Guest Blogger Mark Twain on Words to be Wary of

Mark Twain photo

photo of Mark Twain

“Substitute ‘damn’ every time you’re inclined to write ‘very;’ your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.” —Mark Twain

Unfortunately, there are fewer editors around these days, the victims of corporate downsizing many of them, so you will probably have to do this yourself, but it might just work. Every time you want to write “very,” write “damn” instead, then read the story out loud. Just don’t do it at an open mike night.

To learn more about Mark Twain: Mark Twain.

2 Comments

Filed under advice, editor, humor, Mark Twain, words, words to be wary of, writer, writing, writing tip

2 responses to “Guest Blogger Mark Twain on Words to be Wary of

  1. AirportsMadeSimple's avatar AirportsMadeSimple

    True. Leave out “that” and always use contractions where it works.

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