creative writing word choice

Making the Right Word Choices for Better Writing

by Melissa Donovan | Oct 3, 2023 | Better Writing | 16 comments

Word choice is a critical component of good writing.

Have you ever read a sentence and wondered what it was trying to say? Ever gotten hung up on a word that felt out of place because the meaning of the word didn’t fit the context? When was the last time you spotted a word that was unnecessarily repeated throughout a page, chapter, or book?

There are two sides to any piece of writing. The first is the message, idea, or story. The other side is the craft of stringing words together into sentences and using sentences to build paragraphs. Adept writing flows smoothy and makes sense. Readers shouldn’t have to stop and dissect sentences or get hung up on words that are repetitive or confusing.

Which is why word choice is such an important skill for any writer to possess.

Common Word-Choice Mistakes

The right word can make or break a sentence. If we want our prose to be rich, vibrant, and meaningful, then we need to develop a robust vocabulary. As we write, revise, and proofread, there are plenty of common word-choice mistakes to watch out for. If we can catch those mistakes and fix them, we’ll end up with better writing.

Here are some word-choice to mistakes to watch out for in your writing:

Repetition: When the same words and phrases are repeated in a short space, they act like clichés, becoming tiresome and meaningless. Some words have to be repeated, especially articles, prepositions, and conjunctions. If we’re writing a story set on a submarine, the word submarine (or sub ) will get repeated frequently. That’s to be expected. However, repetitive descriptive words get monotonous. Every girl is pretty , every stride is long , everybody taps their keyboards. The fix: look for words that can be replaced with synonyms or alternative wording and avoid using the same descriptive words over and over again.

Connotation: With all the synonyms available, choosing the right word can be a challenge. Each word has a meaning, but most words also have connotations, which skew the meaning in a particular direction. Connotations are implied or emotional undertones that flavor a word’s meaning. If your character is going home , there is a much different implication than if the character is going to her house . The fix: when choosing synonyms, consider the connotation and emotional flavor of each option.

Precision: The best word choices are specific. One word might be vague and nondescript while another is vivid and descriptive. Consider the following sentences:

He wrote a poem on a piece of paper. He wrote a poem on a sheet of vellum.

The second sentence is more visual because the word choice ( vellum ) is more precise. The fix: whenever possible, choose the most precise word available.

Simplicity: Readers don’t want to have to run to the dictionary to get through a page of your writing, and most don’t appreciate the haughtiness that erudite writing evokes. If you’re writing to a highbrow audience, then by all means, feel free to pontificate, but to reach a wider audience, make your language accessible. The fix: check your text for rare and long words, and if you can replace them with more common or shorter words, do it.

Musicality: Sometimes, word choice comes down to musicality. How does one word sound in your sentence as opposed to another? If you’re trying to choose between words like bin and container , you might make your decision based on which word sounds better in the sentence. The fix: read sentences and paragraphs aloud to see how different words sound.

Thoughtful Word Choices for Better Writing

Whether you agonize over word choice while you’re drafting or during revisions, there are some incredibly useful tools for making word choice a breeze. In addition to using the tools that are at your disposal, consistently working to expand your vocabulary will do wonders for improving your language and word-choice skills:

• The thesaurus and the dictionary are your friends. Use them (especially the thesaurus).
• Read voraciously. Nothing will improve your writing and your vocabulary as well as the simple act of reading.
• Read and write poetry. Poems are full of vivacious words. You’ll develop a knack for word choice and grow a bountiful vocabulary if you study a little poetry.
• Play word games like Scrabble , Scattergories , and Words with Friends , which force you to actively use your vocabulary.
• Sign up for Word of the Day and commit to learning 365 words over the next year.

Have you ever gotten frustrated by reading a book that was peppered with poor word choices? Do you make a conscious effort to use the right words in your writing? How far will you go to find the perfect word for a sentence? Share your thoughts on how thoughtful word choices result in better writing by leaving a comment, and keep writing!

16 Comments

Thanks so much for this article. Though I actually did a few semesters of grad school, I still easily get caught up in several of the traps you mentioned. Nothing like a good guide in front of you to help you out.

Sometimes I get so caught up in writing a scene or conveying a particular message that I forget to think about word choice. That’s why I’m so glad I always get a chance to revise my work.

@Melissa Yes I have read plenty of sentences that I had to read over and over and over again, simply to crack the case of what it was attempting to say. As a reward, this has made me very aware of how critical word choice is. That is why I am so eager to improve my writing skills. In addition to not knowing the basics (what conjunctions and prepositions are), I could really use a lesson or two in word choice, descriptive writing, and an expansion in my vocab. I have supposedly been expanding my vocabulary for a while now, until I realized it could not be done without reading (misunderstanding the syntax and vocab; just to name a few reasons why I absolutely hate reading). So, I began to read, and I find myself hung-up on what I view to be very basic words, and it annoys the crap out of me. I have signed up for the word of the day on dictionary.com, but it seems that it goes through one side of the brain, and right out the other side that doesn’t care to process language. Lol! At the very most, I’ll recall having it as a word of the day, when I see it written in a book somewhere. I will not remember the definition. Strengths: repetition; simplicity; and musicality. Weaknesses: Have never given connotations any consideration. .just the denotative (underlying meaning); and precision (what I like to refer to as descriptive/visual writing). Please help! What are other ways can I expand my vocab and unlock the doors on the cell gate, that holds my creativity in captivity? As some would call it, “I would love to have my ‘creative juices’ flowing.” Thank you, in advance!

My suggestion is to keep a vocabulary journal. Keep reading and when you come across a word you don’t know, write it down in your vocabulary journal along with the definition. Then, once a week or once a month, read through the latest entries. I like word-of-the-day too, but the words are usually rare ones that don’t get used often. My other suggestion is to read poetry. It will do wonders for your vocabulary and learning about the nuances of word choice. Sound and Sense is a bit pricey but it’s my top recommendation for learning words and literary devices. Good luck to you!

This was very helpful and updated, I have two books I use which are also great; Writer’s First Aid By Kristi Holl and On Writing Well by William Zinsser. Both are available at amazon.com; however, I plan on subscribing here right after this post is successfully processed. This is a wonderful tool for all writers searching for ways to improve their craft.

Thanks, Robin, for your book recommendations and for subscribing. Keep writing!

Could I just hug you, Melissa? #HUGSSS

I am grinning WIDE after reading this ah-mazing post! Words seduce, strengthen and stimulate me, and hence I am committed to honing my writing skills.

I do have a Word a Day blog wherein I post an eclectic collection of words – some easy, some hard, some musical, some plain, some common, some uncommon – not every word can be used in our daily lives, but it gives me great joy to share my love for words with everyone!

Thank you so much #HUGS

Much love Kit

Hi Krithika,

Thanks for your kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed this post. Words can be magical and fascinating, and they are the building blocks of our craft, so it’s important for us to embrace them. Keep writing!

This is beautiful. I constantly tell people all the time word economy is one of the most important things in writing. If you can say it in a simpler and more visual manner,your readers will love you for it. I think the importance of the word choice and structure isn’t just about what’s being said but also momentum. People try to make things sound so poetic all the time which either 1) bores the reader if done incorrectly or 2) confuses them. That is why I try to write simple yet powerful sentences by choosing the correct words.

Logan, I agree one hundred percent! Even in poetry, word economy usually leads to a more compelling piece than a lot of excessive, unnecessary language, which only serves to weigh down the text.

There is a word (a single word, not a phrase, not the word diction) that means to agonize over word choice, but I have forgotten this word. Does anyone here know this term. Thank you in advance.

I’m not sure, but you might try Google or the thesaurus.

Great tips! Sharing…

Thanks, Bette!

Melissa, I totally agree with you on this article. Building an extensive vocabulary has had a huge effect on my writing ability. In the beginning stages of my craft, I struggled with finding the right words to enhance the narratives in the stories I wrote. I have to admit that in those days I encountered the most strenuous growing pains ever. Fortunately, those times are no more and I can say that I am grateful for rising to the occasion. Thank you for sharing this post.

You’re welcome, Derrick. I’m glad you found this article worthwhile.

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Enchanting Marketing

Writing advice for small business

Word Choice: How to Play With Words (and Find Your Voice)

by Henneke | 68 enchanting opinions, add yours? :)

G ood word choice is about precision and personality; the words you choose help define your voice.

This article discusses:

How word choice shapes your voice

You’ve buckled down to write your content. You’re proud of your ideas.

But when you read your draft … it kind of sucks. A spark is missing. The content sounds blah. It doesn’t sound like you at all.

Makes you want to cry?

Cultivating an engaging voice may feel like an arduous, perhaps even painful journey.

But when you nurture a sense of play, that excruciating journey turns into a fun adventure.

While experimenting with words, you’ll find your voice. And when you’ve found your voice, your content stands out in a drab sea of grey words. Fierce. And proud.

Want to know how to have fun with words and find your voice ?

Why word choice can feel tricky

Most of us tend to choose safe words—the words popping in our mind first. These are the words everyone is using.

Everyday language is a good idea, because readers can quickly grasp your ideas. But when you use only everyday language, your content doesn’t stand out. You sound like everyone else. Your content lacks sparkle.

Writing is different from talking. When we speak we use hand gestures and facial expressions to add emotion and meaning to our words. But when we write, we can’t wink, we can’t smile, we can’t slam the table, and we can’t put our hands up in the air.

So, our written words have to work harder. Our words have to whisper or shout. Our words have to attract attention and engage. Our words have to express emotion.

This is why you need to infuse your writing with more emotional words, with colorful language, with a sensory touch. You need to push yourself gently outside your comfort zone and play with different words.

Examples of word choice

Have you ever studied how others choose their words?

And have you noticed how their words give you an impression of their personality?

Below follow snippets from a sales page for a fitness book of DragonDoor . What type of personality comes across?

• How to construct a barn door back—and walk with loaded guns
• How to take a trip to hell—and steal a Satanic six-pack
• How to guarantee steel rod fingers
• Time to deliver the final bullet to those aching muscles: the Crucifix pull—brilliant and very painful!

The DragonDoor copy uses strong sensory and emotional words like “loaded guns,” “bullet,” “trip to hell,” “Satanic,” and “steel rod.”

Now, let’s compare this to a sales page for a yoga teaching class of Balance Yoga and Wellness . Try to imagine the type of teacher who’s written this:

• Heart-centered yoga: Learn the foundations of Anusara yoga, including the loops and spirals, universal principles and more.
• Balance your body and mind: Learn and apply ayurvedic principles to your diet and lifestyle so you get healthier and happier. Improve your sleep and digestion so your energy invigorates your students and others around you.
• Spark your creativity: Make your own mala bracelets, eye pillows, clay models, and yantras. Tapping into your creative center will help to infuse a sense of playfulness into your teaching.

This copy uses softer and more positive words like “invigorate,” “heart-centered,” “spark,” “balance,” “healthier,” “happier,” and “tap into.”

Choosing your words isn’t just about being precise and concise. The words you choose also give an impression of your personality; they define your voice.

How do you want to come across? How do you want to interact with your audience?

Below follow four questions to consider when considering how words shape your voice.

1. Do you use jargon or everyday language?

Whether you want to use jargon or not mainly depends on the experience of your readers. Do they understand your technical terms?

DragonDoor uses some technical language like “pecs,” “hanging straight leg raises,” “stand-to-stand bridges,” and “progressive calisthenics.” For instance:

Balance Yoga and Wellness also assumes you know basic yoga terms:

When considering your word choice, consider your audience. Which words would they use? Do they understand technical language and jargon? Also, consider whether your audience would appreciate slang or not.

2. Do you appeal to negative or positive emotions?

Positive or negative word choice has a big impact on how readers perceive your voice and your personality.

