Captain McCrea's War Quotes

“Let me ask you, Captain, what is the weakest word in the English language? You don’t know? You use it daily, and so do I, in conversation. But when I write, I avoid it like the plague. The weakest word in the English language is the word ‘very,’ V-E-R-Y. If ever you feel when writing that you would like to use the word ‘very,’ just don’t do it. Maybe that’s a little too strong. Evaluate its use. Put it to the test. Try substituting the word ‘damn’ for ‘very.’ Ordinarily ‘damn’ will improve the sentence immeasurably. “Let me illustrate. This is a fine day. Some would be inclined to say this is a very fine day. In speaking, I would say this is a damn fine day. But in writing, I would say this is a fine day, and let it go at that. And it is a fine day, isn’t it, Captain?” A cab arrived at the northwest gate, halted a moment by the gate guard, and then proceeded slowly up the gravel drive to the main entrance. “It is very”—with much emphasis—“nice to have met you, Captain.” And Mr. Woollcott was off.”
― John L. McCrea, Captain McCrea's War: The World War II Memoir of Franklin D. Roosevelt's Naval Aide and USS Iowa's First Commanding Officer