A passage is not plain English - still less is it good…
“A passage is not plain English - still less is it good English - if we are obliged to read it twice to find out what it means.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Complex prose that forces rereading fails to communicate clearly.
In simple terms: Bad writing is unclear.
Key Takeaway
Strive for clarity on first read.
Themes
communication
clarity
writing style
Mood
critical
instructive
Type
analytical
educational
When to use this quote
- academic papers
- legal documents
- technical manuals
- marketing copy
- novels
Key Concepts
Literary criticism
cognitive load
Questions to Reflect On
- When is complexity justified?
- How do you balance depth with readability?
A Different Perspective
Simplicity may sacrifice nuance.