Wednesday, January 26, 2011

The Nine Rules of Writing Well

1.  Do not put statements in the negative form.

2.  And don't start sentences with a conjunction.

3.  If you reread your work, you will find on rereading that a great deal of repetition can be avoided by rereading and editing.

4.  Never use a long word when a diminutive one will do. 

5.  Unqualified superlatives are the worst of all.

6.  De-accession euphemisms.

7.  If any word is improper at the end of a sentence, a linking verb is.

8.  Avoid trendy locutions that sound flaky.

9.  Last, but not least, avoid cliches like the plague.

~William Safire, "Great Rules of Writing"

5 comments:

  1. I have to work had at not repeating. I agree that re-reading and editing can cure this problem.

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  2. HAHA! I have read this before and I think I even added it to my writing quotes on my blog as well. It's very funny!

    AubrieAnne @ http://whosyoureditor.blogspot.com/

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  3. This is great! The format makes the advice memorable AND practical. Thanks!

    Sarah Allen
    (my creative writing blog)

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  4. Great reminders. I'm always on the look out for them.

    Nice to meet you. I look forward to more of your posts. :)

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