DragonDoor, for instance, addresses readers’ fears of doing things wrong or acting like a “baby-weight pumper” or “wannabee.” They might make you feel insecure:

• Do you make this stupid mistake with your push ups? This is wrong, wrong, wrong!
• This little fella will really separate the iron men from the baby-weight pumpers!
• These Gecko pushups truly separate the wannabees from the real thing
• Obey these important caveats before you start bridging—or risk injury
• The dumb, fickle, want-it-yesterday way to fail in your long term Convict Conditioning training

Balance Yoga and Wellness uses a positive tone of encouragement instead:

Do you want to agitate and stir up fear? Or comfort, encourage, and soothe? How positive do you want to sound?

3. Do you use strong or subtle sensory words?

DragonDoor uses strong language, borrowing terminology from prisons and war:

• One crucial reason why a lot of convicts deliberately avoid weight-training
• Bar pulls—an old convict favorite for good reason
• How to effectively bulletproof the vulnerable rotator cuff muscles
• Transform skinny legs into pillars of power, complete with steel cord quads, rock-hard glutes and thick, shapely calves

The copy of Balance Yoga and Wellness strikes a warmer tone:

Are you astonished how much your life has improved since you stepped into your first yoga class?

You gained strength, flexibility and fitness. You tapped into a deep calmness, and experienced a new sense of peace and inner beauty.

Now, what’s next?

(…) Our Teacher Training helps you nourish a deeper understanding of yoga, delve into human anatomy, and gain the confidence to share the magic of yoga with your friends and family and community.

How do you spice up your content? With fight analogies? Or cooking metaphors? With hints of seduction? Or warmongering?

4. How much curiosity do you arouse?

DragonDoor arouses curiosity with phrases like “little-known ways,” “a dormant superpower,” and a “jealously-guarded system:”

• The dormant superpower for muscle growth waiting to be released if you only do this
• Try this little-known way to make stand-to-stand bridges harder and increasingly more explosive without adding any external resistance
• A jealously-guarded system for going from puny to powerful—when your life may depend on the speed of your results

The copy of Balance Yoga and Wellness is more straightforward about what you’ll learn and why:

• Sequence a yoga class: Use creativity and knowledge of yoga postures to develop a balanced yoga class.
• Use language effectively: Learn effective verbal cues for leading a yoga class.
• Breakdown key yoga postures: Talk students into and out of yoga postures, what the fundamental alignment cues are for each postures.
• Teach safely: Appreciate how our anatomy impacts different types of yoga postures, and learn how to modify yoga postures to avoid injury.

Curiosity-arousing phrases change the tone of your writing. Moreover, curiosity can nudge readers to take action—to satisfy their curiosity.

But it’s a fine balance as too much curiosity arousal can make your content flimsy, pushy, and hypey. In contrast, pairing benefits with features makes your content more substantial, straightforward, and honest.

A word choice exercise: Get out of a writing funk

Ready to explore your voice?

And play with different words?

Try the exercise below and experiment with your word choice. Try to impersonate different personalities. Also, pay attention to how your voice changes when you borrow phrases from, for instance, cooking, fighting, dating, or sports.

Word choice exercise

Complete the following sentence:

The standard, drab version:

The power-puncher:

Another strong-armed copywriter:

The competitor:

The sparkling personality:

The seductress:

The sensory cook:

The quiet rebel:

Have fun with as many options as you like. Leave the options percolating overnight, and choose a favorite the next day. Consider adding your mission statement to your social media bios and About page.

Playing with words is like trying new clothes

Pick up a different style, try it on, and see how it looks in the mirror.

Does that jacket make you feel confident? Does that fuchsia scarf make you feel more creative? Wanna try a bolder style? Or a different color?

Playing with words puts the fun back into writing.

It enlivens our copy. And invigorates our soul.

FREE 22-page ebook How to Choose Words With Power and Pizzazz

• Discover 4 wordy rules for captivating your audience
• Learn how to fortify and energize your message
• Get examples that show you how to spice up your writing

PS Thank you to Darren DeMatas of Selfstartr for inspiring this post.

Further reading on word choice:

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Reader Interactions

Leave a comment and join the conversation cancel reply.

April 10, 2023 at 3:26 am

I’m finding it very difficult to put into practice. I’m not coming up with different phrases and words to try different personalities.

April 10, 2023 at 12:41 pm

Try using a thesaurus or dictionary.

Also, it helps to pay attention to how others write and which words they use. When you start to see how others choose their words and how that helps define their voice, it becomes easier to play with your own voice, too. Look for the authors you like and the ones you don’t like. What’s the difference in their word choice? Which writers do you think have a strong voice? Which words do they use? The more you read and the more attention you pay to what you read, the better your writing will become.

Lastly, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Try to nurture a sense of play.

July 1, 2022 at 3:57 pm

You’ve shown in the article with clear examples how a writer can choose and play with words to express his writing voice. It’s praise worthy, I do appreciate.

July 1, 2022 at 4:27 pm

I’m glad you like it, Tajammul. Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate it!

January 10, 2022 at 12:15 am

Do you ever teach of writing present tense mindful sentences with the correct wording using the sensory words? I’m writing a book and would love to know if you can enlighten me?

January 10, 2022 at 12:11 pm

Hi Drenda, you can find my advice on using sensory words here: https://www.enchantingmarketing.com/sensory-words/

March 20, 2021 at 12:31 am

Henneke you and your content are awesome! <3 Thanks a lot!

March 21, 2021 at 5:01 pm

Thank you, Paulo. Happy writing!

February 23, 2020 at 12:14 pm

You a champ in your field! Please what posts of yours do you highly recommend I read to get a feel for writing? I’m just starting out. Thanks a million.

February 23, 2020 at 7:32 pm

Hi Solomon,

It depends what you want to write. For learning how to write blog posts, check out my best articles here: https://www.enchantingmarketing.com/business-blogging/ For learning how to write sales copy, check out the articles listed here: https://www.enchantingmarketing.com/sales-copy/

For general writing advice, start here: https://www.enchantingmarketing.com/how-to-improve-writing-skills/

I hope this helps!

July 31, 2018 at 4:37 am

One word: AWESOME

July 31, 2018 at 5:45 pm

Thank you, Carltee 😀

May 11, 2018 at 5:27 am

Very cool- and helpful!! Henceforth, I have no doubts renaming in your expertise! Sincere Thanks

May 11, 2018 at 9:59 am

Thank you. Happy writing!

April 21, 2018 at 6:50 pm

Thank you so much. I’m writing a memoir and really needed the comments and the 99 active verbs. Now I need to do some editing.

April 21, 2018 at 6:58 pm

I am glad you found it useful, Roxsane. Happy editing!

And thank you for stopping by.

February 16, 2018 at 9:00 pm

I don’t drink coffee but this is like writer’s coffee, keep them awake while writing. What a yummy read.

February 18, 2018 at 7:47 pm

I don’t drink coffee either!

I’m glad you enjoyed this, Susan. Thank you for stopping by.

January 10, 2018 at 8:11 am

Thank you. This article is motivating. I am concerned about my own blog posts, the energy I put into them and word choices. These tips have really helped me out

January 10, 2018 at 3:01 pm

I’m glad you’ve found these tips helpful, Latricia. Happy blogging!

May 31, 2017 at 9:46 am

Thanks. It stimulated the playful inner child of me. Writing should be a fun experience, rather than an agonizing stressor.

May 31, 2017 at 9:18 pm

Indeed! Happy playing & writing, Doran 🙂

April 3, 2017 at 9:47 am

That’s such an amazing, helpful and enjoyable post.Your examples are Excellent. word choices, use of positive and negative emotions are very important to give words your voice.. I really enjoyed reading your post…

April 3, 2017 at 8:59 pm

I’m glad you’ve found it both helpful and enjoyable, Mariah. Happy writing!

March 30, 2017 at 3:34 pm

Henneke great post.

Loved how you took one phrase of that exercise and turned it into many powerful alternatives.

Goes to show that words you choose really can help you stand out. Because like you said, you can’t express yourself with hand gestures, etc. so your words need to work for you.

Wow, I’m really impressed by this post. You keep on constantly out doing yourself.

– Andrew

March 30, 2017 at 7:36 pm

Ha yes! I do try to outdo myself. It doesn’t always work, but sometimes it does. I really enjoyed writing this one.

Thank you for stopping by again, Andrew. I appreciate it.

March 2, 2017 at 12:03 pm

I’m a copywriting ninja on a mission to dropkick crap content back to the 1980s!

March 2, 2017 at 6:56 pm

I like that! I can picture you dropkicking content. Great image 🙂

March 2, 2017 at 1:38 am

Hi Henneke, what a great post, a bit over my head in strength but loved the Yoga type of description, Not looking forward to writing posts, hope that I’ll get something interesting together. I am on the last leg now to get that website set up. Thanks for all the posts I may have read but not commented on, my book is in the last edit and will be available at the same time as the Website. It’s been a long journey, but have also been around the world three times which took a lot of my time.

March 2, 2017 at 6:53 pm

Great to hear that your book and website are both nearly finished, Annamarie. That’s fab news. Congrats!

Maybe you can consider a break from writing before you start writing blog posts so you can approach blog writing with replenished energy?

March 1, 2017 at 11:15 am

I’m not sure I’d like to be hanging out in the Dragon Door gym. I shudder to think what type of person would be exercising there 🙂

Thanks for the excellent examples, Henneke. Just goes to show how a few words can change the scene. – David

March 1, 2017 at 6:10 pm

You won’t find me in a DragonDoor gym either! Phew. Please no.

Thank you for stopping by, David. No heavy lifting required here 🙂

March 1, 2017 at 9:17 am

I write so fucking good my readers beg for more 😉 Yes, the positive, friendly support giver, that is you, with the sparkly tone.

March 1, 2017 at 6:08 pm

“I write so fucking good my readers beg for more”

That sounds like you 🙂

March 1, 2017 at 9:06 pm

?”And I’m also the most humble person you’ll ever meet” ?

March 1, 2017 at 9:54 pm

No, I’m not. Ha! No smiley needed.

March 1, 2017 at 10:00 pm

Ok. This is my totally serious face -> ? Nope. Sorry. Can’t help it ? When three of us “meet” in one place I’m always in good mood!

March 1, 2017 at 9:16 pm

It amazes me every time how you find the right words and examples to explain something as complicated as writing! I think it’s easier to explain how how to build a nuclear bomb than how to write so that it resonates. Because there are only so many ways to build a nuclear bomb, but there are as many ways to write well as there are people.

And of course the part with the exercise and the one-line examples is brilliant! Great to see how everyone started applying your advice immediately! I’d love to contribute my own, but I’ll need to think about it first. Fitting my thoughts inside one line is not exactly my strength, but I’m willing to learn 🙂

March 1, 2017 at 10:25 pm

Thank you for your lovely comment, Gill 🙂

My secret is not to try to explain how to write, but answer just one tiny question about writing like: How does word choice influence voice? That makes it more doable. 🙂

I can’t remember how I came across that website of DragonDoor (I’m not their target audience!) but because its word choice is so “extreme,” they seemed like a great example.

Don’t try to write the one-liner (or two-liner) in one go. Just play around with it. I can’t remember how long it took me to come up with “an irreverent copywriter on a mission to stamp out gobbledygook” – probably a few months! 😉

March 1, 2017 at 10:31 pm

“One tiny question for Henneke, one giant problem for humanity (of bloggers)” 🙂 I wouldn’t be able to explain that in a million years!

And yes, the fewer words one has to express something, the longer it takes. But I noticed one gets better at this with practice. This, and spending more time on Twitter with its 140 characters 🙂

March 1, 2017 at 2:09 am

Busy day; got here late today, but finally! Whew! I’m a grandmother I and rescue broken, wounded women desperately looking for someone with strength and knowledge, spiced with soft humor. I offer an enduring, hidden treasure, helping them see their way out of the pain of difficult situations, without physically walking away. You made me think about this all day. I was so sure I’d gotten it, but it sounds pretty salesy to me, still.

March 1, 2017 at 6:07 pm

It doesn’t sounds salesy at all. It sounds friendly and helpful. I like it. It’s a beautiful mission. Perhaps consider tightening it a little:

I’m a grandmother and I rescue broken, wounded women. I offer strength and knowledge, spiced with soft humor, to help them ease the pain of difficult situations.

