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Paint zany 756 Posted 9 years ago
Grammar

Understanding EB White's Quote

'Write with nouns and verbs, not with adjectives and adverbs. The adjective hasn't been built that can pull a weak or inaccurate noun out of a tight place.'


In the above quote by EB White, why did he choose to use 'that can' in the second sentence? I might be wrong but from my understanding of the second sentence, the writer is asking that we avoid using adjectives to make up for weak selections of nouns and verbs in sentences as they are not built for this purpose. If this was what he is trying to say, will substituting 'that can' with 'to' work to convey the same meaning? Or is there a different meaning where only 'that can' can bring to the sentence? Thank you!

  

Top answer

paint zany 756 why did he choose to use 'that can' in the second sentence? It emphasizes the ability (or here, the lack of ability). paint zany 756 .

— Mister Micawber

  • paint zany 756 why did he choose to use 'that can' in the second sentence?
  • It emphasizes the ability (or here, the lack of ability).
  • paint zany 756 .
  • If this was what he is trying to say, will substituting 'that can' with 'to' work to convey the same meaning?
  • No.
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2 Answers
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paint zany 756why did he choose to use 'that can' in the second sentence?

It emphasizes the ability (or here, the lack of ability).

paint zany 756. If this was what he is trying to say, will substituting 'that can' with 'to' work to convey the same meaning?

No. 'To' suggests purpose. That is not what Strunk & Whi

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It you do not use good, accurate nouns, then no adjective can rescue the sentence.
Adding fancy adjectives and adverbs to a sentence with weak nouns and verbs is like putting lipstick on a pig.


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