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Most good writing is clear, vigorous, honest, alive…

“Most good writing is clear, vigorous, honest, alive, sensuous, appropriate, unsentimental, rhythmic, without pretension, fresh, metaphorical, evocative in sound, economical, authoritative, surprising, memorable, and light.” quote by Ken Macrorie
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“Most good writing is clear, vigorous, honest, alive, sensuous, appropriate, unsentimental, rhythmic, without pretension, fresh, metaphorical, evocative in sound, economical, authoritative, surprising, memorable, and light.”

Ken Macrorie

About This Quote

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

Effective writing combines clarity, energy, honesty, vividness, and economy while avoiding sentimentality and pretension.

In simple terms: Good writing is clear, vivid, honest, and concise.

Key Takeaway

Write with clarity and vividness.

Themes

clarity vividness honesty economy style

Mood

inspirational analytical professional

Type

advice instructional descriptive

When to use this quote

  • academic essays
  • creative writing
  • marketing copy
  • journalism
  • public speaking

Key Concepts

literary technique voice tone rhythm

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does vividness enhance reader engagement?
  • When is a formal tone appropriate?
A Different Perspective

May sacrifice depth for brevity if over‑simplified.

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