March 2, 2017 at 7:35 am

Oh, yes, that’s better. Thank you! You know, if I read that and think you wrote it, instead of me, it is lots better in my mind. I guess it’s a trick we play on ourselves, making it nigh impossible to feel good about self-aggrandizement? As for tightness, you are right, but I used to say: “I fix broken women.” Embellishing got carried away. 😉 Thanks, again!

March 2, 2017 at 6:54 pm

Well, you wrote it; I simply crossed out a few words 🙂

February 28, 2017 at 10:13 pm

Henneke always produces such good material. If she made underpants for a living I’d rip my own off to read the label!

Thanks for another great post.

March 1, 2017 at 6:11 pm

Haha! I’m not planning to manufacture underpants. Not yet. 😉

February 28, 2017 at 6:51 pm

The minute I saw this pop in my inbox, I couldn’t help but click to read.

Tip: Just as hand gestures and facial expressions add meaning to our words when talking, icons and punctuation marks [can] also help drive home our point when writing

This is a post to study and it’s brilliant.

Thanks for sharing Henneke.

February 28, 2017 at 9:19 pm

Yep, that’s a good point about icons and punctuation, and it’s true for formatting, too. Putting a sentence on its own in one paragraph is also a way to add stress.

Thank you for adding your thoughts, Hannah. I appreciate it 🙂

February 28, 2017 at 4:53 pm

Salute to Henneke,

Words are the fiery swords which slice through mediocrity and open up revolutionary worlds. so sayeth Dragon Girl aka C A Holmes (writing my Scottish tales at the moment)

February 28, 2017 at 5:08 pm

Thank you … what an honor to find such a lovely poem here.

I hope you’re enjoying writing your Scottish tales, Dragon Girl 🙂

February 28, 2017 at 4:17 pm

At the very least you sold me on Convict Conditioning … and writing sales-boosting copy so powerful I can give the competition the middle finger!

February 28, 2017 at 5:05 pm

Be careful with those one-arm handstand pushups, Jeff! 😉

February 28, 2017 at 4:08 pm

Concrete and tangible.

Your examples are so real that my muscles hurt from the exertion of imagining DragonDoor only to be soothed by visualizing Balance Yoga. It’s the perfect yin yang combination. The distinction is quite palpable.

Not to mention loads of fun.

Something you’ve long trained me to expect from your weekly posts.

Useful and fun with a sprinkle of serendipity and a spark of singularity.

February 28, 2017 at 5:02 pm

Selecting these examples from DragonDoor sure made my body hurt!

Thank you for your lovely comment, Lori. I appreciate it 🙂

February 28, 2017 at 3:28 pm

Hi Henneke, I liked this last one best: “I’m an irreverent copywriter on a mission to stamp out gobbledygook.” I bet she’s awesome. {:-)

February 28, 2017 at 5:01 pm

I’d like to meet her, too 😉

Thank you, Rohi!

February 28, 2017 at 3:23 pm

For a quiet rebel , you sure kick butt with this post !

Thank you, Ray. Your comment made me laugh 🙂

February 28, 2017 at 2:29 pm

Hi Henneke,

I read lots of newsletters / blogs of ‘experts’ in the field… but none of them can beat you. I don’t know how you do it, but please keep doing it! Excellent examples again. I’ll start practicing right away. Thank you for the eye-openers and keep ’em coming please!

February 28, 2017 at 4:59 pm

What a lovely comment. Thank you, Olga!

I hope you have fun with your writing. And don’t worry, I’ll do my best to keep them coming 🙂

February 28, 2017 at 1:38 pm

Surprise, surprise … another helpful and genuinely enjoyable post!

I particularly liked “Do you use jargon or everyday language?” and the section on curiosity.

And wow, those examples at the end for writers to frame themselves: priceless!

February 28, 2017 at 4:57 pm

I’m glad you enjoyed it, Aaron. That means a lot to me 🙂

Thank you for stopping by and for tweeting!

February 28, 2017 at 1:27 pm

That’s the clearest idea of “voice” I’ve ever had. Your wonderful examples of contrasting voices makes that squishy concept so concrete. And now I need to figure out how to bullet-proof my rotator cuffs…

February 28, 2017 at 4:49 pm

I still need to figure out where my rotator cuffs are before I can bulletproof mine 😉

Thank you for stopping by and for your lovely compliment!

February 28, 2017 at 12:41 pm

I particularly love how you turned the copywriting example into eight different ‘personalities’. Such a great example! Interesting to think about what you want to portray. I might try doing a writing exercise and write down how I want to come across… and what descriptive words go with that to help get jump started.

February 28, 2017 at 4:48 pm

You might also find it useful to do the opposite of what you want to describe. That’s a fun way to warm-up your writing muscles, too 🙂

February 28, 2017 at 12:11 pm

That’s such an amazing read!! Impressive! couldn’t wait to do the exercise…

I am Tavleen. I craft an empathetic brand narrative that positions you as the go-to in your niche. And not just another ‘player‘ in the market.

February 28, 2017 at 4:47 pm

Thank you for your lovely comment, Tavleen.

Glad to see you started on the exercise straightaway! 🙂

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I never saw myself as a writer, but in my early forties, I learned how to write and discovered the joy of writing. Now, I’d like to empower you to find your voice, share your ideas and inspire your audience. Learn how I can help you

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Creative Writing Words

Words are the building blocks of stories, the tools that paint vivid pictures and stir emotions in our readers. But for aspiring writers, the vast ocean of vocabulary can feel daunting. Fear not, wordsmiths! This guide delves into the treasure trove of creative writing words , helping you unearth gems that will elevate your craft.

List of Creative Writing Words

Astonishing

Captivating

Charismatic

Conspicuous

Contemplate

Effervescent

Enthralling

Fantastical

Illuminating

Incandescent

Indomitable

Inquisitive

Mesmerizing

Paradoxical

Rambunctious

Resplendent

Scintillating

Spectacular

Spellbinding

Spontaneous

Transcendent

Clandestine

Quintessential

Serendipitous

Superfluous

Unfathomable

Creative Writing Words with meaning and examples

Here is the table of Creative Writing words with their meanings and examples:

