Place yourself in the background; write in a way that…
“Place yourself in the background; write in a way that comes naturally; work from a suitable design; write with nouns and verbs; do not overwrite; do not overstate; avoid the use of qualifiers; do not affect a breezy style; use orthodox spelling; do not explain too much; avoid fancy words; do not take shortcuts as the cost of clarity; prefer the standard to the offbeat; make sure the reader knows who is speaking; do not use dialect; revise and rewrite.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Write clearly and simply, avoiding unnecessary embellishment, to ensure the reader understands the message.
In simple terms: Write plainly and directly for clarity.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize clarity over flair.
Themes
clarity
style
communication
Mood
thoughtful
instructional
Type
educational
practical
When to use this quote
- academic papers
- journalism
- creative writing
- technical manuals
Key Concepts
writing
editing
linguistics
Questions to Reflect On
- When does simplicity hinder expression?
- How to balance clarity with personal style?
A Different Perspective
Over‑editing can strip voice and nuance.