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About this quote

What does it mean?
Good writing should sound natural, not formal or contrived.
In plain terms
If it sounds like writing, rewrite it to sound natural.
What can you take from it?
Rewrite until the text sounds natural.

Where it applies

  • drafting
  • editing
  • speechwriting

Putting it to work

  • test by reading aloud

Questions to consider

  • Does your work sound natural?
  • How do you avoid stiff writing?

Another view

Some genres require formal tones that sound like writing.

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