Writing Science in Plain English (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing)

Good for novice writers.

My research work is moving from writing code to explaining the software that I’ve written. In general, I enjoy learning about language, and I picked up this book to extend my knowledge as well as to refresh myself on good practices for scientific writing.Scientific writing is often dry and difficult to understand – but as Greene points out, it doesn’t have to be. By following good writing practices (in the tradition of the famed Strunk and White), scientific writing can be engaging and transformative. Indeed, the best grant proposals (read: funded grant proposals) and the most impactful papers use disciplines of plain English to communicate profound truths about nature.Greene’s book is organized into eleven short chapters and two appendices. (One of the chapters – on parallel structure – is a measly three pages!) Each chapter is concisely written. This allows the reader to digest a topic quickly, to practice the principle through exercises, and to reenter life more skillful.So much of good writing is getting one’s own self out of the way so that the truth of the matter can speak for itself. This book teaches small but powerful disciplines to writers of science that they might communicate more effectively. What’s the point of studying to the point of mastery if you cannot communicate your results? Because of this, I say that all scientists should study writing, and this is an excellent vehicle for doing so.

Not bad if you haven't written in awhile. I disagree with points in the book about counting words between articles but to each their own.

I highly recommend Anne Greene’s book. She devotes each of her very short chapters to one or two key elements, and those elements lead to very clear, concise writing in any field. When writing about science, especially journal articles, authors tend to write in the third person and use passive verbs and abstract terminology. She tells her readers how to overcome these and many more problems. Although most of the principles are simple, they are unfamiliar to many students and professionals I’ve encountered. She also presents the reader with exercises to build skills in their implementation. I am teaching an undergraduate scientific technical writing course; this book does more in less time to improve writing than anything I’ve encountered to date. Whether you are teaching such a course or want a quick way to improve your own writing, you should buy this book. Your students won't believe that it is possible to buy a textbook so cheaply. An added benefit is that you can read it online or with regular e-book applications and are not constrained to reading it in the applications that many publishers require for textbooks.This enables students to read it on campus computers that don't allow the installation of applications.

Excellent!!! With helpful examples

The book seems well laid out and succinct. Appears very useful for the scientific composition course I will teach.

This is a superb book -- in the spirit of Wydick's PLAIN ENGLISH FOR LAWYERS but written with scientists in mind. Everyone can benefit from taking a look at it, and it will be especially good for students and post-docs as they begin a career.

After reading this book for a biology elective at the University of Washington I will never be able to read scientific literature the same. I am constantly critiquing articles I read and have begun editing my own publications accordingly! You'll love it!

Excellent, well written useful book

A little gem of a book! A must-read for all (students and staff) who want to improve their writing by applying some simple and practical strategies. The best thing? Anne Green really teaches by example. And there are plenty to choose from in the book. Enjoy!

It is very helpful for whom needs science writing no in plain language.

This is THE best book on science writing you can buy, hands down. I've read dozens. It is a must read for students and academics alike. Ample examples, clear and comprehensive information - everything you need to know.

Per chi si affaccia per la prima volta alla scrittura di tipo scientifico, il testo racchiude semplici indicazioni e ottimi consigli. Consigliato.