The Six Rules of English Style
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The document presents six rules for effective English writing as advised by George Orwell. These include avoiding familiar metaphors, using short words instead of long ones, eliminating unnecessary words, favoring active voice over passive, choosing everyday language over jargon, and prioritizing clarity over strict adherence to the rules. The overarching message is to prioritize communication effectiveness over rigid style adherence.
The Six Rules of English Style
- 1. The Six Rules of English Style One can often be in doubt about the effect of a word or a phrase, and one needs rules that one can rely on when instinct fails. ~ George Orwell
- 2. Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print. 千万不要使用那些你常在书刊报纸上见到的暗喻，明喻或其他比喻。
- 3. Never use a long word where a short one will do. 能用简短的单词的时候就别用长的。
- 4. If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out. 如果可以砍掉某个词，砍掉它。
- 5. Never use the passive where you can use the active. 能用主动时态的时候就别用被动时态。
- 6. Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent. 如果你能想到一个相当的日常英语词汇，就不要用那些外来短语，科学词汇，或者行话术语等。
- 7. Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous. 在你说出任何完全不着调的话之前打破上面的任何一条规则。