The information will only be helpful if readers can grasp it quickly and easily. If it’s muddy they will get discouraged or angry, or both, and will … - William Zinsser

" "

The information will only be helpful if readers can grasp it quickly and easily. If it’s muddy they will get discouraged or angry, or both, and will stop reading. You can avoid this dreaded fate for your message, whatever it is, by making sure that every sentence is a logical sequel to the one that preceded it.

English
Collect this quote

About William Zinsser

William Knowlton Zinsser (born October 7, 1922 – May 12, 2015 ) was an American writer, editor, literary critic, and teacher. He began his career as a journalist for the New York Herald Tribune, where he worked as a feature writer, drama editor, film critic, and editorial writer, and has been a longtime contributor to leading magazines.

Biography information from Wikiquote

Also Known As

Alternative Names: William Knowlton Zinsser
All quotes from William Zinsser Similar Quotes by other Originators
Works in ChatGPT, Claude, or Any AI

Add semantic quote search to your AI assistant via MCP. One command setup.

Set Up MCP

Additional quotes by William Zinsser

Writing, however, isn’t a special language that belongs to English teachers and a few other sensitive souls who have a “gift for words.” Writing is thinking on paper. Anyone who thinks clearly should be able to write clearly — about any subject at all.
This quote has a book source. Sign up to see titles and page references
Find Similar
Don’t say you were a bit confused and sort of tired and a little depressed and somewhat annoyed. Be confused. Be tired. Be depressed. Be annoyed. Don’t hedge your prose with little timidities. Good writing is lean and confident.
This quote has a book source. Sign up to see titles and page references
Find Similar