Language is the writer's medium, as stone, wood or bronze is the sculptor's. Like a sculptor, a writer needs not only creativity, or at least something to say, but mastery of his medium so that he is able to say it effectively. This applies not merely to aspirants to literary prizes, but to writers of theses, examination scripts, newspaper articles and official documents.

This book will help those who have difficulty with this, including many who do not realise that they have any difficulty; designed in the first instance for examination candidates, it will be of help to many others. It draws attention to grammatical points frequently neglected, and gives helpful hints on style.
Above all, it will encourage writers to become more consciously aware of how they employ words. For our language - any language - is a precious inheritance from the past: it evolves, but we must hand it on in as good a condition as we received it, and we can do this only if we pay conscious attention to how we use it.