"I notice that you use plain, simple language, short words and brief sentences. That is the way to write English - it is the modern way and the best way. Stick to it; don't let fluff and flowers and verbosity creep in. When you catch an adjective, kill it. No, I don't mean utterly, but kill most of them - then the rest will be valuable. They weaken when they are close together. They give strength when they are wide apart. An adjective habit, or a wordy, diffuse, flowery habit, once fastened upon a person, is as hard to get rid of as any other vice."
~Mark Twain
He makes a few good points, no? Happy Friday, my readers!
4 comments:
Yes! He does create quite an arguement, doesn't he?
This could not have come at a better moment for me...It was much needed advice from an admired author and a good friend.
Most large, small, good, bad, indifferent, new or old adjectives should be used in a cautious, sparing, plain, unspoken, stylish way....
My writing is plain and simple; that's all I'm capable of. :)
But I admire those of you that can work those metaphors!
LOL Travener. Thanks for the perfect example.
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