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Authors:

William Safire quotes about words

American Author December 17, 1929 – September 27, 2009

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Quotes

Do not put statements in the negative form. And don't start sentences with a conjunction. If you reread your work, you will find on rereading that agreat deal of repetition can be avoided by rereading and editing. Never use a long word when a diminutive one will do. Unqualified superlatives are the worst of all. De-accession euphemisms. If any word is improper at the end of a sentence, a linking verb is. Avoid trendy locutions that sound flaky. Last, but not least, avoid cliches like the plague. William Safire
Sometimes I know the meaning of a word but am tired of it and feel the need for an unfamiliar, especially precise or poetic term, perhaps one with a nuance that flatters my readership's exquisite sensitivity. William Safire
Previously known for its six syllables of sweetness and light, reconciliation has become the political fighting word of the year. William Safire
I welcome new words, or old words used in new ways, provided the result is more precision, added color or greater expressiveness. William Safire
Stop worrying about the 'dumbing down' of our language by bloggers, tweeters, cableheads and MSM thumbsuckers engaged in a 'race to the bottom' of the page by little minds confined to little words. William Safire
Remember to never split an infinitive. The passive voice should never be used. Do not put statements in the negative form. Proofread carefully to see if you words out. And don't start a sentence with a conjugation. William Safire
William Safire quote: "At a certain point, what people mean when they use a word..."
At a certain point, what people mean when they use a word becomes its meaning. William Safire
William Safire quote: "When I need to know the meaning of a word, I look it up in a..."
When I need to know the meaning of a word, I look it up in a dictionary. William Safire

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