Question 1

What is Dreyer's English by Benjamin Dreyer about?

Accepted Answer

Dreyer's English is a style guide and writing manual that combines practical grammar advice with entertaining prose on clarity and style. Originally an internal memo for Random House copy editors, the book covers everything from words to avoid and common writing mistakes to debunking outdated grammar myths. Benjamin Dreyer delivers authoritative guidance with wit and personality, making language rules accessible and enjoyable for writers at all levels.

Question 2

Who is Benjamin Dreyer?

Accepted Answer

Benjamin Dreyer served as the copy chief and vice-president at Random House (now Penguin Random House) from 2008 until his retirement in 2023. He supervised the publication of hundreds of titles annually and personally copy-edited works by acclaimed authors including Elizabeth Strout, E.L. Doctorow, and Shirley Jackson. The Washington Post calls him "the unofficial language guru on Twitter," where he shares writing advice with a devoted following.

Question 3

Who should read Dreyer's English?

Accepted Answer

Dreyer's English is essential for writers, editors, journalists, students, and anyone who wants to improve their writing skills. Fiction authors will particularly benefit from the dedicated chapter on novel editing, while professionals seeking clearer communication will appreciate the practical advice on eliminating wordiness. Even casual readers who "simply revel in language" will find the book entertaining and enlightening.

Question 4

Is Dreyer's English worth reading?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Dreyer's English is worth reading for its combination of authoritative guidance and entertaining delivery. The book debuted at number nine on the New York Times bestseller list and received enthusiastic reviews from The New Yorker, Wall Street Journal, and other major publications. Readers gain practical tools for improving their writing while enjoying Dreyer's witty observations and passion for language.

Question 5

What are the main ideas in Dreyer's English?

Accepted Answer

Dreyer's English covers eliminating unnecessary words like "very" and "rather," understanding the difference between real grammar rules and arbitrary "nonrules," and mastering commonly confused words. The book emphasizes that copy editors should enhance rather than correct an author's voice, helping writers achieve their vision. Dreyer also provides specific guidance on fiction techniques, dialogue formatting, flashback integration, and maintaining consistency throughout manuscripts.

Question 6

What words does Benjamin Dreyer say to avoid in Dreyer's English?

Accepted Answer

Benjamin Dreyer identifies meaningless modifiers to eliminate from writing, including:

*   **very**
*   **rather**
*   **really**
*   **quite**
*   **in fact**
*   **just**

He suggests writers avoid these words for one week to recognize how unnecessary they are in most contexts. The book also catalogs "trimmables"—redundant phrases like "hollow tube" where one word already implies the other. This pruning approach helps writers achieve clearer, more direct prose.

Question 7

What are the "Great Nonrules" in Dreyer's English?

Accepted Answer

The "Great Nonrules of the English Language" are outdated writing prohibitions that Benjamin Dreyer systematically debunks in Dreyer's English. These include never splitting infinitives, never starting sentences with "and" or "but," and never ending sentences with prepositions. Dreyer calls these nonrules "largely unhelpful, pointlessly constricting, feckless, and useless," arguing they restrict writers unnecessarily. He provides evidence that accomplished authors regularly violate these so-called rules to create better prose.

Question 8

How does Dreyer's English approach grammar rules differently?

Accepted Answer

Dreyer's English distinguishes between legitimate grammar rules and arbitrary prescriptions imposed by "some long dead dude who didn't understand the importance of bathing more than once a month." Rather than dictating rigid rules, Dreyer explains the principles behind effective writing and acknowledges that English "developed without codification" and "continues to evolve anarchically." He prioritizes what makes prose pleasurable and clear over pedantic correctness, giving writers freedom within informed guidelines.

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Dreyer's English by Benjamin Dreyer Summary

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Ключевые выводы

The Language Whisperer's Handbook

Breaking Rules with Style and Purpose

Punctuation: The Breath Between Your Words

Numbers, Formatting, and Practical Matters

Fiction's Special Challenges and Considerations

Words That Trip Us Up and How to Avoid Them

The Art of Precision and Fluidity

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