W. Somerset Maugham Quotes

The chief virtue that language can have is clearness, and nothing detracts from it so much as the use of unfamiliar words.

I don't feel like I have to use big words or theories to get my point across. People are like, "Whoa. That's crazy" and make it into this crazy thing.

Broadly speaking, the short words are the best, and the old words best of all.

I preferred the simplest vocabulary.

Uncommon things must be said in common words.

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

Uncommon things must be said in common words, if you would have them to be received in less than a century.

Think like a wise man but communicate in the language of the people.

I never want to confuse people or go over their heads.

Writing is better if it's kept simple. Every sentence doesn't need to have perfect noun/verb agreement. I've said 'ain't' on the air. Because I sometimes use 'ain't' when I'm talking.

There are writers who pour out words, concepts that sound really important but that basically say nothing. I always tried to be as concise as possible, all to try and reach everyone, but especially the simple people, those who needed to be reached more than anyone else.

I don't know the rules of grammar... If you're trying to persuade people to do something, or buy something, it seems to me you should use their language, the language they use every day, the language in which they think. We try to write in the vernacular.

The finest language is mostly made up of simple unimposing words.

Words easy to be understood do often hit the mark; when high and learned ones do only pierce the air.

Don't appear so scholarly, pray. Humanize your talk, and speak to be understood.

Less is almost always better than more. Short words, short sentences, short speeches.

I like to write in fairly everyday language - I've always tried to write lyrics that, if people would speak the words, it wouldn't sound like a song.

My favourite writers are always great storytellers, like Bruce Springsteen; I adore Bruce Springsteen. I feel like he doesn't beat around the bush, and he doesn't overcomplicate things. He puts things into layman's terms and tells stories that anyone can understand.

Why say 'utilize' when you can say 'use'?

Clarity of communication is important.

Simplicity of expression rather than complexity of form.

Jesus made everything so simple and we have made it so complicated. He spoke to the people in short sentences and everyday words, illustrating His messages with never-to-be forgotten stories.

It behooves us to avoid archaisms. Never use a long word when a diminutive one will do.

We must use words as they are used, or stand aside from life.

Don't use big words. They mean so little.