Never Use 10 Words When Five Will Do
- "Never use 10 words when five will do."
This rule has been stated by many different writers, in many different ways. Here are but a few examples:
- "If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out." — George Orwell, in his famous essay, "Politics and the English Language."
- “The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.” — Thomas Jefferson
- "Omit needless words." — from Strunk and White's famous style guide, The Elements of Style.
- "I have only made this letter longer because I have not had the time to make it shorter." — Blaise Pascal, 1623-1662, French philosopher
Even Brad Pitt cites this rule in this scene from the movie Ocean's 11:
Regardless of how you say it, it's safe to say that "Never use 10 words when five will do" is one of the golden rules of good writing.
Of course, there are exceptions—just as there are exceptions to every rule. But before you get carried away trying to justify your long and convoluted sentences, learn this rule and commit yourself to writing as concisely as possible. Your writing will improve.
| concise = | giving a lot of information clearly and in a few words; short and to the point. |
Key Point:
When writing academic essays:
- Never use 10 words when five will do.