Few modern figures in British public life embody the English language with such precision, elegance, and deliberate theatricality as Jacob Rees-Mogg. His style is more than a manner of communication; it’s a performance, a nod to the linguistic traditions of a bygone era, and a masterclass in articulation.
For aspiring writers, his prose offers a wealth of lessons on how to wield language to influence, inspire, and entertain. In this expanded guide, we will dissect his style, explore its key components, and provide actionable advice on how to craft articles in his voice.
1. Cultivating a Vocabulary of Uncommon Richness
Jacob Rees-Mogg’s writing feels as though it has stepped out of a well-preserved leather-bound volume. His choice of words is precise, deliberate, and often delightfully arcane. To write in his style, you must develop a vocabulary that not only communicates but also evokes.
How to Develop Your Lexicon
- Explore words of historical significance: Delve into dictionaries like the Oxford English Dictionary or consult resources on Edwardian English. Replace “begin” with “commence”, “help” with “render assistance”, or “responsible” with “answerable.”
- Avoid linguistic laziness: Common words can always be upgraded. Instead of “problems,” consider “predicaments” or “tribulations.” Instead of “big,” use “substantial,” “colossal,” or “monumental.”
Example in Practice
Simple: “The weather today is nice.”
Rees-Mogg Inspired: “The meteorological conditions are uncommonly agreeable this day, lending an air of serenity to the proceedings.”
This transformation not only conveys the same idea but does so with elegance and gravitas.
2. Crafting Sentences of Majestic Complexity
A defining feature of Rees-Mogg’s style is his sentence structure, which resembles a cathedral: intricate, awe-inspiring, and carefully balanced. His sentences are not mere vehicles for ideas but elaborate constructions that demand attention and admiration.
Techniques for Complex Sentences
- Master the art of the clause: Use subordinate clauses to add nuance and detail. For example:
- Basic: “The plan failed.”
- Rees-Mogg: “While the intentions underpinning the plan were, no doubt, laudable, the execution thereof regrettably failed to meet expectations.”
- Employ punctuation as scaffolding: Rees-Mogg’s writing frequently uses colons, semi-colons, and em-dashes to create layers of meaning.
- Balance length with rhythm: Follow a long, complex sentence with a shorter, punchier one for impact.
Example in Practice
Simple: “He didn’t agree with the plan.”
Rees-Mogg Inspired: “It would not be unreasonable to suggest that the gentleman, in his wisdom, found himself unable to align his perspective with the plan as it was proposed.”
Here, the simple idea is expanded into a statement that is both formal and rhetorically effective.
3. Harnessing the Power of Polite Disagreement
Jacob Rees-Mogg’s style is a masterclass in disagreeing without being disagreeable. He wields politeness as a rhetorical weapon, ensuring his critique is as disarming as it is incisive.
Steps to Polite Rebuttal
- Use qualifiers: Begin with phrases like “With the greatest respect”, “One might observe”, or “It could be argued” to soften the impact of disagreement.
- Deploy the passive voice strategically: By shifting focus from the subject to the action, you can critique without appearing confrontational. For example:
- Direct: “You made a mistake.”
- Polite: “It could be observed that an error was made in the process.”
- Frame disagreement as intellectual exploration: Suggest that alternative perspectives are worth considering, rather than outright dismissing an idea.
Example in Practice
Blunt: “This proposal is terrible.”
Rees-Mogg Inspired: “While one must, of course, acknowledge the industrious effort underpinning the proposal, its merits, upon closer inspection, appear to be somewhat elusive.”
This approach ensures that your critique lands without alienating your audience.
4. Revelling in Archaism and Classical Allusions
Rees-Mogg is unapologetic in his use of archaisms and references to classical antiquity. To emulate this, you must cultivate a deep appreciation for the past and weave it into your writing.
How to Use Archaisms Effectively
- Select words that evoke a bygone era: Incorporate terms like “albeit”, “hitherto”, “thenceforth”, and “thusly.”
- Embrace Latin phrases with confidence: Use expressions such as “sine qua non” (essential), “ad hominem” (personal attack), or “de facto” (in fact) sparingly but purposefully.
