The Economist Style Guide: 9th Edition

Writing and speaking are the most difficult skills to learn if you're a non-native speaker. Even though most learners believe that speaking is more useful - and there is some vanity involved in it - it's actually writing that takes precedence in today's connected world. Most business communications today are done through email, and no one wants the recipient to have a laugh at their expense.

Grammar, punctuation and vocabulary are important, for sure, but once you have mastered those, why not spend a few more hours dedicated to polishing a bit your written English? With just 160 pages, you get tips that will make your writing look formal, but not stilted; correct, but not pretentious. You may even have a laugh or two with the entries.

This is a good tool and further reference for anyone who is a multinational executive, it provides insights into local knowledge and local references. The book not intensive in grammar is relevant to the modern day communication in any international field.

I thought there were a few inconsistencies in the manual, but I still highly recommend this concise reference book to anyone who does any writing, editing, or translating into English.

I speak English as a second language. This style guide has been incredibly useful and informative. I have improved my writing even in other languages thanks to this book. It even is pleasurable reading.

In the Guide's own style:

Buy it.

Very useful handbook for writing. It is fashioned similarly to other journalism guides of Brazilian newspapers, but it is far more witty.
It brings a section about differences between American and British English - with clues I couldn't find anywhere else. Lots of vocabulary, as usual.

It could bring more examples of good and bad practices, though. But I guess those you can find at live on the pages of The Economist itself.

Enjoy your reading,

Ruli.