--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: So in writing, there is always a right…" description: "\"So in writing, there is always a right word, and every other than that is wrong. There is no beauty in words except in their collocation. The effect of..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf4/ralph-waldo-emerson-6_effects_so-in-writing-there-is-always-a-right-wo_1332656.png" --- # So in writing, there is always a right word, and every… ![“So in writing, there is always a right word, and every other than that is wrong. There is no beauty in words except in their collocation. The effect of a fanciful word misplaced, is like that of a horn of exquisite polish growing on a human head.” quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf4/ralph-waldo-emerson-6_effects_so-in-writing-there-is-always-a-right-wo_1332656.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf4/ralph-waldo-emerson-6_effects_so-in-writing-there-is-always-a-right-wo_1332656.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf4/ralph-waldo-emerson-6_effects_so-in-writing-there-is-always-a-right-wo_1332656.png) > “So in writing, there is always a right word, and every other than that is wrong. There is no beauty in words except in their collocation. The effect of a fanciful word misplaced, is like that of a horn of exquisite polish growing on a human head.” [Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-waldo-emerson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Choosing the precise word matters; misuse creates awkwardness, while proper collocation yields beauty. **In simple terms:** Right word matters; wrong word feels odd. Key Takeaway Prioritize precise language. Themes writing precision beauty Mood thoughtful analytical Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - editing - creative writing - public speaking - academic papers Key Concepts linguistics collocation aesthetics Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance precision with creativity? - When is a less perfect word acceptable? A Different Perspective Overemphasis on exactness can stifle creativity. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Horns](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/horns/) [Humans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humans/) [Language](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/language/) [Right words](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/right-words/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [“Right word, wrong spirit.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/scott-ross/right-word-wrong-spirit/) Scott Ross > [Instead of writing it wrong six times and then writing it right, I think it wrong six times and then write it right the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fran-lebowitz/instead-of-writing-it-wrong-six-times-and-then-writing-it-right-i/) [Fran Lebowitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fran-lebowitz/) > [Silk Road to Ruin has all the analysis and it's structured very well. 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