• Meaning: Existing or available in large quantities; plentiful.
• Example: The garden was abundant with flowers, creating a vibrant display of colors.
• Meaning: To make (suffering, deficiency, or a problem) less severe.
• Example: The new medication helped alleviate her chronic pain.
• Meaning: Open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning.
• Example: The ending of the movie was ambiguous, leaving the audience to speculate.
• Meaning: Enough or more than enough; plentiful.
• Example: They had ample time to prepare for the exam.
• Meaning: Extremely surprising or impressive; amazing.
• Example: Her performance was astonishing, earning her a standing ovation.
• Meaning: To cause (someone) to become perplexed and confused.
• Example: The complex instructions bewildered everyone in the room.
• Meaning: Burning brightly and strongly.
• Example: The blazing sun made it a perfect day for the beach.
• Meaning: Extremely happy; full of joy.
• Example: They spent a blissful afternoon in the park, enjoying the sunshine and each other’s company.
• Meaning: Noisy, energetic, and cheerful; rowdy.
• Example: The children were boisterous as they played in the yard.
• Meaning: Unlimited or immense.
• Example: She had a boundless enthusiasm for learning new things.
• Meaning: Active, fast, and energetic.
• Example: They went for a brisk walk in the crisp autumn air.
• Meaning: Showing deep unhappiness of thought.
• Example: He sat by the window, brooding over his recent breakup.
• Meaning: Capable of attracting and holding interest; charming.
• Example: The story was so captivating that she couldn’t put the book down.
• Meaning: In a state of complete confusion and disorder.
• Example: The airport was chaotic with travelers rushing to make their flights.
• Meaning: Exercising a compelling charm which inspires devotion in others.
• Example: The charismatic leader easily won the support of the crowd.
• Meaning: Delighted greatly; enchanted.
• Example: She felt charmed by the quaint little village and its friendly residents.
• Meaning: The quality of being clear, in particular.
• Example: The clarity of the lake water was remarkable, allowing them to see the bottom.
• Meaning: Extremely large or great.
• Example: The ancient ruins were a colossal testament to the civilization’s grandeur.
• Meaning: Evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way.
• Example: Her argument was compelling and convinced everyone in the room.
• Meaning: To cause surprise or confusion in (someone), especially by acting against their expectations.
• Example: The unexpected turn of events confounded everyone involved.
• Meaning: Standing out so as to be clearly visible.
• Example: Her red coat made her conspicuous in the crowd.
• Meaning: To look thoughtfully for a long time at.
• Example: He sat on the bench, contemplating the beauty of the sunset.
• Meaning: A confusing and difficult problem or question.
• Example: Solving this conundrum required a lot of creative thinking.
• Meaning: Giving a feeling of comfort, warmth, and relaxation.
• Example: They spent the evening in a cozy cabin by the fire.
• Meaning: (of a substance) firm, dry, and brittle, especially in a way considered pleasing or attractive.
• Example: The crisp autumn leaves crunched under their feet as they walked.
• Meaning: Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure.
• Example: He left a cryptic message that no one could understand.
• Meaning: Extremely bright, especially so as to blind the eyes temporarily.
• Example: The fireworks display was dazzling, lighting up the night sky.
• Meaning: In an acutely disturbed state of mind resulting from illness or intoxication and characterized by restlessness, illusions, and incoherence.
• Example: He was delirious with fever and needed immediate medical attention.
• Meaning: Having or showing care and conscientiousness in one’s work or duties.
• Example: She was diligent in her studies and always turned in her assignments on time.
• Meaning: Careful and circumspect in one’s speech or actions, especially in order to avoid causing offense or to gain an advantage.
• Example: He was discreet in handling the sensitive information.
• Meaning: Depressing; dreary.
• Example: The weather was dismal, with constant rain and grey skies.
• Meaning: Far away in space or time.
• Example: The distant mountains were barely visible through the haze.
• Meaning: (of a person or their behavior) unconventional and slightly strange.
• Example: His eccentric behavior made him the talk of the town.
• Meaning: (of a liquid) giving off bubbles; fizzy.
• Example: Her effervescent personality made her the life of the party.
• Meaning: Ecstatically happy.
• Example: She was elated when she received the job offer.
• Meaning: Filled with delight; charmed.
• Example: The enchanted forest was like something out of a fairy tale.
• Meaning: An attempt to achieve a goal.
• Example: Their endeavor to climb the mountain was fraught with challenges.
• Meaning: Difficult to interpret or understand; mysterious.
• Example: Her smile was enigmatic, leaving him wondering what she was thinking.
• Meaning: Capturing and holding one’s attention; fascinating.
• Example: The magician’s performance was enthralling, leaving the audience in awe.
• Meaning: Lasting for a very short time.
• Example: The beauty of the sunset was ephemeral, fading quickly into the night.
• Meaning: Extremely beautiful and, typically, delicate.
• Example: The artist’s work was exquisite, with fine details that took your breath away.
• Meaning: Extraordinary, especially extraordinarily large.
• Example: They lived in a fabulous mansion with stunning views of the ocean.
• Meaning: Imaginative and fanciful; unrealistic.
• Example: The story was filled with fantastical creatures and magical adventures.
• Meaning: Lacking physical strength, especially as a result of age or illness.
• Example: The old man’s voice was feeble, barely audible over the noise.
• Meaning: Having or displaying an intense or ferocious aggressiveness.
• Example: The fierce competition kept everyone on their toes.
• Example: They shared a fleeting glance before going their separate ways.
• Meaning: To grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way.
• Example: The small business began to flourish after the new marketing strategy was implemented.
• Meaning: (of an object) easily broken or damaged.
• Example: The fragile vase shattered into pieces when it fell.
• Meaning: Distraught with fear, anxiety, or other emotion.
• Example: She made a frantic call to the police when she realized her child was missing.
• Meaning: Shining with a sparkling light.
• Example: The morning dew left the grass glistening under the sun.
• Meaning: Characterized by elegance or beauty of form, manner, movement, or speech.
• Example: The dancer moved in a graceful manner across the stage.
• Meaning: Fond of company; sociable.
• Example: The gregarious student made friends quickly in her new school.
• Meaning: Causing repulsion or horror; grisly.
• Example: The movie was so gruesome that many viewers left the theater.
• Meaning: Lacking any obvious principle of organization.
• Example: The books were stacked in a haphazard fashion on the table.
• Meaning: Forming a pleasing or consistent whole.
• Example: The choir’s harmonious singing captivated the audience.
• Meaning: Poignant and evocative; difficult to ignore or forget.
• Example: The haunting melody lingered in my mind long after the concert ended.
• Meaning: Sincere; deeply and strongly felt.
• Example: She gave a heartfelt apology for her mistakes.
• Meaning: Requiring great strength or effort.
• Example: Moving the heavy furniture was a herculean task.
• Meaning: Tentative, unsure, or slow in acting or speaking.
• Example: She was hesitant to share her opinion in the meeting.
• Meaning: Having a calm and still silence.
• Example: The room was hushed as the judge entered.
• Meaning: Extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque.
• Example: They spent a week in an idyllic cottage by the lake.
• Meaning: Providing insight, clarity, or light.
• Example: The professor’s lecture was illuminating and helped us understand the topic better.
• Meaning: Perfectly clean, neat, or tidy.
• Example: She kept her house in immaculate condition.
• Meaning: Grand and impressive in appearance.
• Example: The castle was an imposing structure on the hill.
• Meaning: Emitting light as a result of being heated; full of strong emotion.
• Example: Her incandescent smile brightened the room.
• Meaning: Impossible to subdue or defeat.
• Example: The indomitable spirit of the athletes inspired everyone.
• Meaning: Having a tendency to be overly generous to or lenient with someone.
• Example: The indulgent parents allowed their children to stay up late.
• Meaning: Curious or inquiring.
• Example: The inquisitive child asked endless questions about the world.
• Meaning: Impossible to satisfy.
• Example: She had an insatiable appetite for knowledge.
• Meaning: Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects.
• Example: The insidious disease spread without any obvious symptoms.
• Meaning: Having the effect of inspiring someone.
• Example: The speech was inspiring and motivated everyone to take action.
• Meaning: Fearless; adventurous.
• Example: The intrepid explorer ventured into the unknown wilderness.
• Meaning: Very complicated or detailed.
• Example: The artist created an intricate design on the pottery.
• Meaning: Feeling or expressing great happiness and triumph.
• Example: The team was jubilant after winning the championship.
• Meaning: Displaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed.
• Example: The hot, languid afternoon made everyone feel sleepy.
• Meaning: Full of or shedding light; bright or shining, especially in the dark.
• Example: The luminous stars lit up the night sky.
• Meaning: Growing luxuriantly.
• Example: The garden was filled with lush greenery and colorful flowers.
• Meaning: Having or showing impressive beauty or dignity.
• Example: The majestic mountains towered over the landscape.
• Meaning: Causing great wonder; extraordinary.
• Example: The fireworks display was absolutely marvelous.
• Meaning: A feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause.
• Example: The melancholic tune of the song made me feel nostalgic.
• Meaning: Capturing one’s complete attention as if by magic.
• Example: The dancer’s performance was mesmerizing and held the audience spellbound.
• Meaning: Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
• Example: He was meticulous in his research, ensuring every detail was accurate.
• Meaning: Full of mirth; merry or amusing.
• Example: The mirthful laughter of the children filled the playground.
• Meaning: Difficult or impossible to understand, explain, or identify.
• Example: The mysterious disappearance of the keys baffled everyone.
• Meaning: In the form of a cloud or haze; hazy.
• Example: His plans for the future were still nebulous and unclear.
• Meaning: (Typically of an action or activity) wicked or criminal.
• Example: The villain’s nefarious scheme was eventually uncovered by the hero.
• Meaning: Feeling, evoking, or characterized by nostalgia.
• Example: Looking at old photos always made her feel nostalgic.
• Meaning: Not discovered or known about; uncertain.
• Example: The meaning of the ancient text was obscure to modern scholars.
• Meaning: Ostentatiously rich and luxurious or lavish.
• Example: The opulent mansion was filled with priceless artwork and luxurious furniture.
• Meaning: Seemingly absurd or self-contradictory.
• Example: It is paradoxical that standing is more tiring than walking.
• Meaning: Strange or odd; unusual.
• Example: There was a peculiar smell in the room that no one could identify.
• Meaning: Full of danger or risk.
• Example: The journey through the mountains was perilous due to the steep cliffs and unpredictable weather.
• Meaning: Very remarkable; extraordinary.
• Example: The athlete’s performance was phenomenal, breaking several records.
• Meaning: Not easily upset or excited; calm and peaceful.
• Example: The placid lake was a perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon.
• Meaning: Evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret.
• Example: The poignant film brought tears to the eyes of many viewers.
• Meaning: In its original condition; unspoiled.
• Example: The pristine beaches of the island attracted tourists from around the world.
• Meaning: Remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree.
• Example: The prodigious talent of the young musician amazed everyone.
• Meaning: Very great or intense; having or showing great knowledge or insight.
• Example: The philosopher’s words were profound and thought-provoking.
• Meaning: Sending out light; shining or glowing brightly.
• Example: She looked radiant in her wedding dress.
• Meaning: Uncontrollably exuberant; boisterous.
• Example: The rambunctious children played noisily in the yard.
• Meaning: Delightful; entrancing.
• Example: She looked ravishing in her evening gown.
• Meaning: Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
• Example: The resilient community rebuilt their homes after the flood.
• Meaning: Attractive and impressive through being richly colorful or sumptuous.
• Example: The garden was resplendent with a variety of beautiful flowers.
• Meaning: Feeling or showing deep and solemn respect.
• Example: The audience was reverent during the solemn ceremony.
• Meaning: Extravagantly emotional; rapturous.
• Example: The poet’s rhapsodic description of the sunset was captivating.
• Meaning: Strong and healthy; vigorous.
• Example: The robust economy showed no signs of slowing down.
• Meaning: Optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation.
• Example: Despite the setbacks, she remained sanguine about the project’s success.
• Meaning: Sparkling or shining brightly; brilliantly and excitingly clever or skillful.
• Example: The scintillating performance by the actor earned him a standing ovation.
• Meaning: Calm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil.
• Example: The serene landscape provided a perfect backdrop for meditation.
• Meaning: Giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen.
• Example: The abandoned house had a sinister look about it.
• Meaning: Smooth and glossy; streamlined.
• Example: The sleek design of the new car made it very appealing.
• Meaning: Done or existing alone.
• Example: He enjoyed solitary walks in the park.
• Meaning: Dark or dull in color or tone; gloomy.
• Example: The somber atmosphere at the funeral reflected the deep grief of the family.
• Meaning: Beautiful in a dramatic and eye-catching way.
• Example: The fireworks display was a spectacular end to the evening.
• Meaning: Holding one’s attention completely as though by magic; fascinating.
• Example: The magician’s spellbinding tricks left the audience in awe.
• Meaning: Performed or occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse or inclination and without premeditation or external stimulus.
• Example: The crowd broke into spontaneous applause.
• Meaning: Of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe.
• Example: The artist’s sublime work left viewers speechless.
• Meaning: Having the qualities of surrealism; bizarre.
• Example: The surreal landscape looked like something out of a dream.
• Meaning: Tending to keep a firm hold of something; clinging or adhering closely.
• Example: The tenacious detective refused to give up on the case.
• Meaning: Very weak or slight.
• Example: The tenuous connection between the two events was hard to prove.
• Meaning: Causing excitement and pleasure; exhilarating.
• Example: The roller coaster ride was a thrilling experience.
• Meaning: Free from disturbance; calm.
• Example: The tranquil garden was a perfect place to relax.
• Meaning: Beyond or above the range of normal or merely physical human experience.
• Example: The view from the mountaintop was a transcendent experience.
• Meaning: Shaking or quivering slightly; timid or nervous.
• Example: Her tremulous voice betrayed her fear during the interview.
• Meaning: Not giving way to pressure; hard or solid.
• Example: His unyielding determination helped him achieve his goals.
• Meaning: Possessing or showing courage or determination.
• Example: The valiant soldiers fought bravely in the battle.
• Meaning: Full of energy and enthusiasm.
• Example: The vibrant city life was a stark contrast to the quiet countryside.
• Meaning: Experienced in the imagination through the feelings or actions of another person.
• Example: She felt a vicarious thrill watching her friend perform on stage.
• Meaning: Strong, healthy, and full of energy.
• Example: He led a vigorous workout session at the gym.
• Meaning: Attractively lively and animated.
• Example: Her vivacious personality made her the life of the party.
• Meaning: Playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way.
• Example: The whimsical decorations at the party delighted the children.
• Meaning: Attractive or appealing in appearance or character.
• Example: Her winsome smile won over everyone she met.
• Meaning: Having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing.
• Example: He had a wistful look in his eyes as he reminisced about his childhood.
• Meaning: Inspiring a feeling of wonder or delight; marvelous.
• Example: The wondrous sight of the Northern Lights left us speechless.
• Meaning: Having or showing zeal; fervent.
• Example: The zealous advocate worked tirelessly for the cause.
• Meaning: A soft gentle breeze.
• Example: The zephyr from the ocean brought a refreshing coolness to the air.
• Meaning: Characterized by great enthusiasm and energy.
• Example: She approached every challenge with a zestful attitude.
• Meaning: Clever or skillful in using the hands or mind.
• Example: The adroit artist created a masterpiece with just a few brushstrokes.
• Meaning: Brisk and cheerful readiness.
• Example: She accepted the invitation with alacrity, eager to join the event.
• Meaning: Something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.
• Example: The scientist noted the anomaly in the data, which indicated a potential discovery.
• Meaning: Understood by few; mysterious or secret.
• Example: The professor’s lecture on arcane topics fascinated the curious students.
• Meaning: Showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks.
• Example: The audacious explorer ventured into uncharted territory.
• Meaning: Well-meaning and kindly.
• Example: The benevolent philanthropist donated millions to charity.
• Meaning: Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.
• Example: The capricious weather made it difficult to plan the picnic.
• Meaning: Providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions.
• Example: Writing in her journal had a cathartic effect, helping her release pent-up feelings.
• Meaning: Kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit.
• Example: The clandestine meeting was held at midnight to avoid detection.
• Meaning: Come together to form one mass or whole.
• Example: The different factions coalesced to form a united front.
• Meaning: Confident, stylish, and charming.
• Example: The debonair gentleman captivated everyone at the party with his charm.
• Meaning: Fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing.
• Example: Her eloquent speech moved the audience to tears.
• Meaning: Showing or giving emphasis; expressing something forcibly and clearly.
• Example: He was emphatic in his refusal to participate in the scheme.
• Meaning: Filled with or characterized by a lively energy and excitement.
• Example: The children were exuberant as they ran around the playground.
• Meaning: Well-chosen or suited to the circumstances.
• Example: Her felicitous remarks during the meeting impressed her colleagues.
• Meaning: Intelligently analytical and clear-thinking.
• Example: His incisive analysis of the situation revealed the root of the problem.
• Meaning: Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words.
• Example: The beauty of the sunset was ineffable, leaving them speechless.
• Meaning: Thin, supple, and graceful.
• Example: The lithe dancer moved with effortless grace across the stage.
• Meaning: Knowing everything.
• Example: The novel was narrated by an omniscient narrator who knew the thoughts and feelings of all the characters.
• Meaning: Having or showing sensitive insight.
• Example: Her perceptive comments during the discussion showed her deep understanding of the topic.
• Meaning: Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.
• Example: The painting is the quintessential example of the artist’s early work.
• Meaning: Having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment; wise or shrewd.
• Example: The sagacious leader was admired for his wise decisions and strategic thinking.
• Meaning: Occurring or discovered by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
• Example: Their meeting was serendipitous, leading to a long-lasting friendship.
• Meaning: Loyal, reliable, and hardworking.
• Example: The stalwart soldiers stood firm in the face of danger.
• Meaning: Unnecessary, especially through being more than enough.
• Example: The report was filled with superfluous details that did not contribute to the main argument.
• Meaning: Vigorous or incisive in expression or style.
• Example: Her trenchant commentary on social issues made her a respected columnist.
• Meaning: Incapable of being fully explored or understood.
• Example: The depth of the ocean seemed unfathomable to the sailors.

