The Elements of Style 

Make definite assertions. Avoid tame, colorless, hesitating, non-committal language.—

Asserting that one must first know the rules to break them, this classic reference book is a must-have for any student and conscientious writer. Intended for use in which the practice of composition is combined with the study of literature, it gives in brief space the principal requirements of plain English style and concentrates attention on the rules of usage and principles of composition most commonly violated.

ITHACA, N.Y.: W.P. HUMPHREY, 1918 NEW YORK: BARTLEBY.COM, 1999

In a series of three or more terms with a single conjunction, use a comma after each term except the last

Place a comma before and or but introducing an independent clause

A participial phrase at the beginning of a sentence must refer to the grammatical subject

Divide words at line-ends, in accordance with their formation and pronunciation

Make the paragraph the unit of composition: one paragraph to each topic

As a rule, begin each paragraph with a topic sentence; end it in conformity with the beginning

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