Comments on: Manliness Trait: Never Use Eight Words When Four Will Do

By: tony patricelli

tony patricelli — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:18:26 +0000

the actual quote was “don’t use 7 words when 4 will do” ….

By: brian

brian — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 20:10:34 +0000

well written, however it’s “seven words” not ‘eight words’

By: Linguists and Reading Comprehension « Writing for Torre

Linguists and Reading Comprehension « Writing for Torre — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:47:49 +0000

[...] passive. A few results show a misunderstanding including a science course, a computer course, and a blog. Here is a source that understands. Minnesota State made the mistake. Of the resulting sources aimed [...]

By: Virilitas

Virilitas — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:49:39 +0000

This advice is worth rereading every day for a month.

By: The Manival #15 | Discovering Dad

The Manival #15 | Discovering Dad — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:53:52 +0000

[...] presents Manliness Trait: Never Use Eight Words When Four Will Do posted at Return To Manliness. Share and [...]

By: Kevin

Kevin — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 14:59:37 +0000

@rummuser – perfectly explained!!!

By: rummuser

rummuser — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 06:25:22 +0000

The less one says, the less the chances that he will make mistakes. The more verbose, the greater chances that the listener has lost interest half way through. East to preach, extremely difficult to practice. rummusers last blog post..People of the Services. What service do they render?

By: Kevin

Kevin — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:48:43 +0000

@Mike – thanks for your comments. These are great!

By: Mike Bates

Mike Bates — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:40:23 +0000

As a teacher and tutor of English comp, I am often struck by how many students make their writing overly complicated as a way of sounding smarter, as though intelligent people use overwrought phrases and twist themselves into knots just looking for just the right synonym. I don’t know how many times I’ve suggested that students just keep their writing simple. As they would explain something to me, but without the “ummms” and the slang.

You’re right on two other counts, Kevin. Effective communication (written and spoken) is the single most important thing for everyone to learn in today’s world, no matter what field they are going into. It’s how business gets done and how you convince people to help you. If you want to shape the world, either locally (say, you need a small business loan) or a large way (say, you’re running for President), you have to be able to convince others that you’re right. And Strunk and White’s book is an essential resource. Also, great movie reference; Ocean’s 11 has a high rewatchability.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:21:03 +0000

@Style – Always expand if needed. Using the passive voice is always a killer in books.

@Lance – Your advice is right on. It is all about attraction. Also, the silences can be great. There is a LOT communicated during that time.