Economical Writing by Deirdre Nansen McCloskey Summary

Economical Writing offers 35 practical rules for crafting clear, concise, and persuasive prose, emphasizing simplicity over jargon and brevity over verbosity. McCloskey, an economist and rhetorician, blends wit with actionable advice, advocating for active voice, precise word choice, and rigorous revision. The book targets academic and professional writers but applies to anyone seeking to communicate complex ideas effectively.

The book is ideal for academic researchers, economists, students, and professionals in fields requiring technical writing. It’s particularly valuable for writers struggling with clarity, those burdened by institutional jargon, or anyone aiming to persuade readers through lean, impactful prose. McCloskey’s lessons also resonate with editors and educators teaching communication skills.

Yes—critics praise it as “better than Strunk and White” for its blend of humor and utility. Unlike generic style guides, it addresses nuances of scholarly and technical writing, offering tools to transform bloated drafts into compelling narratives. Its focus on revision and reader engagement makes it a timeless resource for improving writing efficiency.

McCloskey’s essential rules include:

• Use active voice to sharpen sentences.
• Avoid jargon and vague abstractions (e.g., say “sheep and wheat” instead of “agricultural outputs”).
• Revise ruthlessly—cut redundant phrases and prioritize readability.
• Ditch footnotes (she calls them “nests for pedants”).

While traditional guides like Strunk & White focus on grammar basics, McCloskey’s book emphasizes rhetorical strategy for persuasive communication. It critiques economists’ overreliance on passive voice and statistical jargon, advocating instead for storytelling and conversational tone. Unique advice includes structuring arguments around “throat-clearing” eliminations and prioritizing the reader’s experience.

Some economists argue technical content should outweigh writing style, while others find McCloskey’s tone overly prescriptive. However, most agree her rules address systemic issues in academic writing, such as obscurity masquerading as rigor. Critics praise her focus on revision but note mastering her techniques requires significant practice.

As a Harvard-trained economist and historian, McCloskey critiques her field’s opaque writing habits firsthand. Her expertise in rhetoric and classical languages informs the book’s emphasis on clarity and historical examples. Her gender transition memoir (Crossing) also underscores her commitment to authentic communication.

McCloskey likens poor writing to “muddy water” obscuring ideas and labels excessive adjectives as “fatty tissue.” She frames revision as “sculpting” prose to reveal its essence. The book also introduces the “Bourgeois Deal” concept—writing that respects readers’ time to earn their trust.

The book teaches writers to:

• Replace passive constructions with direct claims (e.g., “I argue” vs. “It is argued”).
• Use concrete examples over abstract terms.
• Structure arguments narratively, avoiding disjointed data dumps.

These tactics enhance readability and persuasiveness in peer-reviewed journals.

While not a focus, McCloskey’s push for clarity aligns with inclusive communication. By avoiding elitist jargon and prioritizing accessibility, her rules help writers connect with diverse audiences. The book’s conversational tone itself models this approach.

• “Economical writing is writing that someone wants to read.”
• “Footnotes are nests for pedants.”
• “You are a salesman, not a policeman”—urging persuasion over coercion.

McCloskey’s principles help professionals draft emails, reports, and proposals that prioritize actionable insights. For example, using active voice in pitches (“We recommend”) builds confidence, while trimming redundancies saves time for decision-makers. The book also advises tailoring tone to audience expertise.

Yes—while AI tools aid grammar and structure, McCloskey’s human-centric focus on persuasion and storytelling remains irreplaceable. The book teaches critical thinking about why and how to communicate, ensuring human oversight in AI-generated content.