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
A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Conciseness is essential in writing and design; every part should serve a purpose.
This quote emphasizes the importance of brevity and clarity in both writing and design. It suggests that just as a sentence should avoid unnecessary words, a paragraph should eliminate extraneous sentences, and similarly, a drawing should not have superfluous lines and a machine should not include unneeded parts, all adhering to the principle of efficiency and effective communication.
Themes
ConcisenessBrevityEfficiencyWritingDesign
In practice
Example use cases
In a writing workshop, this quote can be referenced to encourage students to edit their drafts for clarity.
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
The approach to style is by way of plainness, simplicity, orderliness, sincerity.
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
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