Thursday, June 18, 2009

Writing quote VIII (and IX)

Two quotes today, both from the inimitable Mark Twain, and both more or less about the same thing. Here's the first:

As to the adjective, when in doubt, strike it out.

And the second:

Substitute "damn" every time you're inclined to write "very;" your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.

That's damn good advice, don't you think?

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Excellent advice. Adjectives and adverbs are often used as a crutch for a weak sentence; use a stronger verb and the sentence will stand up for itself.

james roy said...

Damn straight.

james roy said...
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