Creative Writing Words Infographic

Mastering creative writing words is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the exploration, have fun with language, and let your creativity flow! With dedication and practice, you’ll soon be wielding words with the confidence and skill of a true storyteller.

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Effective Diction: Tips and Examples for Word Choice

What is effective diction, how to choose the right words, why context matters in diction, examples of effective diction, common mistakes in diction, how to improve your diction, tips for effective diction, how to use diction in different writing styles.

Do you ever find yourself hunting for the right word when writing an essay, crafting a social media post, or composing an email? If so, you're not alone. The power of word choice can't be underestimated—it can make or break a piece of writing. This is where the concept of diction steps in. This blog will take you through the ins and outs of effective diction, why it matters, and how to master it. So, let's dive in!

Let's start with the basics: the definition of diction . It's all about the words you choose to use when you're writing or speaking. But effective diction goes a step further. It's not just about selecting words—it's about picking the best words for the job.

Think of it like this: words are your tools. You wouldn't use a hammer when you need a screwdriver, right? So, why would you use a simple word like 'happy' when what you really mean is 'overjoyed' or 'elated'? Each word has its own shade of meaning, and the art of effective diction is about finding the perfect shade for your writing.

Effective diction can make your writing more precise, more engaging, and more powerful. It can help you connect with your readers, paint vivid pictures in their minds, and leave a lasting impression. So, how can you achieve this?

Here are some points to keep in mind:

• Clarity: The words you choose should help your reader understand what you're trying to say. They should be clear and straightforward, not confusing or vague.
• Accuracy: Each word should accurately convey your intended meaning. Don't just settle for a word that's 'close enough'—find the exact word you need.
• Variety: Using the same words over and over can make your writing feel stale. Mix it up! Use synonyms, explore different word families, and keep your writing fresh and interesting.
• Appropriateness: Make sure your words fit the context of your writing. If you're writing a formal report, you'll want to use formal language. If you're writing a casual blog post, you can loosen up a bit and use more conversational language.

Remember, effective diction is not about showing off with big, fancy words. It's about using the right words to convey your message in the best possible way. So, keep it simple, keep it clear, and keep it real!

Now that we've explored the definition of diction , let's discuss how to actually choose the right words. This might seem like a daunting task. "How do I know which words are the 'right' ones?" you might ask. Don't worry—it's not as intimidating as it sounds. Here are some strategies to help you out:

• Know your audience: Understanding who you're speaking to is half the battle. If you're addressing a group of scientists, you might use more technical language. If you're writing for middle school students, you'd keep your vocabulary simple and accessible.
• Fit the mood: Your word choice can significantly impact the mood of your writing. If you're writing a suspenseful story, choose words that create tension and excitement. If you're writing a heartwarming letter, opt for words that evoke warmth and affection.
• Use a thesaurus—but be cautious: A thesaurus can be a handy tool for finding synonyms and expanding your vocabulary. However, be careful not to use unfamiliar words without fully understanding their meaning and connotations.
• Read widely: Reading a variety of materials can expose you to different writing styles, tones, and vocabularies. This can give you a broader pool of words to choose from when writing.

One useful tip is to always write the first draft without worrying much about word choice. Once you've got your ideas down, go back and start refining. Look for any words that seem vague, repetitive, or out of place, and see if you can replace them with more effective alternatives.

Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you work on your diction, the better you'll become at choosing the right words. So, don't be afraid to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them. That's the path to becoming a skilled wordsmith!

Ever heard of a joke that fell flat because it was delivered at the wrong time? Or maybe you've been in a situation where a well-meaning comment was taken the wrong way because of the surroundings? This is a perfect example of why context matters—yes, even in diction.

In the study of language, context refers to the circumstances or background against which a text or a speech act is interpreted. When it comes to diction—the choice of words—context can drastically change the meaning of what you're trying to convey.

Let's say you're writing an email to your boss. You wouldn't use the same language as when you're texting a close friend, right? That's because the context is different. Your boss expects a certain level of professionalism, while your friend might appreciate a more casual tone.

But it's not just about formal vs. informal. Even subtler aspects of context can change the meaning of a word. For instance, the word 'bright' has a different connotation when used in 'bright colors' versus 'bright student'. In the first instance, it refers to the intensity of color, while in the second, it's about intelligence.

So, when you're refining your diction, always consider the context. Ask yourself: Who's my audience? What's the purpose of this text? What emotions am I trying to evoke? The answers can guide you towards more effective word choices. Remember, the definition of diction is not just about choosing fancy words—it's about using the right words in the right context.

Now that we've explored the importance of context in the definition of diction, let's dive into some examples to illustrate this concept. Effective diction can transform an otherwise dull sentence into a vivid, engaging one. The right words can paint a picture, stir emotions, and create a lasting impact.

Consider these two sentences:

• The cat sat on the mat.
• The ginger cat lounged on the worn, cozy mat.

Both sentences convey the same basic information, but the second one uses more specific, evocative words. It not only gives us a clearer mental image, but also carries a certain warmth and coziness that the first sentence lacks. That's the power of effective diction!

Or how about these:

• She's a nice person.
• She's a compassionate person.

Again, the second sentence is more impactful because it uses a specific adjective—'compassionate' instead of 'nice'. The reader gets a deeper understanding of the person's character. This is a perfect example of how the definition of diction goes beyond the choice of words—it's about the meanings and emotions those words convey.

So, as you can see, effective diction can add color and depth to your writing. It's like choosing the right ingredients for a recipe—the end result is so much tastier!

While exploring the definition of diction, it's important to also understand common pitfalls. This way, you can avoid them and enhance your writing skills. So let's uncover some common diction mistakes:

• Misused Words: This is by far the most common diction mistake. For instance, using 'affect' when 'effect' is the correct choice can change the meaning of your sentence.
• Pompous Language: Using big, fancy words might seem like a good way to impress your reader, but it often has the opposite effect. It can make your writing seem pretentious and hard to understand.
• Overused Words: While certain words might be your favorites, using them too often can make your writing monotonous. Variety is the spice of life—and of good writing!
• Clichés: Phrases like 'at the end of the day' or 'it's not rocket science' are so overused that they've lost their impact. It's better to come up with original phrases that reflect your unique voice and perspective.

By avoiding these common errors, you will be one step closer to mastering the art of effective diction. Remember, as with any skill, practice makes perfect. The more you write, the better you'll get at choosing the right words for your ideas.

Now that we've looked at some common mistakes, let's turn our attention to ways you can improve your diction. Here are some strategies to help you enhance your word choice and, by extension, your writing.

• Expand Your Vocabulary: The broader your vocabulary, the more options you'll have when it comes to word choice. You can expand your vocabulary by reading widely, using a thesaurus, or even through word-a-day calendars or apps. But remember, using big, complicated words won't necessarily make your writing better. It's all about finding the right word for your context and audience.
• Read Aloud: Reading your work aloud can help you spot awkward or redundant phrasing. If a sentence doesn't sound quite right when you say it out loud, it probably needs to be revised.
• Revise, Revise, Revise: Rarely does anyone get their diction perfect on the first try. Be ready to revise your work, swapping out words and phrases until you find the best fit. Remember, it's not just about what you're saying—it's about how you're saying it.
• Get Feedback: Sometimes, we're too close to our own work to see its flaws. That's where a second pair of eyes comes in. Having someone else read your work can provide valuable feedback on areas where your diction could be improved.

Improving your diction is a journey, not a destination. But with these strategies in your toolkit, you'll be well on your way to more effective word choice.

Now that you know how to improve your diction, let's dive into some tips that can help you make effective word choices. These are nuggets of wisdom that can guide you as you navigate the world of diction.

• Consider Your Audience: Always keep in mind who you're writing for. Use language that your audience will understand and appreciate. If you're writing for a group of scientists, for example, using specific scientific terminology may be appropriate. But if you're writing for a broader audience, simpler, more common words are generally a better choice.
• Be Specific: The more specific your word choice, the more vivid your writing will be. Instead of saying "She was happy," for example, you might say "She was ecstatic." This gives your reader a much clearer picture of the situation.
• Stay Concise: In writing, less is often more. Avoid using ten words when five will do. This keeps your writing clear and easy to understand.
• Use Active Voice: As a rule, active voice makes your writing stronger and more direct. Instead of saying "The cake was eaten by him," you can say "He ate the cake."
• Keep Consistency: Keep your diction consistent throughout your piece. If you start off using formal language, stick with it. Likewise, if your tone is informal, don't suddenly switch to a formal tone. Consistency helps your reader follow along and understand your message more clearly.

Remember, effective diction isn't about using big, fancy words. It's about using the right words. With these tips in your arsenal, you're ready to make smart, effective word choices in your own writing. So, what are you waiting for? Get writing!

Let's pivot a little and talk about how diction changes with different writing styles. The definition of diction, as we have discussed, is all about word choice. The style of writing you choose should heavily influence the words you select. Let's break it down:

• Narrative Style: In narrative writing, you're telling a story. Here, your diction should paint vivid pictures and stir emotions in the reader's mind. The words you choose can make your characters come alive and your settings feel real.
• Expository Style: When you're explaining or informing — as in an article, a how-to guide, or this very blog post — your diction should be clear and straightforward. You want your reader to understand the information you're sharing, so avoid ambiguous or overly complex words.
• Persuasive Style: In persuasive writing, your word choice can make or break your argument. Strong, assertive words can convince your reader to see things your way, while weak or unsure language can undermine your points.
• Descriptive Style: Here, your diction should create vivid, sensory images. Instead of saying "The garden was nice," for example, you might say "The garden was a riot of colors, filled with fragrant roses and buzzing bees."

Remember, your writing style and your diction should go hand in hand. The words you choose can set the tone, create the mood, and convey the message of your writing. So, next time you sit down to write, think about your style and choose your words accordingly. After all, diction is more than just a definition — it's a crucial tool in your writing toolbox.

If you're looking to improve your writing even further, we recommend exploring more of Daisie's classes . Although the workshop "Queering Fashion: From Dress Codes to Wardrobe Hacks" may not be directly related to effective diction, there are plenty of other classes on Daisie that focus on writing and communication. Dive into the world of inspiration and creativity with the help of some of the best minds in the arts.

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The Quick ’n’ Dirty Guide to Great Word Choice

Do you wish your words commanded more attention? Are you concerned that your words aren’t understood the way you intend? Do you feel self-conscious about your “just okay” writing chops?

I’ve found that people can solve these problems almost overnight, simply by improving their word choice. Here’s how I recommend doing that.

Step 1: Commit to clarity.

In his short but remarkable essay called “How I Write,” Nobel laureate Bertrand Russell wrote,  “I do not find that I can improve a sentence when I am satisfied with what it means.”

That sentence conveys the number-one purpose of writing and, by extension, word choice: getting your point across! This means that great word choice is not about using fancy words, using a bunch of different words, or using weird words just for the heck of it. Great word choice is about making yourself clear.

My emphasis on committing to clarity stems from my personal experience as a writing coach. For most people, poor vocabulary is not the biggest hurdle. More often, people get themselves into the habit of using such complicated language that they themselves lose sight of what they’re trying to write down.

Trust me, hiding behind long words doesn’t make you seem smart. The best way to seem smart is to focus (really focus!) on being clear.

