A fully revised and updated edition with writing prompts and challenges in every chapter

Today&;s writers need more spunk than Strunk: whether it's the Great American e-mail, Madison Avenue advertising, or Grammy Award-winning rap lyrics, memorable writing must jump off the page. Copy veteran Constance Hale is on a mission to make creative communication, both the lyrical and the unlawful, an option for everyone.

With its crisp, witty tone, Sin and Syntax covers grammar&;s ground rules while revealing countless unconventional syntax secrets (such as how to use&;Gasp!&;interjections or when to pepper your prose with slang) that make for sinfully good writing. Discover how to:

*Distinguish between words that are &;pearls&; and words that are &;potatoes&;

* Avoid &;couch potato thinking&; and &;commitment phobia&; when choosing verbs

* Use literary devices such as onomatopoeia, alliteration, and metaphor (and understand what you're doing)

Everyone needs to know how to write stylish prose&;students, professionals, and seasoned writers alike. Whether you&;re writing to sell, shock, or just sing, Sin and Syntax&;now celebrating 20 years in print&;is the guide you need to improve your command of the English language.