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1885–1933

SPEECH ECONOMY

Ring Lardner

Since he began to talk and sing, I've learned one interesting thing — The value of a verb is small; In fact, it has no worth at all.

Why waste the breath required to say, “While toddling through the park today, I saw a bird up in a tree,” When “Twee, pahk, birt,” does splendidly?

Why should one say, “Please pass the bread,” When “Ba-ba me” is easier said? And why “I'm starved. Have supper quick,” When “LUNCH!” yelled loudly, does the trick?

Why “I've been riding on a train,” When “By-by, Choo-choo” makes it plain? “Let words be few,” the poet saith, So leave out words and save your breath.

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SPEECH ECONOMY · Ring Lardner · Poetry Cove