First published in 1986 (and updated in 1996), Shertzer’s guide remains a staple because of three key features:
The "Elements of" naming convention inevitably draws comparisons to the classic style guide by , and for good reason:
Many PDFs circulating online are scans of the original educational editions. These represent a trusted curriculum. While language has evolved (Shertzer wrote before the widespread acceptance of the singular "they," for instance), the core mechanics of English syntax have not changed. Her rules regarding clauses and phrases remain immutable truths of the language. the elements of grammar margaret shertzer pdf
While The Elements of Grammar is a masterpiece of clarity, a modern reader utilizing the PDF must be aware of its limitations due to age.
Shertzer's book is a lean 168 pages, yet it manages to cover an extraordinary amount of ground. The book is structured into eight chapters, each meticulously designed to address a specific area of grammar and usage. First published in 1986 (and updated in 1996),
Clear rules for using commas, periods, and uppercase letters.
Would you like a chapter-by-chapter summary of Shertzer's book to help you decide if it's worth acquiring legally? Her rules regarding clauses and phrases remain immutable
Pronoun Usage
Usage Notes and Idioms
Margaret Shertzer’s The Elements of Grammar is often called the “little blue book” of grammar. While Strunk & White’s The Elements of Style focuses on composition and clarity, Shertzer’s book is the nitty-gritty reference guide for the actual rules —punctuation, parts of speech, capitalization, and syntax.
While seemingly mundane, Shertzer’s chapters on capitalization bridge the gap between proper nouns and stylistic choices. For the modern reader, the sections on writing numbers (when to spell them out vs. when to use numerals) provide a standard that is still adhered to in academic and journalistic style guides like APA and MLA.