Quote by Mark Twain
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.
Summary
This quote, attributed to Mark Twain, suggests that the word "very" is often superfluous and weakens writing. It encourages writers to substitute "damn" instead of using "very" to emphasize or intensify a word. The quote humorously implies that if an editor were to delete the word "damn," the writing would be improved. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder for writers to choose strong and precise language instead of relying on weak modifiers.
By Mark Twain
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