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Absurd Quote by William Zinsser

“Also bear in mind, when you're choosing your words and stringing them together, how they sound. This may seem absurd: readers read with their eyes. But in fact they hear what they are reading far more than you realize.” quote by William Zinsser
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“Also bear in mind, when you're choosing your words and stringing them together, how they sound. This may seem absurd: readers read with their eyes. But in fact they hear what they are reading far more than you realize.”

William Zinsser

About This Quote

Source Book: On Writing Well by William Zinsser, 1976

Effective writing must consider how words sound to readers, because reading is also an auditory experience.

In simple terms: Words should sound right, not just look right.

Key Takeaway

Read aloud to test your prose.

Themes

writing auditory perception clarity style

Mood

analytical practical

Type

educational inspirational

When to use this quote

  • editing
  • public speaking
  • teaching
  • content creation

Key Concepts

phonetics reader experience

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you read your work aloud?
  • How does sound affect comprehension?
A Different Perspective

Focusing only on visual can miss auditory impact.

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