Accordion Quote by Robert Burchfield
“The English language is rather like a monster accordion, stretchable at the whim of the editor, compressible ad lib.”
About This Quote
The English language is flexible, able to expand or shrink according to editors' whims and improvisation.
In simple terms: English can be stretched or compressed by editors
Key Takeaway
Appreciate language's adaptability
Themes
language
flexibility
editing
Mood
analytical
reflective
Type
observational
linguistic
When to use this quote
- writing
- editing
- creative expression
- language learning
Key Concepts
linguistics
communication theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How does flexibility affect clarity?
- When is compression useful?
A Different Perspective
Over‑flexibility may cause confusion
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![“I believe it is imperative to see modern English grammar as a rich and diverse linguistic system deposited on our [England's] shores 1,500 years ago, and left with us unweakened, though substantially changed by the social and political events of the intervening period.” quote by Robert Burchfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/620/robert-burchfield-39223_believe_i-believe-it-is-imperative-to-see-modern_818844.jpg)
![“At all periods of the [English] language it is difficult to assign a beginning date to most new words and meanings. They tend to slip into the language silently, and are placed in date order only when scholars subsequently get to work.” quote by Robert Burchfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0a2/robert-burchfield-39223_difficult_at-all-periods-of-the-english-language-i_1733512.jpg)
