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William Strunk, Jr. Quotes

Professor

William Strunk, Jr. was an American professor, born on July 1, 1869, and died on September 26, 1946. He is known for his contribution to the clarity and simplicity of English writing.

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All Writing Style Use Attention Brevity Concise Ifs Mark Sentences Should Vigorous Way Adjectives Air Concrete Drawing Giving Knows Language Lines

Famous William Strunk, Jr. Quotes

“Every writer, by the way he uses the language, reveals something of his spirit, his habits, his capacities, his bias....Avoid the elaborate, the pretentious, the coy, and the cute. Do not be tempted by a twenty-dollar word when there is a ten-center handy, ready and able.”

Way Use Able Spirit Language Ready Habit Ten Capacity Twenties Dollars Cute Bias Tempted Pretentious Handy

Author:William Strunk, Jr.

“The surest way to arouse and hold the attention of the reader is by being specific, definitive, and concrete. The greatest writers - Homer, Dante, Shakespeare - are effective largely because they deal in particulars and report the details that matter. Their words call up pictures.”

Way Writing Matter Deals Attention Reader Details Reports Concrete

Author:William Strunk, Jr.

“The approach to style is by way of plainness, simplicity, orderliness, sincerity.”

Way Style Approach Simplicity Sincerity Plainness Orderliness

Book:the elements of style

Source: the elements of style

About the Author

Born: July 1, 1869
Died: September 26, 1946
Known for: Professor
Quotes: 28

Books & Sources

the elements of styleRelated source material

Elements of StyleRelated source material

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