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Words Fail Me: What Everyone Who Writes Should Know about Writing – The Funny and Painless Grammar Companion
From a bestselling author on grammar, Patricia O’Connor’s guide to grammar fundamentals is “sympathetic to the struggling writer and often just plain funny.” (The Seattle Times)
Whether you are working on the novel that's been in the back of your mind for years or simply facing an increasing demand to write well at work or school, the fact we all write more often these days, be it reports, e-mails, blog posts, or texts. But despite the increase in written communication, the fundamentals of good writing have been lost. Grammar maven Patricia T. O'Conner comes to the rescue with this painless, practical, and funny writing companion.
In short, snappy chapters filled with crystal-clear examples, amusing comparisons, and humorous allegories that cover everything from "Pronoun Pileups" and "Verbs That Zing" to "What to Do When You're Stuck," O'Conner provides simple, straightforward tips to help you sort through your thoughts and make your sentences strong.
Whether you are working on the novel that's been in the back of your mind for years or simply facing an increasing demand to write well at work or school, the fact we all write more often these days, be it reports, e-mails, blog posts, or texts. But despite the increase in written communication, the fundamentals of good writing have been lost. Grammar maven Patricia T. O'Conner comes to the rescue with this painless, practical, and funny writing companion.
In short, snappy chapters filled with crystal-clear examples, amusing comparisons, and humorous allegories that cover everything from "Pronoun Pileups" and "Verbs That Zing" to "What to Do When You're Stuck," O'Conner provides simple, straightforward tips to help you sort through your thoughts and make your sentences strong.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
250 people are currently reading
900 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
December 6, 2012
** This is a QUICK REVIEW of my thoughts on the book **
Very easy to read. Doesn’t feel old or dated despite being written a dozen years ago. A practical and humorous approach to improving your writing, whether it be fiction or non-fiction.
Has lots of tips (with loads of simple and practical examples) on how to rearrange a perplexing or ambiguous sentence so the meaning becomes crystal clear. This is especially helpful when there are two or more people in a sentence and the ‘his’ (or ‘hers’) get tangled up and you’ve no idea who did what to whom! (Example: ‘Bill said Fred broke his nose.’ It’s unclear whether Bill said Fred’s nose was broken, or Fred was said to have broken Bill’s nose. This wonderful book has lots of suggestions how to easily restructure vague sentences like these so the meaning becomes clear.)
Also has a quick grammar overview which helps remove the mystery from such puzzlers as the correct usage of ‘you and I’ vs. ‘you and me’ (yes, they can BOTH be correct in different circumstances). Also explains the critical difference between ‘twice as many’ and ‘two times more than’, as well as other common mathematical bloopers.
In summary, it’s a good, solid, no-hyperbole guide to writing sensible English with just the right amount of humour to make it enjoyable as well as instructive.
The only caveat I will make is this isn’t really a book which tells you HOW to write (e.g. structure, pace, tone, viewpoint, etc) but rather, how to FIX what you’ve written once you’ve written it. There are bucketloads of other books which tell you how to write, but this is the best book I’ve read which tells you how to correct, edit and improve your writing.
Content Rating: PG
There are one or two slight rude or sexual references but nothing I found offensive.
Very easy to read. Doesn’t feel old or dated despite being written a dozen years ago. A practical and humorous approach to improving your writing, whether it be fiction or non-fiction.
Has lots of tips (with loads of simple and practical examples) on how to rearrange a perplexing or ambiguous sentence so the meaning becomes crystal clear. This is especially helpful when there are two or more people in a sentence and the ‘his’ (or ‘hers’) get tangled up and you’ve no idea who did what to whom! (Example: ‘Bill said Fred broke his nose.’ It’s unclear whether Bill said Fred’s nose was broken, or Fred was said to have broken Bill’s nose. This wonderful book has lots of suggestions how to easily restructure vague sentences like these so the meaning becomes clear.)
Also has a quick grammar overview which helps remove the mystery from such puzzlers as the correct usage of ‘you and I’ vs. ‘you and me’ (yes, they can BOTH be correct in different circumstances). Also explains the critical difference between ‘twice as many’ and ‘two times more than’, as well as other common mathematical bloopers.
In summary, it’s a good, solid, no-hyperbole guide to writing sensible English with just the right amount of humour to make it enjoyable as well as instructive.
The only caveat I will make is this isn’t really a book which tells you HOW to write (e.g. structure, pace, tone, viewpoint, etc) but rather, how to FIX what you’ve written once you’ve written it. There are bucketloads of other books which tell you how to write, but this is the best book I’ve read which tells you how to correct, edit and improve your writing.
Content Rating: PG
There are one or two slight rude or sexual references but nothing I found offensive.
June 18, 2011
Back when I was still a newbie magazine writer, this book served as my intro to non-academic writing. Not only does O'Conner humorously tackle the major grammatical errors that writers make, she also dedicates a few chapters to issues such as thought organization, research and finding your writing routine.
