Ariel Karn’s Reviews > On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction > Status Update

I don’t fucking understand this chapter called “usage”

Not me reading a book about “writing” and having an existential crisis. C’monnnnnnnnnnn. Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.

Did I just spent a whole 15 mins on these two pages? Damn right I did. Jeez. What the hell man. I grew up being taught that you outta use the “fancy” words, which I absolutely hate. But I hustled cuz it’s a must. And now you’re telling me to use the term “ease” instead of “facilitate”? Like I can do that?? Where have you been all my life. Noooooooooo 😭🥲☹️

Ok, hold up, ok, I get we don’t outta use fancy word. But “counterforce deterrence” is a type of deterrence. There are various type of deterrences, it’s not a clutter. Unless, he meant the whole term is a clutter for that context? Well, if it’s that then it works. But if the “counterforce” is clutter then hmmm, I’m not with that.

I know it’s just 7 pages, but if this is what cont. on throughout the book then this book could easily be one of the best books I have ever read in this stupid life (of 25 years).

Brilliant!