Skip to content

Change Quote by Dorothy Parker

“I can’t write five words but that I change seven.” quote by Dorothy Parker
Download Open image
“I can’t write five words but that I change seven.”

Dorothy Parker

About This Quote

Source Poem: The Collected Poems of Dorothy Parker, 1952

She admits she can’t write a short piece without expanding it, highlighting a tendency to overcomplicate simple tasks.

In simple terms: She overcomplicates simple writing.

Key Takeaway

Embrace brevity when possible.

Themes

writing self-awareness humor

Mood

reflective wry

Type

literary humorous

When to use this quote

  • drafting essays
  • editing emails
  • creative writing
  • social media posts

Key Concepts

literary style self-critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you convey meaning in fewer words?
  • When does brevity hinder clarity?
A Different Perspective

Short forms may limit depth of expression.

3.8 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Dorothy Parker

Explore all 398 Dorothy Parker quotes

More Change quotes

Browse all 33,963 Change quotes