.
K.I.S.S. “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 (1835-1910), who knew his words
(Letter to D. W. Bowser, 3/20/1880)
(Letter to D. W. Bowser, 3/20/1880)
Today in History
2000: Hillary Clinton launches candidacy for U.S. Senate; 1998: DC National airport renamed for Ronald Reagan; 1993: Tennis great Arthur Ashe, 49, dies of AIDS; 1952: Elizabeth II becomes Queen of England; 1937: Of Mice and Men published; 1862: Ulysses S. Grant’s troops capture Fort Henry; 1778: Franco-American alliances signed
(See History.com.)
Would the academic world suffer much if social science, especially psychology, followed this advice? Hmmmm...
ReplyDeleteTed:
ReplyDeletethat one is perfect for my news writing class! thanks.
jack
Jack:
....devastatingly brilliant, fabulously wonderful! Kill that freakin' modifier!!!
Ted
I agree with Dave, I wish this advice was applied to the social sciences as well!!
ReplyDeleteThis is perfect for my beginning writers in Journalism I. I went through their writings today, taking out every "very" and "that." "Make it clean," I tell them, and use strong words, not more. Thanks for a good reminder I shall post in the classroom!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day, Ted!
Denise
If you don't like something, change it.
If you can't change it, change your attitude.
Don't complain. ~ Maya Angelou