“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.”
- November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910
- American
- Author, humorist, and lecturer
- Wrote masterpieces such as “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” and had a major influence on American literature
Quote
“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.”
Explanation
Mark Twain’s quote humorously advocates for economy and conciseness in writing. He suggests that the overuse of the word “very”—which often serves to intensify or emphasize another word—can be unnecessary and redundant. By recommending the substitution of the word “damn”, a more strongly charged word, Twain implies that it will force the writer to simplify their expression, removing the excess and making the writing more direct and impactful. The editor, he jokes, will then delete the strong language, leaving the writing precise and effective without the need for embellishment. Twain’s humor lies in the irony that the use of stronger language might lead to a better outcome by making writing more concise and powerful.
Twain’s comment reflects his belief in simplicity and clarity in writing. He often criticized excessive ornamentation or unnecessary qualifiers that dilute the message. By trimming out words like “very,” which often don’t add substantial value, a writer can focus on the core of their message and make their writing more dynamic and punchy. Twain’s suggestion to use bold language to achieve this goal is also a reminder that sometimes stronger expressions can help cut through the clutter and convey ideas more effectively.
In the modern world, this quote is a playful reminder to avoid overuse of adverbs and qualifiers in both writing and speech. Whether in creative writing, business communication, or personal expression, the advice to cut down on unnecessary modifiers helps people get to the point more clearly. Twain’s humor underscores the idea that concise and straightforward communication is often more powerful than relying on excessive descriptions or embellishments.
