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You can tell a paragraph is slipping out of control when…

“You can tell a paragraph is slipping out of control when there's a runaway use of the word 'hence.” quote by Alain de Botton
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““You can tell a paragraph is slipping out of control when there's a runaway use of the word 'hence.””

Alain de Botton

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Overuse of a single word signals loss of narrative control and clarity.

In simple terms: Too many hences ruin a paragraph.

Key Takeaway

Watch word choice to keep writing clear.

Themes

writing clarity editing

Mood

analytical critical

Type

instructional reflective

When to use this quote

  • drafting essays
  • editing reports
  • teaching writing

Key Concepts

lexical redundancy style communication

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does word repetition affect reader focus?
  • Can you replace 'hence' with simpler terms?
A Different Perspective

May be stylistic choice, not always error.

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