William Strunk, Jr., born on July 1, 1869, in Cincinnati, Ohio, was an influential American professor of English and author. He spent much of his career at Cornell University, where he taught writing and literature, and is best known for his seminal book, “The Elements of Style,” first published in 1918. This work, co-revised later by E.B. White, has become a cornerstone of English education, emphasizing clarity, simplicity, and precision in writing. Strunk’s notable achievements include shaping generations of writers and earning recognition for his straightforward approach to language. The quotes here are sourced primarily from his book, lectures, and writings, with a focus on themes that relate to life lessons such as brevity and intentionality. This list presents 15 insightful quotes by William Strunk, Jr., offering wisdom that extends beyond writing to everyday life.
15 William Strunk, Jr. Quotes
1. “Omit needless words.” (Book, “The Elements of Style”, 1918)
2. “Vigorous writing is concise.” (Book, “The Elements of Style”, 1918)
3. “Make every word tell.” (Book, “The Elements of Style”, 1918)
4. “Use the active voice.” (Book, “The Elements of Style”, 1918)
5. “Put statements in positive form.” (Book, “The Elements of Style”, 1918)
6. “Use definite, specific, concrete language.” (Book, “The Elements of Style”, 1918)
7. “Keep related words together.” (Book, “The Elements of Style”, 1918)
8. “In summaries, keep to one tense.” (Book, “The Elements of Style”, 1918)
9. “Place the emphatic words of a sentence at the end.” (Book, “The Elements of Style”, 1918)
10. “Express coordinate ideas in similar form.” (Book, “The Elements of Style”, 1918)
11. “Write with nouns and verbs, not with adjectives and adverbs.” (Book, “The Elements of Style”, 1918)
12. “The use of language is a living thing.” (Lecture, Cornell University, c. 1920)
13. “Clarity is the politeness of the writer.” (Attributed in writings, n.d.)
14. “Make the paragraph the unit of composition.” (Book, “The Elements of Style”, 1918)
15. “Avoid fancy words.” (Book, “The Elements of Style”, 1918)
William Strunk, Jr.’s quotes reflect his deep commitment to simplicity, clarity, and purposeful expression, principles that mirror valuable life lessons on efficiency and authenticity. They remind us that in both writing and daily life, concise and direct communication fosters understanding and impact, encouraging a mindful approach to our actions and interactions. Overall, these insights reveal a timeless philosophy of minimalism and intentionality. We invite you to share your favorite quote or how it applies to your life in the comments below.