Substitute “damn” every time you’re inclined to write “very”; your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.
Mark Twain
Substitute Damn
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While writing my quote book, I traced this quote back to the true source, William Allen White, the newspaper editor: “Never use the word “very.” It is the weakest word in the English language; doesn’t mean anything. If you feel the urge of “very” coming on, just write the word, “damn,” in the place of “very.” The editor will strike out the word, “damn,” and you will have a good sentence.”
Did I make the same mistake before and was I previously corrected by you, Bill?
That is very/damn useful. It is clear that someone created a meme to disrupt the language. Now that I see “very/damn” in context I can choose the right one next time the meme causes me to stumble over the word.
Thanks…