Form Quote by William Safire
“Remember to never split an infinitive. The passive voice should never be used. Do not put statements in the negative form. Proofread carefully to see if you words out. And don't start a sentence with a conjugation.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Elements of Style, William Strunk Jr. & E.B. White, 1918
Emphasizes strict grammatical rules to avoid stylistic errors and maintain clarity.
In simple terms: Follow precise grammar rules.
Key Takeaway
Apply careful editing.
Themes
grammar
style
precision
Mood
formal
instructive
Type
prescriptive
educational
When to use this quote
- editing documents
- academic writing
- professional correspondence
Key Concepts
syntax
voice
negation
Questions to Reflect On
- Do strict rules always improve readability?
- When is flexibility appropriate?
A Different Perspective
Overly rigid rules can stifle natural expression.
