Language Humor

How to Write Good

Jan 01, 1900
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How to Write Good

Don't be redundant; don't more use words than necessary; it's highly superfluous.

Be more or less specific.

Understatement is always best.

Exaggeration is a billion times worse than understatement.

One-word sentences? Eliminate.

Analogies in writing are like feathers on a snake.

The passive voice is to be avoided.

Go around the barn at high noon to avoid colloquialisms.

Even if a mixed metaphor sings, it should be derailed.

Who needs rhetorical questions?

Comparisons are as bad as cliches.

By Frank L. Visco
Vice-president and Senior Copywriter at USAdvertising

Originally published November 14, 2002.

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