Using Effective Diction
A strong writing style is based on accurate word choice. The time you spend searching for just the right word is time well spent. Effective diction does more than simply achieve clear communication. The right word can crystallize an image, evoke a feeling, or ignite an idea.
Choose Precise Words
Do not choose dog when terrier, poodle, or Irish setter will convey more accurately what you want to describe. Whenever possible, replace generalities with specifics. Avoid vague expressions such as a lot, great, interesting and thing.
Vague When the fighter planes arrived, it was clear that the situation was changing.
Revised When the F-4's roared overhead, it was obvious that the skirmish was escalating.
Use Effective Nouns and Verbs
Good writing is not achieved by piling on modifiers. Good writing results from choosing strong nouns and strong verbs. Take the time to think of just the right noun or verb, rather than try to prop up a weak choice with modifiers.
Weak The foreign distance runner increased his speed and moved to the front of the small group.
Stronger The British miler surged to the front of the pack.
Don't Get Stung by the Be's
Think twice about using be or any of its various forms, such as is, are, was, and were. Although these verbs are sometimes essential, they can result in weaker sentences. Whenever possible, use action verbs.
Weak He was there on time.
Stronger He arrived on time.
Avoid Expletives
An expletive is a word that is used only to start a sentence. Using there and here as sentence starters usually results in weaker sentences.
Weak There are three geese swimming in the pond.
Stronger Three geese are swimming in the pond.
Avoid Redundancy
Redundancy is unnecessary repetition, such as red in color or short in height. Look for redundancies that creep into your language. The lists below show the redundancy on the left and the better version on the right.
Avoid Gobbledygook
The members of most professions develop their own specialized vocabulary called jargon, which can help those members communicate efficiently. However, when jargon is used in communication to people outside that particular profession, then often the result is confusion. The unnecessary, inappropriate use of jargon is called gobbledygook. Gobbledygook also includes any long words used needlessly to "dress up" a sentence.
Gobbledygook George has the capability to interface effectively with the supervisory personnel.
Plain English George gets along well with his boss.
Avoid Cliches
Phrases that have been so overused that they now sound flat are called cliches. Here are several to avoid.
last but not least complete shock tension mounts
rude awakening pretty as a picture nip in the bud
cute as a button add insult to injury few and far between
blind as a bat in the nick of time ladder of success
Choose Precise Words
Do not choose dog when terrier, poodle, or Irish setter will convey more accurately what you want to describe. Whenever possible, replace generalities with specifics. Avoid vague expressions such as a lot, great, interesting and thing.
Vague When the fighter planes arrived, it was clear that the situation was changing.
Revised When the F-4's roared overhead, it was obvious that the skirmish was escalating.
Use Effective Nouns and Verbs
Good writing is not achieved by piling on modifiers. Good writing results from choosing strong nouns and strong verbs. Take the time to think of just the right noun or verb, rather than try to prop up a weak choice with modifiers.
Weak The foreign distance runner increased his speed and moved to the front of the small group.
Stronger The British miler surged to the front of the pack.
Don't Get Stung by the Be's
Think twice about using be or any of its various forms, such as is, are, was, and were. Although these verbs are sometimes essential, they can result in weaker sentences. Whenever possible, use action verbs.
Weak He was there on time.
Stronger He arrived on time.
Avoid Expletives
An expletive is a word that is used only to start a sentence. Using there and here as sentence starters usually results in weaker sentences.
Weak There are three geese swimming in the pond.
Stronger Three geese are swimming in the pond.
Avoid Redundancy
Redundancy is unnecessary repetition, such as red in color or short in height. Look for redundancies that creep into your language. The lists below show the redundancy on the left and the better version on the right.
- new innovation innovation
- necessary prerequisite prerequisite
- fellow colleague colleague
Avoid Gobbledygook
The members of most professions develop their own specialized vocabulary called jargon, which can help those members communicate efficiently. However, when jargon is used in communication to people outside that particular profession, then often the result is confusion. The unnecessary, inappropriate use of jargon is called gobbledygook. Gobbledygook also includes any long words used needlessly to "dress up" a sentence.
Gobbledygook George has the capability to interface effectively with the supervisory personnel.
Plain English George gets along well with his boss.
Avoid Cliches
Phrases that have been so overused that they now sound flat are called cliches. Here are several to avoid.
last but not least complete shock tension mounts
rude awakening pretty as a picture nip in the bud
cute as a button add insult to injury few and far between
blind as a bat in the nick of time ladder of success