Knowing how things work is the basis for appreciation, and is thus a source of civilized delight
—William Safire
Topics: Appreciation
If you want to “get in touch with your feelings,” fine, talk to yourself. We all do. But if you want to communicate with another thinking human being, get in touch with your thoughts.
—William Safire
Topics: Feelings
The right to do something does not mean that doing it is right.
—William Safire
Topics: Integrity
Remember to never split an infinitive.
The passive voice should never be used.
Do not put statements in the negative form.
Verbs have to agree with their subjects.
Proofread carefully to see if you words out.
If you reread your work, you can find on rereading a great deal of repetition can be by rereading and editing.
A writer must not shift your point of view.
And don’t start a sentence with a conjunction. (Remember, too, a preposition is a terrible word to end a sentence with.)
Don’t overuse exclamation marks!!
Place pronouns as close as possible, especially in long sentences, as of 10 or more words, to their antecedents.
Writing carefully, dangling participles must be avoided.
If any word is improper at the end of a sentence, a linking verb is.
Take the bull by the hand and avoid mixing metaphors.
Avoid trendy locutions that sound flaky.
Everyone should be careful to use a singular pronoun with singular nouns in their writing.
Always pick on the correct idiom.
The adverb always follows the verb.
Last but not least, avoid cliches like the plague; seek viable alternatives.
—William Safire
Topics: Writing, Authors & Writing
Your column is a pack of damn lies, a reader wrote to William Safire about a political piece he did in the New York Times.
Brushing aside the stern criticism, Safire immediately debated whether it should be damn, the way it sounds, or damned, as the past participle of the verb, to damn. The ed on some words is simply slipping away, he points out. We’re seeing more barbecue chicken, whip cream and corn beef. His conclusion: Ears are sloppy and eyes are precise; accordingly, speech can be loose but writing should be tight.
—William Safire
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 a great 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
Topics: Writing
Nobody stands taller than those willing to stand corrected.
—William Safire
Topics: Humility
Only in grammar can you be more than perfect.
—William Safire
Topics: Perfection
To “know your place” is a good idea in politics. That is not to say “stay in your place” or “hang on to your place,” because ambition or boredom may dictate upward or downward mobility, but a sense of place—a feel for one’s own position in the control room—is useful in gauging what you should try to do.
—William Safire
Topics: Politics
Never assume the obvious is true.
—William Safire
Topics: Creativity, The Truth
Is sloppiness in speech caused by ignorance or apathy? I don’t know and I don’t care.
—William Safire
Topics: Speakers, Speaking
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- Marilyn vos Savant American Columnist
- John Mason Brown American Drama Critic
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