In this essay, Orwell outlined the specific ways that politicians and academics were misusing English vocabulary, grammar, and semantics to obfuscate their ideas from the general readership. As the English language declines, in Orwell’s opinion, its use as a tool to convey ideas directly affects the individuals using it: “[the English language] becomes ugly and inaccurate because our thoughts are foolish, but the slovenliness of our language makes it easier for us to have foolish thoughts” (102). Orwell linked clear language to clear thought and the necessary “political regeneration.” He provided five examples of published writing to demonstrate the ways in which English was being used incompetently and vaguely. He listed several “tricks” writers and politicians used to achieve abstract, imprecise syntax.

First, Orwell examined the outdated metaphor. He claimed that a useful and new metaphor must foster a precise visual image. An outdated or hackneyed metaphor shows that the writer is both too incompetent to invent new metaphors and that they are not invested in the message they are attempting to convey. Second, writers should limit verb phrases and the passive voice to simplify and clarify a piece of writing.