Mechanical Aspects of Writing

Although sometimes the terms mechanics and style can mean the same thing, for the purposes of this course they have distinct meanings. Up to this point of the module, you have been working with style—learning how to compose direct and concise sentences. In contrast, mechanics refers to the detailed elements that combine to construct words, sentences, and paragraphs, such as spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Mechanics is more closely related to the rules of the English language. This part of the module will remind you of some of the important rules and provide tips on how to revise your work with these rules in mind.

Following the rules of writing is a lot easier when you know what they are. The best way is to adopt a standard reference text as your guidebook for correct writing. The value of a reference text is that it simplifies your choices for how to construct a word or sentence. It also provides a useful authority on mechanics that you can rely on in case of editorial uncertainty. World Bank style is based on U.S. rules, taken largely from The Chicago Manual of Style. The World Bank recommends the following references for writers and editors:

• Background Readings: Section 5. Guidelines on the Mechanics of Writing and World Bank Style
• The Gregg Reference Manual. McGraw-Hill/Irwin, 10th edition, 2004.
• Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. Merriam-Webster, 11th edition, 2004.