Primer trabajo: The Economist

Como la mayor parte de las publicaciones de información y opinión de un

cierto prestigio, The Economist también ofrece a sus lectores y al público
en general su propio Libro de Estilo, en este caso denominado: The
Economist Style Guide. Es con la ayuda de un volumen de este tipo como
podemos llegar a comprender de forma más cabal la filosofía y el buen
hacer de un medio escrito: “On only two scores can The Economist hope to
outdo its rivals consistently. One is the quality of its analysis; the other is
the quality of its writing … The first requirement of The Economist is that
it should be readily understandable. Clarity of writing follows clarity of
thought. So think what you want to say, then say it as simple as possible”
(2000: 1).

Más adelante, los editores de este libro de estilo, traen a colación las
conocidas seis máximas o reglas elementales publicadas por George Orwell
en 1946 (2001: 1):

 Never use a metaphor, simile or other figure of speech which you are
used to seeing in print.
 Never use a long word where a SHORT WORD will do.
 If it is possible to cut out a word, always cut it out.
 Never use the passive where you can use the active.
 Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word or a jargon word if you
can think of an everyday English equivalent.
 Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous.

Y después de hacerlo, ofrecen a su personal y lectores en general su

podría colección de consejos sabios sobre el buen escribir (2001: 1-3):

Readers are primarily interested in what you have to say.

By the way in which you say it you may encourage them either
to read on or to stop reading.

If you want them to read on:

1) DO NOT BE STUFFY

The language of everyday speech

Avoid euphemisms and circumlocutions promoted by interest-groups

2) DO NOT BE HECTORING OR ARROGANT

Those who disagree with you are not necessarily stupid or insane
When you express opinions, do not simply make assertions
Persuade with arguments, reasoning and evidence

3) DO NOT BE TOO PLEASED WITH YOURSELF

Don´t boast of your own cleverness

4) DO NOT BE TOO CHATTY

This can be more irritating than informative

5) DO NOT BE TOO DIDACTIC

Never let readers think they are reading a textbook

6) DO NOT BE SLOPPY IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF YOUR

SENTENCES AND PARAGRAPHS

In general, be concise
Do your best to be lucid
Long paragraphs, like long sentences, can confuse the reader
Clear thinking is the key to clear writing