Contemptible Quote by George Eliot
“Might, could, would - they are contemptible auxiliaries.”
About This Quote
Auxiliary verbs like might, could, would are weak and contemptible.
In simple terms: Modal verbs are weak.
Avoid overusing auxiliaries.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- writing
- editing
- teaching
- public speaking
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When are modal verbs essential?
- How do they affect tone?
Sometimes auxiliaries are necessary for nuance.