Language Quote by William Strunk Jr
““Negative words other than not are usually strong:””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Elements of Style, 1918
Strong negative words convey force, but overuse can weaken prose.
In simple terms: Strong negatives are powerful but risky.
Use strong negatives sparingly.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- editing
- creative writing
- academic papers
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you avoid strong negatives?
- How do they affect reader perception?
Overreliance may make tone harsh.