Paul Graham , a brainiac who co-founded Y Combinator, puts it neatly:

“Something comes over most people when they start writing. They write in a different language than they’d use if they were talking to a friend. The sentence structure and even the words are different. No one uses “pen” as a verb in spoken English. You’d feel like an idiot using “pen” instead of “write” in a conversation with a friend.”

I couldn’t have said it better! The first and most important step to choosing the right words is not getting distracted by the act of writing, and instead keeping your main idea in your sights, whether you’re writing  product descriptions , creative fiction, or anything in between.

Step 2: Choose your rules of thumb.

One cool thing about writing in the twenty-first century is that you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. In fact, many celebrated writers have openly disclosed their personal “rules of thumb” for writing. Thanks to them, almost anyone can become a better writer within a few days by applying what they’ve already figured out.

George Orwell’s rule of thumb: Use short words.

George Orwell’s  rule of thumb for word choice was, “Never use a long word when a short one will do.”

I find that even if everyone knows a long word, it still has a shorter sibling that’s clearer. It’s better to “use” than to “utilize”; a “plan” or “proposal” is better than a “proposition”; and “but” is (usually) better than “however.”

Stephen King’s rule of thumb: Beware of adverbs.

Stephen King  wrote, “The road to hell is paved with adverbs.” (Adverbs describe actions, and they usually end in -ly). King even provided examples, showing what happens when you add adverbs to dialogue that doesn’t need them.

Without adverbs:

’Put it down!’ she shouted.

’Give it back,’ he pleaded, ‘it’s mine.’  

’Don’t be such a fool, Jekyll,’ Utterson said.

With adverbs:

’Put it down! she shouted menacingly.

’Give it back,’ he pleaded abjectly, ‘it’s mine.’

’Don’t be such a fool, Jekyll,’ Utterson said contemptuously.

If you find yourself using a lot of adverbs, consider removing 80% of them. You might be surprised by how much more streamlined and less bulky your writing will seem.

A rule of thumb for sounding more interesting: Use sensory words.

Okay, you might be thinking, what if I’m comfortable with my overall clarity, but I feel like my writing sounds boring?

There’s a handy rule of thumb for that, too: look for words that are tied to the five senses. Research suggests that  language associated with sound, taste, and touch engages different parts of the brain.  I recommend finding  a list of sensory words  to play with while you’re writing.

Step 3: Use the best word choice tools (no, it’s not cheating).

If I asked you to multiply 183 by 46, would you use a calculator?

Most people would, and they wouldn’t consider it cheating. Yet, some people feel like using online word choice tools is cheating. I’m not sure why.

As you’re looking for the perfect word, there are some super-sophisticated tools out there, above and beyond a typical thesaurus. Use them. They can help enormously at a moment’s notice.

Here are my favorites:

• Power Thesaurus  — an insanely useful tool that’s much better than an ordinary thesaurus.
• ThinkMap Visual Thesaurus  — an intuitive resource for visual-spatial thinkers.
• Word lists — Marketers and bloggers have done a lot of legwork to curate highly expressive words. Here’s one  list of about 600 “power words” to get you started.

Tip: Don’t edit while writing.

It’s better to revise for word choice than get stuck on a word and, as a result, lose your train of thought. The truth is, even the most experienced writers rarely pick the perfect words the first time around. So, don’t worry if you feel like you’re not hitting the bullseye in your first draft. Focus instead on getting your point across. Don’t stop to second-guess yourself. Later, you can revise each sentence to make sure you’re satisfied with what your words mean.

One way to revise for word choice is to do it based on parts of speech. I like to look for adjectives (descriptive words) and see if I can swap in better ones. For example, when describing a person, I might replace the generic adjective “nice” with “thoughtful” or “generous.” When describing an experience, I might replace “excellent” with a more specific word like “memorable” or “profound.” Also, if I find myself running into too many adjectives, I’ll nix some of them.

Another way to revise for word choice is to read your writing aloud. This might seem silly, but it works. Like, really well. I’ve found that many people “think out loud,” and speech is a great tool for calling to mind the right words to fit your ideas.

Step 4: Cultivate your personal lexicon.

Okay, this isn’t a quick tip … but it’s a great way to become a better, more engaging writer: adopt the great words you encounter in the wild.

Like a wristwatch or a distinctive haircut, your favorite words can be part of your style. You can spot potential options all over the place. When you’re watching Netflix, for instance, you’re often listening to  dialogue that was written by a professional . There might be some awesome words in there—and you can use them for free! You can also discover great words through conversations, books, and articles.

In short, when someone else uses a word that appeals to you—whether aloud or in writing—welcome it into your own vocabulary. You and your writing will both benefit.

Ellen F. has eight years of experience writing and editing B2B and B2C content for a range of industries, including medicine, education, digital marketing, law, sports/outdoors, and management consulting. She has a particular knack for captivating SMB business owners with B2B content and marketing copy.

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How to Improve Word Choice with 20 Tips & Examples

References: Butcher, J., & Gardner, S. (1979). A handbook of modern journalism. London: Macmillan

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4.3 Word Choice

Learning objectives.

• Identify the reasons why using a dictionary and thesaurus is important when writing.
• Identify how to use proper connotations.
• Identify how to avoid using slang, clichés, and overly general words in your writing.

Effective writing involves making conscious choices with words. When you prepare to sit down to write your first draft, you likely have already completed some freewriting exercises, chosen your topic, developed your thesis statement, written an outline, and even selected your sources. When it is time to write your first draft, start to consider which words to use to best convey your ideas to the reader.

Some writers are picky about word choice as they start drafting. They may practice some specific strategies, such as using a dictionary and thesaurus, using words and phrases with proper connotations, and avoiding slang, clichés, and overly general words.

Once you understand these tricks of the trade, you can move ahead confidently in writing your assignment. Remember, the skill and accuracy of your word choice is a major factor in developing your writing style. Precise selection of your words will help you be more clearly understood—in both writing and speaking.

Using a Dictionary and Thesaurus

Even professional writers need help with the meanings, spellings, pronunciations, and uses of particular words. In fact, they rely on dictionaries to help them write better. No one knows every word in the English language and their multiple uses and meanings, so all writers, from novices to professionals, can benefit from the use of dictionaries.

Most dictionaries provide the following information:

• Spelling. How the word and its different forms are spelled.
• Pronunciation. How to say the word.
• Part of speech. The function of the word.
• Definition. The meaning of the word.
• Synonyms. Words that have similar meanings.
• Etymology. The history of the word.

Look at the following sample dictionary entry and see which of the preceeding information you can identify:

myth , mith, n. [Gr. mythos , a word, a fable, a legend.] A fable or legend embodying the convictions of a people as to their gods or other divine beings, their own beginnings and early history and the heroes connected with it, or the origin of the world; any invented story; something or someone having no existence in fact.— myth • ic , myth • i • cal

Like a dictionary, a thesaurus is another indispensable writing tool. A thesaurus gives you a list of synonyms, words that have the same (or very close to the same) meaning as another word. It also lists antonyms, words with the opposite meaning of the word. A thesaurus will help you when you are looking for the perfect word with just the right meaning to convey your ideas. It will also help you learn more words and use the ones you already know more correctly.

precocious adj , She’s such a precocious little girl! : uncommonly smart, mature, advanced, smart, bright, brilliant, gifted, quick, clever, apt.

Ant. slow, backward, stupid.

Using Proper Connotations

A denotation is the dictionary definition of a word. A connotation , on the other hand, is the emotional or cultural meaning attached to a word. The connotation of a word can be positive, negative, or neutral. Keep in mind the connotative meaning when choosing a word.

• Denotation: Exceptionally thin and slight or meager in body or size.
• Word used in a sentence: Although he was a premature baby and a scrawny child, Martin has developed into a strong man.
• Connotation: (Negative) In this sentence the word scrawny may have a negative connotation in the readers’ minds. They might find it to mean a weakness or a personal flaw; however, the word fits into the sentence appropriately.
• Denotation: Lacking sufficient flesh, very thin.
• Word used in a sentence: Skinny jeans have become very fashionable in the past couple of years.
• Connotation: (Positive) Based on cultural and personal impressions of what it means to be skinny, the reader may have positive connotations of the word skinny .
• Denotation: Lacking or deficient in flesh; containing little or no fat.
• Word used in a sentence: My brother has a lean figure, whereas I have a more muscular build.
• Connotation: (Neutral) In this sentence, lean has a neutral connotation. It does not call to mind an overly skinny person like the word scrawny , nor does imply the positive cultural impressions of the word skinny . It is merely a neutral descriptive word.

Notice that all the words have a very similar denotation; however, the connotations of each word differ.

In each of the following items, you will find words with similar denotations. Identify the words’ connotations as positive, negative, or neutral by writing the word in the appropriate box. Copy the chart onto your own piece of paper.

• curious, nosy, interested
• lazy, relaxed, slow
• courageous, foolhardy, assured
• new, newfangled, modern
• mansion, shack, residence
• spinster, unmarried woman, career woman
• giggle, laugh, cackle
• boring, routine, prosaic
• noted, notorious, famous
• assertive, confident, pushy

Avoiding Slang

Slang describes informal words that are considered nonstandard English. Slang often changes with passing fads and may be used by or familiar to only a specific group of people. Most people use slang when they speak and in personal correspondences, such as e-mails, text messages, and instant messages. Slang is appropriate between friends in an informal context but should be avoided in formal academic writing.

Writing at Work

Frequent exposure to media and popular culture has desensitized many of us to slang. In certain situations, using slang at work may not be problematic, but keep in mind that words can have a powerful effect. Slang in professional e-mails or during meetings may convey the wrong message or even mistakenly offend someone.

Edit the following paragraph by replacing the slang words and phrases with more formal language. Rewrite the paragraph on your own sheet of paper.

Collaboration

Please share with a classmate and compare your answers.

Avoiding Clichés

Clichés are descriptive expressions that have lost their effectiveness because they are overused. Writing that uses clichés often suffers from a lack of originality and insight. Avoiding clichés in formal writing will help you write in original and fresh ways.

• Clichéd: Whenever my brother and I get into an argument, he always says something that makes my blood boil .
• Plain: Whenever my brother and I get into an argument, he always says something that makes me really angry.
• Original: Whenever my brother and I get into an argument, he always says something that makes me want to go to the gym and punch the bag for a few hours.

Think about all the cliché phrases that you hear in popular music or in everyday conversation. What would happen if these clichés were transformed into something unique?

On your own sheet of paper, revise the following sentences by replacing the clichés with fresh, original descriptions.

• She is writing a memoir in which she will air her family’s dirty laundry.
• Fran had an ax to grind with Benny, and she planned to confront him that night at the party.
• Mr. Muller was at his wit’s end with the rowdy class of seventh graders.
• The bottom line is that Greg was fired because he missed too many days of work.
• Sometimes it is hard to make ends meet with just one paycheck.
• My brain is fried from pulling an all-nighter.
• Maria left the dishes in the sink all week to give Jeff a taste of his own medicine.
• While they were at the carnival Janice exclaimed, “Time sure does fly when you are having fun!”
• Jeremy became tongue-tied after the interviewer asked him where he saw himself in five years.
• Jordan was dressed to the nines that night.

Avoiding Overly General Words

Specific words and images make your writing more interesting to read. Whenever possible, avoid overly general words in your writing; instead, try to replace general language with particular nouns, verbs, and modifiers that convey details and that bring yours words to life. Add words that provide color, texture, sound, and even smell to your writing.

• General: My new puppy is cute.
• Specific: My new puppy is a ball of white fuzz with the biggest black eyes I have ever seen.
• General: My teacher told us that plagiarism is bad.
• Specific: My teacher, Ms. Atwater, created a presentation detailing exactly how plagiarism is illegal and unethical.

Revise the following sentences by replacing the overly general words with more precise and attractive language. Write the new sentences on your own sheet of paper.

