The Elements of Style analyzes stylistic or linguistic attributes associated with highly-prized language practices.
A rhetor’s style plays an impactful role on comprehension. Thus, identifying stylistic or linguistic attributes associated with readability has been a long-term preoccupation of writers.
- Examples of valued language practices at the global/rhetorical level are whether a rhetor stays focused on unified topic, maintains a consistent rhetorical stance, and provides substantive content, especially evidence for claims.
- Examples of language practices at the local/syntactical level are the rhetor’s diction, sentence structure, paragraph structure.