Want a particularly good example of using simple words to devastating effect? Consider Winston Churchill’s treatment of Admiral Jellicoe’s failure to destroy the German fleet in the Battle of Jutland in 1916.

Churchill describes at considerable length how Jellicoe had three opportunities to smash the Germans, and how he let each one slip past him.

He then delivers his verdict: “Three times is … “

Is what, exactly? Inexcusable shortsightedness by a supreme naval commander? A series of incomprehensible blunders? A deplorable lack of initiative?

None of the above.

“Three times,” says Churchill, “is a lot.”