Language Quote by Matt Weiland
““There is nothing that requires more precision, and purity of expression, than to write in a familiar style,' as the great English essayist William Hazlitt put it nearly two hundred years ago. 'To write as anyone would speak in common conversation who had a thorough command and choice of words, or who could discourse with ease, force, and perspicuity...' To me these are the cardinal virtues of strong, convincing English prose.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: On Writing Style, William Hazlitt, 1820s
Effective prose mirrors natural speech, using precise, vivid language and clear structure to persuade and engage readers.
In simple terms: Good writing sounds like clear conversation.
Key Takeaway
Write with precision and natural flow.
Themes
writing
precision
clarity
persuasion
Mood
analytical
instructive
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic papers
- blog posts
- public speeches
- creative writing
Key Concepts
style
voice
syntax
rhetoric
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your writing reflect your intended audience?
- When is a formal style more appropriate?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on casual tone may reduce formality when required.
