The skilful adaptation of expression to thought is called =style=. The
essential qualities of style in composition are =clearness=, =force=,
and =beauty=.
Some of the means by which =clearness= is secured are:—(1) by
discrimination in the choice of words; (2) by explicit reference; (3) by
contrast; (4) by the orderly arrangement of phrases and sentences.
The quality of =force= is gained by means of—(1) brevity; (2)
suggestive words; (3) illustrations and comparisons; (4) the use of
interrogation and exclamation; (5) the employment of contrast; (6) the
repetition of words; (7) the order of words; (8) the use of the
particular instead of the general term.
The quality of =beauty= is secured by means of—(1) good taste in the
use of words; (2) alliteration; (3) happy phrases; (4) balanced
structure; (5) rhythm. The composition must possess elevation of thought
withal.
Other qualities of style sometimes present in good writing
are:—=simplicity=, =pathos=, =picturesqueness=, =humour=, =satire=, and
=harmony=.