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Language Quote by William Strunk Jr

“Negative words other than not are usually strong:” quote by William Strunk Jr
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““Negative words other than not are usually strong:””

William Strunk Jr

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.

Key Takeaway

Use strong negatives sparingly.

Themes

writing style clarity

Mood

analytical cautious

Type

educational guideline

When to use this quote

  • editing
  • creative writing
  • academic papers

Key Concepts

lexicon rhetoric

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should you avoid strong negatives?
  • How do they affect reader perception?
A Different Perspective

Overreliance may make tone harsh.

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