Good Reminder: Use Orwell's Six Rules for Writing

It’s always time to refer to Orwell’s timeless Rules for Writing in the English Language—

1.     Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.

2.     Never use a long word where a short one will do.

3.     If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.

4.     Never use the passive where you can use the active.

5.     Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.

6.     Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous.

Next a look at the Max Perkins’ legacy for editors.