• Reilly got into her car and drove off.
• I would like to travel to outer space because it would be amazing.
• Jane came home after a bad day at the office.
• I thought Milo’s essay was fascinating.
• The dog walked up the street.
• The coal miners were tired after a long day.
• The tropical fish are pretty.
• I sweat a lot after running.
• The goalie blocked the shot.
• I enjoyed my Mexican meal.

Key Takeaways

• Using a dictionary and thesaurus as you write will improve your writing by improving your word choice.
• Connotations of words may be positive, neutral, or negative.
• Slang, clichés, and overly general words should be avoided in academic writing.

Writing Application

Review a piece of writing that you have completed for school. Circle any sentences with slang, clichés, or overly general words and rewrite them using stronger language.

Writing for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Using Creative Word Choices to Surprise Your Reader

If you want to snag the attention of an agent, your book’s concept needs to be irresistible. But what’s going to buoy your book up above the other great concepts in the submission pile is the quality of your writing. And I don’t just mean polished writing. I mean writing that is unique and captivating. If you want to give yourself a leg up, I suggest you add a revision step and edit your manuscript for creative word choices.

When I say creative word choices , I’m not necessarily talking about using unusual words. For one thing, unusual words can cause the language not to ring true. Certainly, if you use a word in your memoir you wouldn’t normally use in real life, it will feel off. And if you use a word in your fiction that doesn’t seem suited to your narrator or character, a reader might wonder if you’ve spent too much time poking around in the thesaurus .

A better stylistic move is to use a usual word in an unusual way. This allows you to create natural moments of delight and surprise for your reader, and no is thesaurus is needed because your brain already has the word bank it needs to pull this off.

To give you some ideas for your own writing, I’ve gathered five examples of how other writers have used creative word choices in various ways in their novels.

1- Take Something General and Make it Distinct

In writing, we often talk about avoiding the abstract and going for the specific. Readers bring their own associations to words, so the more general your language, the greater chance that different readers will imagine different things when they read it. In the following sentence from Lark and Termite , notice how Jayne Ann Phillips steers a general word toward something more distinct.

The spongy ground sinks underfoot, ripened and dark as any fermented secret.

“Ripened and dark” would have been good enough for most writers, but that added word “fermented”, to further modify the secret, immediately evokes the idea of decomposition, of something going sour. A precisely chosen and well-placed adjective can convey mood, tone, and content.

2-Turn a Noun Into a Verb

Many of the verbs we use every day are derived from nouns—spearhead, email, workshop, etc. You have an opportunity in your own writing to offer readers a brand-new noun-to-verb conversion we haven’t heard before. Here’s an example from Jane Austen’s Emma :

Let me not suppose that she dare goes about Emma Woodhouse-ing me!

As Austen demonstrates, almost any noun can be turned into a verb in the right situation. When you use a word as a non-customary part of speech, you can create a moment of pleasure, and potentially even humor, for your reader.

3- Pair Words That Don’t Normally Go Together

This is the kind of wordplay that poets live by and that prose writers would do well to employ. In Nutshell , by Ian McEwan, the following words are spoken by the unborn fetus who narrates the story and plays witness to his mother and uncle’s deceit.

I count myself as an innocent, but it seems I’m party to a plot. My mother, bless her unceasing, loudly squelching heart, seems to be involved.

A heart that squelches seems so wonderfully unpleasant. I hear a sucking sound. I imagine mucky blood. And without really thinking about it, a reader might bring another definition of “squelch” to their experience of this sentence—to suppress or silence. It fits so perfectly in the context of the story, and yet it’s unexpected.

4-Give Your Character a Verbal Mannerism

P.G. Wodehouse’s infamous English gentleman Bertie Wooster is a marvelous example of a character with highly-stylized speech. Here’s a bit of dialogue from Right Ho, Jeeves :

Egads, Jeeves! Fancy that. It’s a small world isn’t it, what?

Now, there’s not a more usual word in the world than “what.” And the usual place for a speaker to end this sentence would be after “it.” But Bertie is not a usual man and he often tacks an extraneous “what” onto the ends of his sentences—and the reader loves it. It’s fun. It’s distinctive. It’s Bertie.

5-Twist a Familiar Phrase

A fun way to please your reader is to take a phrase that is common, cliché even, and twist it into something new and unique. In the following passage from James McBride’s The Good Lord Bird , Pa is a preaching barber whose client has just quoted a Bible verse to him:

Hot goodness, that’s a winner!” Pa said, leaping into the air and clapping his boots together.

We’re used to hearing people shout “hot damn”, but “hot goodness” is so much more in keeping with the speech of this pious character and adds to the comicality of the scene.

It is important to remember that using creative word choices requires some restraint. Trying something linguistically surprising in every paragraph will wear out your reader. You want your prose to feel natural, not like you’re performing tricks.

But sometimes all you need is one word to punch up a character and distinguish their personality from someone else’s, to take a sentence from drab to delightful. Using the element of surprise in your story is not just a plotting tactic. It’s also useful when considering your prose.

Originally published at Scribbler . Reposted with permission.

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Word Choice

What this handout is about.

This handout can help you revise your papers for word-level clarity, eliminate wordiness and avoid clichés, find the words that best express your ideas, and choose words that suit an academic audience.

Introduction

Writing is a series of choices. As you work on a paper, you choose your topic, your approach, your sources, and your thesis; when it’s time to write, you have to choose the words you will use to express your ideas and decide how you will arrange those words into sentences and paragraphs. As you revise your draft, you make more choices. You might ask yourself, “Is this really what I mean?” or “Will readers understand this?” or “Does this sound good?” Finding words that capture your meaning and convey that meaning to your readers is challenging. When your instructors write things like “awkward,” “vague,” or “wordy” on your draft, they are letting you know that they want you to work on word choice. This handout will explain some common issues related to word choice and give you strategies for choosing the best words as you revise your drafts.

As you read further into the handout, keep in mind that it can sometimes take more time to “save” words from your original sentence than to write a brand new sentence to convey the same meaning or idea. Don’t be too attached to what you’ve already written; if you are willing to start a sentence fresh, you may be able to choose words with greater clarity.

For tips on making more substantial revisions, take a look at our handouts on reorganizing drafts and revising drafts .

“Awkward,” “vague,” and “unclear” word choice

So: you write a paper that makes perfect sense to you, but it comes back with “awkward” scribbled throughout the margins. Why, you wonder, are instructors so fond of terms like “awkward”? Most instructors use terms like this to draw your attention to sentences they had trouble understanding and to encourage you to rewrite those sentences more clearly.

Difficulties with word choice aren’t the only cause of awkwardness, vagueness, or other problems with clarity. Sometimes a sentence is hard to follow because there is a grammatical problem with it or because of the syntax (the way the words and phrases are put together). Here’s an example: “Having finished with studying, the pizza was quickly eaten.” This sentence isn’t hard to understand because of the words I chose—everybody knows what studying, pizza, and eating are. The problem here is that readers will naturally assume that first bit of the sentence “(Having finished with studying”) goes with the next noun that follows it—which, in this case, is “the pizza”! It doesn’t make a lot of sense to imply that the pizza was studying. What I was actually trying to express was something more like this: “Having finished with studying, the students quickly ate the pizza.” If you have a sentence that has been marked “awkward,” “vague,” or “unclear,” try to think about it from a reader’s point of view—see if you can tell where it changes direction or leaves out important information.

Sometimes, though, problems with clarity are a matter of word choice. See if you recognize any of these issues:

• Misused words —the word doesn’t actually mean what the writer thinks it does. Example : Cree Indians were a monotonous culture until French and British settlers arrived. Revision: Cree Indians were a homogenous culture.
• Words with unwanted connotations or meanings. Example : I sprayed the ants in their private places. Revision: I sprayed the ants in their hiding places.
• Using a pronoun when readers can’t tell whom/what it refers to. Example : My cousin Jake hugged my brother Trey, even though he didn’t like him very much. Revision: My cousin Jake hugged my brother Trey, even though Jake doesn’t like Trey very much.
• Jargon or technical terms that make readers work unnecessarily hard. Maybe you need to use some of these words because they are important terms in your field, but don’t throw them in just to “sound smart.” Example : The dialectical interface between neo-Platonists and anti-disestablishment Catholics offers an algorithm for deontological thought. Revision : The dialogue between neo-Platonists and certain Catholic thinkers is a model for deontological thought.
• Loaded language. Sometimes we as writers know what we mean by a certain word, but we haven’t ever spelled that out for readers. We rely too heavily on that word, perhaps repeating it often, without clarifying what we are talking about. Example : Society teaches young girls that beauty is their most important quality. In order to prevent eating disorders and other health problems, we must change society. Revision : Contemporary American popular media, like magazines and movies, teach young girls that beauty is their most important quality. In order to prevent eating disorders and other health problems, we must change the images and role models girls are offered.

Sometimes the problem isn’t choosing exactly the right word to express an idea—it’s being “wordy,” or using words that your reader may regard as “extra” or inefficient. Take a look at the following list for some examples. On the left are some phrases that use three, four, or more words where fewer will do; on the right are some shorter substitutes:

Keep an eye out for wordy constructions in your writing and see if you can replace them with more concise words or phrases.

In academic writing, it’s a good idea to limit your use of clichés. Clichés are catchy little phrases so frequently used that they have become trite, corny, or annoying. They are problematic because their overuse has diminished their impact and because they require several words where just one would do.

The main way to avoid clichés is first to recognize them and then to create shorter, fresher equivalents. Ask yourself if there is one word that means the same thing as the cliché. If there isn’t, can you use two or three words to state the idea your own way? Below you will see five common clichés, with some alternatives to their right. As a challenge, see how many alternatives you can create for the final two examples.

Try these yourself:

Writing for an academic audience

When you choose words to express your ideas, you have to think not only about what makes sense and sounds best to you, but what will make sense and sound best to your readers. Thinking about your audience and their expectations will help you make decisions about word choice.

Some writers think that academic audiences expect them to “sound smart” by using big or technical words. But the most important goal of academic writing is not to sound smart—it is to communicate an argument or information clearly and convincingly. It is true that academic writing has a certain style of its own and that you, as a student, are beginning to learn to read and write in that style. You may find yourself using words and grammatical constructions that you didn’t use in your high school writing. The danger is that if you consciously set out to “sound smart” and use words or structures that are very unfamiliar to you, you may produce sentences that your readers can’t understand.

When writing for your professors, think simplicity. Using simple words does not indicate simple thoughts. In an academic argument paper, what makes the thesis and argument sophisticated are the connections presented in simple, clear language.

Keep in mind, though, that simple and clear doesn’t necessarily mean casual. Most instructors will not be pleased if your paper looks like an instant message or an email to a friend. It’s usually best to avoid slang and colloquialisms. Take a look at this example and ask yourself how a professor would probably respond to it if it were the thesis statement of a paper: “Moulin Rouge really bit because the singing sucked and the costume colors were nasty, KWIM?”

Selecting and using key terms

When writing academic papers, it is often helpful to find key terms and use them within your paper as well as in your thesis. This section comments on the crucial difference between repetition and redundancy of terms and works through an example of using key terms in a thesis statement.

Repetition vs. redundancy

These two phenomena are not necessarily the same. Repetition can be a good thing. Sometimes we have to use our key terms several times within a paper, especially in topic sentences. Sometimes there is simply no substitute for the key terms, and selecting a weaker term as a synonym can do more harm than good. Repeating key terms emphasizes important points and signals to the reader that the argument is still being supported. This kind of repetition can give your paper cohesion and is done by conscious choice.

In contrast, if you find yourself frustrated, tiredly repeating the same nouns, verbs, or adjectives, or making the same point over and over, you are probably being redundant. In this case, you are swimming aimlessly around the same points because you have not decided what your argument really is or because you are truly fatigued and clarity escapes you. Refer to the “Strategies” section below for ideas on revising for redundancy.

Building clear thesis statements

Writing clear sentences is important throughout your writing. For the purposes of this handout, let’s focus on the thesis statement—one of the most important sentences in academic argument papers. You can apply these ideas to other sentences in your papers.

