The Way to Write English

Today I'm going to share a quote by Mark Twain, mainly because I like it and have been waiting for just the right time to post it (but also because it was foggy day schedule for the girls at school and I'm two hours off schedule already).

"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:

SwEEt PeA said...

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.

Travener said...

Most large, small, good, bad, indifferent, new or old adjectives should be used in a cautious, sparing, plain, unspoken, stylish way....

Anita said...

My writing is plain and simple; that's all I'm capable of. :)
But I admire those of you that can work those metaphors!

Jessica L. Brooks (coffeelvnmom) said...

LOL Travener. Thanks for the perfect example.