do u agree with george orwell's advice for writers??

Question

for eg, if u can use a small word instead of a longer one, use it, so forth. all generally favouring the no frills style writing.

Answer 1

That depends entirely on circumstance. For example, if it is a character talking, or being written from a character's point of view, then you should use whatever words that charcter would use.

But, on the whole, I disgree. Size of word is irrelevant. Whatever sounds best is what I use.

Answer 2

Actually, Orwell favored a large vocabulary and using different words to best describe what you are saying. In 1984, he actually condemns the idea of limiting vocabulary, as a limited vocabulary limits your ability to think and reason.

Orwell suggested you should use the best word to convey a message, not the word that would seem most impressive. You may be misunderstanding him. Is a shorter word is best for clarity, then use the shorter word. But if a more complex word is required, don't hesitate to use it.

Answer 3

The way I see it, any advice on writing from someone like Orwell must have something to it. I didn't actually know about his advice to use smaller words instead of longer ones though. Is it just me, or does this sound a little ironic? I mean, this is the same author who wrote of the evils of newspeak, eg:

Ministry of truth -> Minitru
English socialism -> IngSoc

Answer 4

Robert Frost became a household name for many reasons, but one of which was that he used language and a writing style that most everyone could follow. I think he and Orwell are sort of like a voice for the common people. Many readers appreciate more complex vocabulary, but if you're going for a broad audience, using simpler word choice is the way to go.

Answer 5

Okay, which one is more interesting to you:

The cat fell off the table

The cat leaped off the table.

The second one is more interesting to me, and would hold my attention longer. Using short, generic words is boring, and is a sure fire way to put someone to sleep. But at the same time, using words that an average person has trouble pronouncing or doesn't understand will also make them decide it's not worth the effort. A mixture of both, I think, is the best way to go.

Answer 6

I think it is good advice to be efficient with language, so if a short word will do it then use it. However, to keep the reader interested I think a writer should vary the length of words and sentences.

Answer 7

Yes

Answer 8

Orwell was a genius who preceded his times by a hundred years! so whatever he said must be logical and sound.

Answer 9

In moderation.

Answer 10

Yes I do.