This book is simple (and painless) enough for anyone to read - not just (beginner) professional writers but also anyone whose job requires him/her to do a lot of writing.
Seasoned writers may find this too basic for their needs.
This book is simple (and painless) enough for anyone to read - not just (beginner) professional writers but also anyone whose job requires him/her to do a lot of writing.
Seasoned writers may find this too basic for their needs.
May 18, 2012
"Words Fail Me" is a practical and positively delightful writing book. Patricia O'Conner has a lovely sense of humor, and her style makes even well-known advice sound fresh. One expects much of the author of a writing book, and she delivers.
This book could be a quick read, unless the intention is to absorb all of the advice. The chapters are short and breezy, but they also contain a lot of wisdom. In other words, here's another short book that took a long time to read.
Some of the advice O'Conner gives felt obvious to me, some of it seemed novel, and lots felt like things I once knew, but had lost track of. I guess that's why such books are needed. This is a great reference, but also engaging enough to read straight through.
Also, I'd like to personally thank O'Conner for her section on using numbers in writing. I feel such an affinity for her thoughts on that, and want to sing them from the rooftops!
This book could be a quick read, unless the intention is to absorb all of the advice. The chapters are short and breezy, but they also contain a lot of wisdom. In other words, here's another short book that took a long time to read.
Some of the advice O'Conner gives felt obvious to me, some of it seemed novel, and lots felt like things I once knew, but had lost track of. I guess that's why such books are needed. This is a great reference, but also engaging enough to read straight through.
Also, I'd like to personally thank O'Conner for her section on using numbers in writing. I feel such an affinity for her thoughts on that, and want to sing them from the rooftops!
April 20, 2022
Just like her previous book, this one also gets the prize for explaining neat tricks for polishing your writing.
Patricia T. O'Conner's master class on writing is something you definitely don't want to miss.
Patricia T. O'Conner's master class on writing is something you definitely don't want to miss.
April 19, 2022
Helpful and funny.
June 6, 2025
4 out of 5 stars.
Great advice on the fundamentals of writing. Rounded down because there were some issues in terms of formatting. (since this is a book about writing, why are there mistakes?)
Great advice on the fundamentals of writing. Rounded down because there were some issues in terms of formatting. (since this is a book about writing, why are there mistakes?)
April 5, 2024
A good book for beginner writers.
August 3, 2020
One of the best writing advice books around. It's written in an easy-going, often funny style. Learning more about the craft of writing doesn't have to be tedious! You'll be both entertained and enlightened by this quick-moving book. I highly recommend you read it and then keep it close by for frequent reference.
And *do* read the Appendix. Quack.
And *do* read the Appendix. Quack.
May 21, 2014
Patricia O'Connor has a way with words. And it's the right way and a witty way. From "Grammar Moses" to "Revise and Consent" this book steers writers, both green and jaded, to be more clear, engaging and aware in their work.
March 28, 2016
Some basic writing tips are hidden among fluffy filler paragraphs that often try to be funny and fail miserably.
August 23, 2021
In this book, O'Conner addresses the nuts and bolts of writing. Her advice applies to any sort of writing--journalism, advertising, fiction of all sorts. After discussing how a writer should prepare for the writing, she builds upward from the simplest elements, words, sentences, paragraphs. She discusses proper choice of nouns, verbs, adjectives; their placement in sentences, the placement of sentences in paragraphs. With this as a foundation, she addresses rhythm, tone, imagery. Finally, she addresses the more abstract aspects of writing, such as promises.
A promise is any element of the work that piques the readers interest and raises their expectations. Promises kept glue the work together. Promises which are not addressed, lead to reader disappointment.
O'Conner addresses each building block of writing with humor, vivid imagery, and compelling examples. She advocates clear, vivid writing. Her tips are most applicable to nonfiction writing, but most fiction writers can benefit from an awareness of the points she raises.
A promise is any element of the work that piques the readers interest and raises their expectations. Promises kept glue the work together. Promises which are not addressed, lead to reader disappointment.
O'Conner addresses each building block of writing with humor, vivid imagery, and compelling examples. She advocates clear, vivid writing. Her tips are most applicable to nonfiction writing, but most fiction writers can benefit from an awareness of the points she raises.
August 17, 2025
Alright, so I have another nonfiction one for you. Every now and then, I pick up writing books because it’s good to go back and look at different people’s advice. This one’s less of a ‘How to Write Books’ guide (although there IS some of that), it’s more of a ‘How to Write PERIOD’. I could easily see this used in a college composition class as a text for reference. I mean, there are other texts that they’re more likely to use, but it’s in that vein.
Which makes some of the references to fiction writing feel a bit odd. Sometimes O’Conner will give advice on a technique, and she’ll pull an example from classical fiction, like Hemingway, and I think it’s strange to pull advice for writing essays out of a novel like that. It’s not actually a problem or a bad thing, it’s just strange. Then again, with classical works like that, it’s something that’s easy to quote and have readers look up on their own.
