Remember, it is no sign of weakness or defeat that your manuscript ends up in need of major surgery. This is a common occurrence in all writing, and among the best writers.
William Strunk, Jr.Read
The approach to style is by way of plainness, simplicity, orderliness, sincerity.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that style should be rooted in simplicity and honesty.
William Strunk, Jr. suggests that effective style in writing or expression is achieved through the principles of plainness, simplicity, orderliness, and sincerity. This highlights the importance of clear and sincere communication, as opposed to complexity or embellishment, which can obscure the intended message.
Themes
StyleSimplicitySincerityCommunicationArt
In practice
Example use cases
In a writing workshop emphasizing clarity, this quote could be used to encourage students to focus on straightforward expression.
More from William Strunk, Jr.
All quotes βThe surest way to arouse and hold the attention of the reader is by being specific, definitive, and concrete. The greatest writers - Homer, Dante, Shakespeare - are effective largely because they deal in particulars and report the details that matter. Their words call up pictures.
William Strunk, Jr.Read
Instead of announcing what you are about to tell is interesting, make it so.
William Strunk, Jr.Read
Make definite assertions. Avoid tame, colorless, hesitating, non-committal language.
William Strunk, Jr.Read
Avoid fancy words....If you admire fancy words, if every sky is beauteous, every blonde curvaceous, every intelligent child prodigious, if you are tickled by discombobulate, you will have bad time Reminder 14.
William Strunk, Jr.Read
Rather, very, little, pretty - these are the leeches that infest the pond of prose, sucking the blood of words. The constant use of the adjective little (except to indicate size) is particularly debilitating; we should all try to do a little better, we should all be very watchful of this rule, for it is a rather important one, and we are pretty sure to violate it now and then.
William Strunk, Jr.Read
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