- Invoke historical parallels: Referencing figures like Cicero, Disraeli, or Wellington lends an air of erudition.
Example in Practice
Simple: “This idea is essential.”
Rees-Mogg Inspired: “This concept, it must be said, constitutes the sine qua non of the matter under discussion.”
The inclusion of a Latin phrase elevates the statement without alienating the reader.
5. Balancing Wit and Gravitas
Rees-Mogg’s writing is never without humour, but his wit is subtle, dry, and always tempered by decorum. It’s a far cry from modern sarcasm or brashness.
Techniques for Refined Wit
- Understate for impact: A dry remark often hits harder than overt humour. For example:
- Overt: “This idea is ridiculous.”
- Understated: “One might struggle to discern the practical merits of this proposition.”
- Lean on irony: Let your audience infer the humour rather than spelling it out.
- Use juxtaposition: Pair grandiose language with mundane topics for a touch of levity.
Example in Practice
Blunt: “This meeting was pointless.”
Rees-Mogg Inspired: “The meeting, while doubtless convened with the best of intentions, contributed little of substance to the broader discourse.”
Here, the humour lies in the overly formal assessment of an everyday occurrence.
6. Anchoring Arguments in Principle and Precedent
Rees-Mogg’s style is characterised by its grounding in intellectual rigour. To write like him, your arguments must be underpinned by logic, principle, and historical precedent.
How to Ground Your Arguments
- Cite historical examples: Demonstrating how past events parallel the present adds weight to your case. For instance:
- Basic: “This decision is risky.”
- Rees-Mogg: “As history teaches us, rash decisions, such as those made in the tumultuous days preceding the South Sea Bubble, rarely yield favourable outcomes.”
- Avoid emotional language: Passion is secondary to reason. Replace “outraged” with “concerned” and “thrilled” with “gratified.”
- Frame arguments as universal truths: Use phrases like “It is a matter of record that…” or “Few would dispute that…” to present your points as self-evident.
7. Maintaining Unwavering Formality
The cornerstone of Rees-Mogg’s style is his unwavering formality. Even when addressing trivialities, he maintains a level of decorum that ensures his words are taken seriously.
How to Be Formal in Every Context
- Use “one” instead of “you”: This small shift creates a tone of detachment and objectivity.
- Avoid contractions: Write “do not” instead of “don’t” and “it is” instead of “it’s.”
- Elevate everyday language: Replace “a lot” with “a great many,” “very” with “exceedingly,” and “sorry” with “I extend my apologies.”
Example in Practice
Simple: “I’m happy to help.”
Rees-Mogg Inspired: “It would be my distinct pleasure to render any assistance that might be required.”
This version conveys the same sentiment but with a formality befitting the most august of occasions.
8. Infusing Writing with a Sense of Timelessness
What makes Rees-Mogg’s style so compelling is its timeless quality. It feels untethered from the frenetic pace of modernity, offering a sense of permanence and stability.
How to Write Timeless Prose
- Avoid trendy language: Steer clear of buzzwords, slang, or pop culture references that will date your writing.
- Use universally relevant examples: Historical events and classical literature age better than current trends.
- Prioritise clarity over brevity: While modern writing favours conciseness, timeless prose allows ideas to breathe.
Example in Practice
Modern: “This app is great for productivity.”
Rees-Mogg Inspired: “This application, one
must concede, represents a remarkable advancement in the domain of personal productivity.”
Conclusion
To write like Jacob Rees-Mogg is to master the art of linguistic elegance. His prose, characterised by its complexity, formality, and wit, serves as a reminder that words are not mere tools but instruments of persuasion, reflection, and artistry.
By cultivating a rich vocabulary, constructing sentences of intricate beauty, and grounding your arguments in reason and tradition, you can emulate his distinctive voice. Yet, remember, the hallmark of his style is its balance: lofty yet accessible, erudite yet engaging.
So, whether you’re drafting a speech, penning an article, or composing a letter, channel your inner Rees-Mogg. Approach language with the care of a craftsman, and let every word you write be a testament to the enduring power of the English language.
