Next time Quote by Roy Peter Clark
““The next time you struggle with a sentence, rewrite it by placing subject and verb at the beginning. 5.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Writing Tools by Roy Peter Clark, 2016
Place the subject and verb early to clarify sentences and aid comprehension.
In simple terms: Start sentences with subject and verb.
Key Takeaway
Write clearly by front‑loading key elements.
Themes
clarity
writing
structure
Mood
analytical
practical
Type
instructional
advice
When to use this quote
- editing
- teaching
- business communication
- academic writing
Key Concepts
syntax
sentence construction
Questions to Reflect On
- How does sentence order affect reader understanding?
- When is it effective to break this rule?
A Different Perspective
May not suit creative or stylistic prose that deliberately subverts norms.
![“We went to America a few times and [Brian] Epstein always tried to waffle on at us about saying nothing about Vietnam. So there came a time when George [Harrison] and I said 'Listen, when they ask next time, we're going to say we don't like that war and we think they should get right out.' That's…” quote by John Lennon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/512/john-lennon-322_america_we-went-to-america-a-few-times-and-brian_12070.jpg)
