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Mark Twain, a well-known author and humorist, once said, “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.” This quote has become a popular piece of writing advice, and for good reason. It highlights the importance of strong and precise language, and the pitfalls of relying on weak and unnecessary words.

The word “very” is a common crutch for many writers. It’s a modifier that’s often used to emphasize a particular point or to make a sentence sound stronger. However, the problem with “very” is that it’s often unnecessary. It doesn’t add anything significant to a sentence, and it can make the writing seem weaker and less precise.

By substituting the word “damn” for “very,” writers are forced to think more carefully about their word choices. The word “damn” is a strong and emphatic word that conveys a sense of urgency and importance. It’s a word that should be used sparingly, and only when it’s absolutely necessary.

When writers substitute “damn” for “very,” their writing becomes stronger and more precise. They’re forced to think about what they’re trying to say, and to find the right words to convey their message. This often leads to more concise and effective writing.

The quote also highlights the importance of editing. Every writer needs an editor, whether it’s a professional editor or a trusted friend or colleague. Editors can provide valuable feedback on a writer’s work, and can help to identify weak points and areas that need improvement.

If a writer uses “very” too often, an editor can help to identify this problem and suggest alternative words and phrases that will make the writing stronger. By eliminating unnecessary words and phrases, editors can help to create more concise and effective writing.

In conclusion, Mark Twain’s 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,” is a valuable piece of advice for writers. It highlights the importance of strong and precise language, and the pitfalls of relying on weak and unnecessary words. By substituting the word “damn” for “very,” writers can create more powerful and effective writing, and by working with an editor, they can further refine and improve their work.

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