It’s not as exciting as some other writing texts I’ve picked up over the years, but it has some humor, it’s fairly straightforward, and it’s easy to navigate. If you need someone to pick up some of the basics of written communication, or need some reminders about the fundamentals on the subject, it’s an alright primer.
Which makes some of the references to fiction writing feel a bit odd. Sometimes O’Conner will give advice on a technique, and she’ll pull an example from classical fiction, like Hemingway, and I think it’s strange to pull advice for writing essays out of a novel like that. It’s not actually a problem or a bad thing, it’s just strange. Then again, with classical works like that, it’s something that’s easy to quote and have readers look up on their own.
It’s not as exciting as some other writing texts I’ve picked up over the years, but it has some humor, it’s fairly straightforward, and it’s easy to navigate. If you need someone to pick up some of the basics of written communication, or need some reminders about the fundamentals on the subject, it’s an alright primer.
June 26, 2022
Just finished Words Failed Me. It was a joy. I am amazed at how easy it is to read well written material, regardless of the topic. I consumed Patricia O’Conner’s book as effortlessly as I would the perfect beach read.
Lots of good information to apply to any piece of writing. Interestingly, the last part deals with how to look at the piece as a whole, for example when and how to take a break; lots of the advice in that section can be applied to other parts of life besides writing.
Being from the community of engineers, writing does not come naturally to me, but being able to convey what I have built and it’s importance is extremely important. Reading books such as this one help me to review the basics, refine my work and improve.
Lots of good information to apply to any piece of writing. Interestingly, the last part deals with how to look at the piece as a whole, for example when and how to take a break; lots of the advice in that section can be applied to other parts of life besides writing.
Being from the community of engineers, writing does not come naturally to me, but being able to convey what I have built and it’s importance is extremely important. Reading books such as this one help me to review the basics, refine my work and improve.
August 7, 2018
My ratings of books on Goodreads are solely a crude ranking of their utility to me, and not an evaluation of literary merit, entertainment value, social importance, humor, insightfulness, scientific accuracy, creative vigor, suspensefulness of plot, depth of characters, vitality of theme, excitement of climax, satisfaction of ending, or any other combination of dimensions of value which we are expected to boil down through some fabulous alchemy into a single digit.
October 18, 2023
I read this in college. I don’t remember for what class as I really didn’t take English/Literature/Writing classes. In any case, I remember reading it and enjoying it. Easy to digest on how to write. I found this copy at my friends’ from college garage sale, and then reread it. This was back when I decided I wanted to be a writer probably 10 years ago, and then took another 10 to actually become one! But I think the advice holds up.
September 12, 2022
Inspirational
Patricia O'Conner makes you just want to get out there and write. She has lots of sound advice for anyone who wants to write something, from Best man's speech to Tolkienesque epic. Heavy information delivered in a light and humorous way. One of the best books on writing out there.
Patricia O'Conner makes you just want to get out there and write. She has lots of sound advice for anyone who wants to write something, from Best man's speech to Tolkienesque epic. Heavy information delivered in a light and humorous way. One of the best books on writing out there.
March 10, 2019
This book was hard to put down! O’Conner did an excellent job of sharing essential writing tips while keeping a conversational flow. I know I will keep this book handy and re-visit its ideas for writing more effectively.
March 16, 2017
LOTS of useful information, well written & humorous.
December 31, 2017
Gets a little too technical sometimes (sentence structure), but I think it will be really useful. It just requires a second reading. Then a third.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2018
Great book for aspiring writers. I've taken writing courses, but this book contains the essence of these courses. Easy to read and apply.
July 20, 2018
Precise, clear, not obsolete at all.
February 26, 2019
Many useful tips but not enough literature examples. Also didn’t like the puns in All of the titles and sub titles and irrelevant personal stories.
April 3, 2019
A little book of inspiration for the all important polishing. Though I still prefer King's On Writing.
January 16, 2021
I enjoyed this book as I would reading it but find I don't remember much of it, which is more a reflection of my memory than the writer.
March 22, 2021
Same author as Woe is I. Love this one also.
March 23, 2021
One of the best "how to write" books I've read this year. Love the humor laced throughout. I took a bunch of notes and have already recommended. Great job
February 23, 2022
A wonderful book giving tips and cautions that a writer must make use of to her advantage. A must read for all who wish to build a career in writing.
May 12, 2022
Covered most of its bases with a fun humor. Not the best writing book I've read, but far from the worst.
May 13, 2022
So-so
More a reminder than a learning piece. Most is just common sense. I was hoping for more insight. Glad i read it though.
More a reminder than a learning piece. Most is just common sense. I was hoping for more insight. Glad i read it though.
October 21, 2022
Practical and humorous advice for anyone who attempts to write.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews