very laid-back style with engaging explanations and examples. If I could, I would make this required reading for every middle school (and probably high school) student.
- instructional
127 reviews 2 followers
Short but concise and very insightful.
- writing-tips
Author 10 books 38 followers
What could be more clever than packing weak sentence exercises into mock-Sherlock Holmes-type mysteries? This small book packs a wallop for strengthening your writing. As it relates to fiction writing this is a hallmark on my shelf. I highly recommend going through these pages. The exercises in eliminating weak verbs, alone, is worth the purchase. Each case of weak writing feels like a Sherlock Holmes mystery so that it stays entertaining throughout what could otherwise be dry material.
This was a great book! Easy to consume and apply. Easy examples to follow and relate to writing. Short exercises to help you determine whether you're understanding the concepts. Recommend to everyone who writes me emails!!!
- hardcopy
359 reviews 1 follower
Got this gem from the library, loved the format and the genial tone. Great refresher and helpful tool to tighten up your writing.
Really excellent for teaching people clearly, with examples, what's afflicting their writing and how to improve it.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 32 reviews
The Curious Case of the Misplaced Modifier: How to Solve the Mysteries of Weak Writing
Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/834525.Curious_Case_of_the_Misplaced_Modifier
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