WWII "Don't Scrap It" poster - image

[ductape]

the problem with the pen being mightier than the sword, is those yielding the sword should sever the hand holding the pen before the ink was put to paper.

That is probably true for Bulwer-Lytton. Even though he popularized the phrase, he is known for poorly written works. He was also the "it was a dark and stormy night" guy.

[Toolmaker51]

the problem with the pen being mightier than the sword, is those yielding the sword should sever the hand holding the pen before the ink was put to paper.

Severing hands might be a little severe; less would fault lopping off selected microphone cords, camera cables and broadcast towers........

[hemmjo]

I use bones to make soup and my soup is da bomb...

I bet it really "sticks to your ribs" too!!

[Frank S]

That is probably true for Bulwer-Lytton. Even though he popularized the phrase, he is known for poorly written works. He was also the "it was a dark and stormy night" guy.

Anyone who can pen a 58-word sentence, only using the word "and" once, while describing the opening setting for the scene of the place where his story takes place. Can not be a complete buffoon.

[hemmjo]

“It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents—except at occasional intervals, when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which swept up the streets (for it is in London that our scene lies), rattling along the housetops, and fiercely agitating the scanty flame of the lamps that struggled against the darkness.”

Does anyone remember when we used to diagram sentences school. I would like to see my teacher diagram that one!!! It would take a piece of paper as big as 4 pies, maybe 6 !!!!! (see what I did there?)

Example

[Toolmaker51]

While I thoroughly enjoyed English classes, diagramming was NOT a highlight.
Yes, we saw.... and very cagey omission of pie type your scale is based on.
A half-dozen fruit turn overs isn't so daunting; that many of Gram's lattice topped Dutch Apple, an entire kitchen counter top.
(See what I did there?)

[NeiljohnUK]

"The pen is mightier than the sword". Edward Bulwer-Lytton...

I've always, as a European history reader (and I studied history) that the quote is correct but for one space and comma: "The penis, mightier than the sword" certainly where arranged marriages between high born families and royalties was concerned.

[Toolmaker51]

Ahhhh yes; numerous Hapsburg's and sundry (per)Hapsburg's.

A more convoluted pedigree chart than any Thoroughbred.

[mklotz]

While I thoroughly enjoyed English classes, diagramming was NOT a highlight.
...

Diagramming is tedious; I'd be happy if they would (re)introduce instruction in..

the distinction between adjectives and adverbs [He did real good.]

the past tense of common verbs [I/we/you/they seen/done it.]

the past participles of common verbs and how to use them correctly [We had went home after the engine had ran.]

the correct form of the auxiliary verbs, e.g. has, have, had, etc.. [I could of done it if I had of knew about it.]

After years of reading forum text, I've come to the conclusion that the average Usonian can not write two hundred words without making fundamental grammar and/or spelling errors.

[Toolmaker51]

Likewise, though many have better 'score' speaking vs typing. Somewhere between diction, tense and spelling. Also, why teachers/ editors admonish writers to read their work aloud. Many a phrase looks OK.........
At the same time, good ol' "dark and stormy night" wouldn't be script for a character either.

I was soooo tempted to write 'tents'