Introduction: setting the stage -- Part I: Understanding Americans, their habits, and their distinctive communication styles -- Preface to part 1 -- Chapter 1: A longing for space, chaos, and speed: three initial aspects of the American outlook and language, with a brief introduction to the regions of America -- Chapter 2: All in it together but everyone for themselves: six more aspects of the American outlook and language -- Chapter 3: Our God is us: the civic religion and American optimism -- Chapter 4: Tthe male domains: four final and ("manly") aspects of the American outlook and language -- Part II: The ways of the language -- The basics -- Preface to part II -- Chapter 5: Keep it concrete and informal, using short words -- Chapter 6: Lead with the conclusion and be direct -- Chapter 7: Getting down to business by applying the rules of the road -- Chapter 8: Editing your work -- Part III: Applying the rules to the workplace and school -- Preface to part III -- Chapter 9: Writing at work -- Chapter 10: Legal writing -- Chapter 11: Writing in school -- Part IV: The varieties of English -- Preface to part IV -- Chapter 12: Moving from British English to American English -- Chapter 13: Moving from other forms of English to American English -- Chapter 14: Global English.