A common problem with writing good thesis statements is finding the words that best capture both the important elements and the significance of the essay’s argument. It is not always easy to condense several paragraphs or several pages into concise key terms that, when combined in one sentence, can effectively describe the argument.

However, taking the time to find the right words offers writers a significant edge. Concise and appropriate terms will help both the writer and the reader keep track of what the essay will show and how it will show it. Graders, in particular, like to see clearly stated thesis statements. (For more on thesis statements in general, please refer to our handout .)

Example : You’ve been assigned to write an essay that contrasts the river and shore scenes in Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn. You work on it for several days, producing three versions of your thesis:

Version 1 : There are many important river and shore scenes in Huckleberry Finn.

Version 2 : The contrasting river and shore scenes in Huckleberry Finn suggest a return to nature.

Version 3 : Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, one must leave “civilized” society and go back to nature.

Let’s consider the word choice issues in these statements. In Version 1, the word “important”—like “interesting”—is both overused and vague; it suggests that the author has an opinion but gives very little indication about the framework of that opinion. As a result, your reader knows only that you’re going to talk about river and shore scenes, but not what you’re going to say. Version 2 is an improvement: the words “return to nature” give your reader a better idea where the paper is headed. On the other hand, they still do not know how this return to nature is crucial to your understanding of the novel.

Finally, you come up with Version 3, which is a stronger thesis because it offers a sophisticated argument and the key terms used to make this argument are clear. At least three key terms or concepts are evident: the contrast between river and shore scenes, a return to nature, and American democratic ideals.

By itself, a key term is merely a topic—an element of the argument but not the argument itself. The argument, then, becomes clear to the reader through the way in which you combine key terms.

Strategies for successful word choice

• Be careful when using words you are unfamiliar with. Look at how they are used in context and check their dictionary definitions.
• Be careful when using the thesaurus. Each word listed as a synonym for the word you’re looking up may have its own unique connotations or shades of meaning. Use a dictionary to be sure the synonym you are considering really fits what you are trying to say.
• Under the present conditions of our society, marriage practices generally demonstrate a high degree of homogeneity.
• In our culture, people tend to marry others who are like themselves. (Longman, p. 452)
• Before you revise for accurate and strong adjectives, make sure you are first using accurate and strong nouns and verbs. For example, if you were revising the sentence “This is a good book that tells about the Revolutionary War,” think about whether “book” and “tells” are as strong as they could be before you worry about “good.” (A stronger sentence might read “The novel describes the experiences of a soldier during the Revolutionary War.” “Novel” tells us what kind of book it is, and “describes” tells us more about how the book communicates information.)
• Try the slash/option technique, which is like brainstorming as you write. When you get stuck, write out two or more choices for a questionable word or a confusing sentence, e.g., “questionable/inaccurate/vague/inappropriate.” Pick the word that best indicates your meaning or combine different terms to say what you mean.
• Look for repetition. When you find it, decide if it is “good” repetition (using key terms that are crucial and helpful to meaning) or “bad” repetition (redundancy or laziness in reusing words).
• Write your thesis in five different ways. Make five different versions of your thesis sentence. Compose five sentences that express your argument. Try to come up with four alternatives to the thesis sentence you’ve already written. Find five possible ways to communicate your argument in one sentence to your reader. (We’ve just used this technique—which of the last five sentences do you prefer?)Whenever we write a sentence we make choices. Some are less obvious than others, so that it can often feel like we’ve written the sentence the only way we know how. By writing out five different versions of your thesis, you can begin to see your range of choices. The final version may be a combination of phrasings and words from all five versions, or the one version that says it best. By literally spelling out some possibilities for yourself, you will be able to make better decisions.
• Read your paper out loud and at… a… slow… pace. You can do this alone or with a friend, roommate, TA, etc. When read out loud, your written words should make sense to both you and other listeners. If a sentence seems confusing, rewrite it to make the meaning clear.
• Instead of reading the paper itself, put it down and just talk through your argument as concisely as you can. If your listener quickly and easily comprehends your essay’s main point and significance, you should then make sure that your written words are as clear as your oral presentation was. If, on the other hand, your listener keeps asking for clarification, you will need to work on finding the right terms for your essay. If you do this in exchange with a friend or classmate, rest assured that whether you are the talker or the listener, your articulation skills will develop.
• Have someone not familiar with the issue read the paper and point out words or sentences they find confusing. Do not brush off this reader’s confusion by assuming they simply doesn’t know enough about the topic. Instead, rewrite the sentences so that your “outsider” reader can follow along at all times.
• Check out the Writing Center’s handouts on style , passive voice , and proofreading for more tips.

Questions to ask yourself

• Am I sure what each word I use really means? Am I positive, or should I look it up?
• Have I found the best word or just settled for the most obvious, or the easiest, one?
• Am I trying too hard to impress my reader?
• What’s the easiest way to write this sentence? (Sometimes it helps to answer this question by trying it out loud. How would you say it to someone?)
• What are the key terms of my argument?
• Can I outline out my argument using only these key terms? What others do I need? Which do I not need?
• Have I created my own terms, or have I simply borrowed what looked like key ones from the assignment? If I’ve borrowed the terms, can I find better ones in my own vocabulary, the texts, my notes, the dictionary, or the thesaurus to make myself clearer?
• Are my key terms too specific? (Do they cover the entire range of my argument?) Can I think of specific examples from my sources that fall under the key term?
• Are my key terms too vague? (Do they cover more than the range of my argument?)

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Anson, Chris M., and Robert A. Schwegler. 2010. The Longman Handbook for Writers and Readers , 6th ed. New York: Longman.

Cook, Claire Kehrwald. 1985. Line by Line: How to Improve Your Own Writing . Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

Grossman, Ellie. 1997. The Grammatically Correct Handbook: A Lively and Unorthodox Review of Common English for the Linguistically Challenged . New York: Hyperion.

Houghton Mifflin. 1996. The American Heritage Book of English Usage: A Practical and Authoritative Guide to Contemporary English . Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

O’Conner, Patricia. 2010. Woe Is I: The Grammarphobe’s Guide to Better English in Plain English , 3rd ed. New York: Penguin Publishing Group.

Tarshis, Barry. 1998. How to Be Your Own Best Editor: The Toolkit for Everyone Who Writes . New York: Three Rivers Press.

Williams, Joseph, and Joseph Bizup. 2017. Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace , 12th ed. Boston: Pearson.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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What is diction?

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Alternate Word Choice

I am currently writing a story for fun and was looking for some advice on a scene. The scene involves two lovers having an exchange that goes something like this:

Character A smiles warmly. "You know, you're really a very kind person."

"Lies*." Character B immediately responds, voice deadpan. He flips a page from his book casually. "I save your life and here you are trying to ruin my reputation?" Despite his words, Character A could see his lips quirk a bit.

The exchange works as is, but I feel like there's a synonym for 'lies' that fits better. I tried Google but the closest I could find was 'slander' and although I could use that I was looking for something a bit more...harsh? A word that not only implies defamation but also that the idea goes against the natural order.

• creative-writing
• word-choice

• You seem to have verbed the noun quirk . to my mind that goes against the natural order! –  High Performance Mark Commented Jan 23, 2023 at 10:47

3 Answers 3

Well, if you're looking for a harsh word for lies and don't mind getting into the realm of, well, harsher language than deemed fit for polite company, there's the option to say "bullshit".

Balderdash!

An insufferable insult!

+1 to Divizna, "Bullshit" or "Bull" for a PG version.

I don't understand why a single word is required.

"How dare you!"

"Do not repeat that! I just saved you, don't force me to kill you. I have a reputation to protect."

"More of an investor. You owe me a favor."

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How to Use Better Word Choice in Stories

Last Updated: October 22, 2021 References

This article was co-authored by Melessa Sargent . Melessa Sargent is the President of Scriptwriters Network, a non-profit organization that brings in entertainment professionals to teach the art and business of script writing for TV, features and new media. The Network serves its members by providing educational programming, developing access and opportunity through alliances with industry professionals, and furthering the cause and quality of writing in the entertainment industry. Under Melessa's leadership, SWN has won numbers awards including the Los Angeles Award from 2014 through 2021, and the Innovation & Excellence award in 2020. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 25,198 times.

Word choice, or diction, is an essential part of any type of writing, and learning to use better word choice can greatly improve your creative writing! The more you think about your diction and practice using better word choice in your stories, the more naturally it will come. We’ve compiled this list of tips and tricks to help you start choosing even better words for your next story.

Read for at least 20 minutes a day.

• Even if you typically read crime novels and you want to write crime fiction, it’s still a good idea to switch up what you read to expand your vocabulary outside your comfort zone. For example, you could read a sci-fi or fantasy novel once in a while. [2] X Research source
• You can even listen to audiobooks when you’re on the go to get your daily reading in!

Use a writing app.

• To find writing apps, search online or in an app store for “writing apps.” Look for ones that have good user ratings and reviews.
• For example, there’s an app called Hemingway that helps you write more like Ernest Hemingway by highlighting sentences that are too long or dense, words that are too complicated, and unnecessary adverbs.
• Some other apps to try are Grammarly, Word to Word, OneLook Reverse Dictionary, and Vocabulary.com.
• There are also vocabulary apps that teach you a word a day to help you further expand your vocab.

Eliminate unnecessary repetition.

• When you’re writing on a computer, use CTRL+F to search for and highlight different words.
• Reading a draft out loud can also help you identify passages that are repetitive.
• It’s an especially good idea to eliminate repetition of weak, non-descriptive words, such as “stuff,” “things,” “it,”and “got.” For example, replace “got” with “received,” “obtained,” or “acquired.”

Pick words that elicit emotions.

• For example, replace the word “looked” with “glared” to convey feelings of anger. Or, replace it with “gawked” to convey feelings of disbelief or awe.
• Keep in mind that stronger words aren’t always a better choice than simpler ones. Always consider the message you want to get across when you’re choosing words. In some cases, “looked” may be perfectly adequate!

Use more specific words.

• For example, instead of saying “he was a very average player,” say something like “he was a bench warmer,” which gives the reader an image of the player spending most games sitting on the bench instead of just being an average player on the field.
• Here’s another example: instead of writing “she has a tendency to overcook rice,” write “the rice almost always ends up charred when she cooks it.” The reader can now picture what the rice actually looks like and maybe even imagine the taste of charred rice.

Select visually evocative verbs.

• For example, instead of writing “the river comes down from the mountains,” write “the river winds down from the mountains.” Changing “comes” to “winds” helps the reader visualize a river bending from left to right as the water flows down from the mountains, instead of just giving them a vague idea of where the body of water is.

Choose the appropriate level of formality.

• For instance, a farmer from the deep south in the USA probably wouldn’t say “she was quite mad when I showed up late.” The man would probably speak more informally and with slang. He might say something like “she was right ticked when I got home!”

Use fewer words whenever you can.

• For example, instead of writing “I came to the conclusion that…” write “I concluded that…” By removing 3 words from that sentence, you get your point across to the reader faster and more clearly.

Limit your use of clichés.

• For example, instead of saying “he was as dead as a door nail,” you could just say “he was dead” to get your point across without using a played-out cliché. Or, if you want to be more descriptive, say something like “he was as dead and as cold as a rock.”
• Another example of a cliché that appears in lots of writing is: “A single tear trickled down her cheek.”

Revise phrases later with better words later on.

• In other words, don’t feel like you have to choose the best words all the time when you write the first draft of a story. That’s why it’s called a “rough” draft!

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• ↑ Melessa Sargent. Professional Writer. Expert Interview. 14 August 2019.
• ↑ https://www.fastcompany.com/40441377/this-is-how-to-sound-smarter-by-improving-your-vocabulary
• ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/250503
• ↑ https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/5-key-ways-to-choose-the-right-word/
• ↑ https://writers.com/word-choice-in-writing
• ↑ https://www.wheaton.edu/academics/services/writing-center/writing-resources/style-diction-tone-and-voice/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/word-choice/

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