Cliche Quote by William Safire
“Do not put statements in the negative form. And don't start sentences with a conjunction. If you reread your work, you will find on rereading that a great deal of repetition can be avoided by rereading and editing. Never use a long word when a diminutive one will do. Unqualified superlatives are the worst of all. De-accession euphemisms. If any word is improper at the end of a sentence, a linking verb is. Avoid trendy locutions that sound flaky. Last, but not least, avoid cliches like the plague.”
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Elements of Style” commentary, 1995
Avoid negative phrasing, conjunction starts, redundancy, long words, superlatives, euphemisms, cliches, and trendy slang for clearer writing.
In simple terms: Write clearly by cutting negatives, redundancies, and jargon.
Key Takeaway
Edit for clarity and conciseness.
Themes
clarity
editing
style
Mood
analytical
practical
Type
advice
educational
When to use this quote
- academic papers
- business reports
- creative writing
Key Concepts
linguistics
rhetoric
communication theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Which rules enhance your voice versus hinder it?
- When is a cliché acceptable for tone?
A Different Perspective
Over‑editing can strip voice.
