language Quotes

I have great respect for the semicolon; it is a mighty handy little fellow.

Those who write clearly have readers, those who write obscurely have commentators.

Rhetoric may be defined as the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion. This is not a function of any other art.

The poet, being an imitator like a painter or any other artist, must of necessity imitate one of three objects - things as they were or are, things as they are said or thought to be, or things as they ought to be. The vehicle of expression is language - either current terms or, it may be, rare words or metaphors.

In making a speech one must study three points: first, the means of producing persuasion; second, the language; third the proper arrangement of the various parts of the speech.

Syllables govern the world.

England and America are two countries separated by the same language.

The accent of a man's native country remains in his mind and his heart, as it does in his speech.

I've always appreciated a turn of phrase.

Sometimes I'll jot a clever turn of phrase down. Sometimes I'll just remember it.