George Orwell On Writing Tips
- Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.
- Never use a long word where a short one will do.
- If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.
- Never use the passive where you can use the active.
- Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.
- Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous.
9 Comments
Danielle M
Wow, Thanks for sharing your tips, you were very especific and got to the point.
Maury Cheskes
George Orwell knows his stuff. I like his active over passive rule the most. His guidelines definitely adhere to all readers who want their text plain and simple and more engaging.
Glad
Thanks for the tips they would really come in handy. I do make the mistake of using foreign words or big vocabs instead of sticking the everyday English vocabs. I really do appreciate.
Gabby
Haha love the last tip! Great tips from a great writer!
Miaka Yuuki
I may need a refresher course in English word rules for this. Subject verb agreement all that to better understand these points.
brainedet
These writing tips really make sense and good writers should imbibe them. No need making a long write when a short one can suffice.
jolly555
This is like writing thoughts on mable. These are true words and good for efficient writers. I hope we all take this to heart.
Joan Tindi
Very helpful tips. The take home message here is that in writing, simplicity goes a long way.
Marlyn Culunge
Great tips to any writer. In summary, just get straight to the point.