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You don't know what I'm up against. Because it's full of, of, of things that are only correct because they're grammatical, but they're tough on the ear, you see. This is a very wearying one. It's unpleasant to read. Unrewarding. 'Because Findus freeze the cod at sea, and then add a crumb-crisp' Ooh, 'crumb-crisp coating.' Ahh, that's tough, 'crumb-crisp coating.' I think, no, because of the way it's written, you need to break it up, because it's not, it's not as conversationally written.

Orson Welles#10

EditingGrammarRhythmSoundWriting

About this quote

What does it mean?
Welles criticizes writing that is grammatically correct but rhythmically harsh, arguing it should be broken up for conversational flow.
In plain terms
Some correct writing sounds bad and should be changed.
What can you take from it?
Prioritize rhythm over strict grammar.

Where it applies

  • scriptwriting
  • copywriting
  • reading aloud

Putting it to work

  • edit for sound
  • read drafts aloud

Questions to consider

  • Does grammar always serve rhythm?

Another view

Grammar rules still serve clarity.

More from Orson Welles

  1. That doesn't make any sense. Sorry. There's no known way of saying an English sentence in which you begin a sentence with 'in' and emphasize it. Get me a jury …

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  2. 'We know a little place in the American Far West, where Charlie Briggs chops up the finest prairie-fed beef and tastes...' (pauses, and continues with a note o…

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  3. It's about two percent movie-making and ninety-eight percent hustling. It's no way to spend a life.

    Permalink to quote #8

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