The writing process is made up of several critical components. A skilled writer needs to master not only the fundamentals of grammar, punctuation, and syntax, but also the subtleties of diction, or word choice. Writers use words to engage readers, clarify meaning, paint a picture, and enliven their writing. Words are the building blocks from which a piece of writing is constructed – from a play to a political speech to a research paper on nuclear fusion reactions.
Good diction imparts cohesiveness to writing and ensures that the meaning or information intended by the author is conveyed to the reader. Inapt or weak word choice creates confusion and misunderstanding and most likely causes an author’s work to fail to make its point.
5 Simple Ways to Enhance Word Choice
Here are 5 ways to elevate writing through effective word choice.
1. Using Synonyms Prudently
A good thesaurus is the mainstay of any writer looking to expand their vocabulary. There is no doubt that an apt synonym helps clarify the meaning of a sentence and adds variety to writing. However, it is important to understand what the synonym means in the context of the sentence. This helps the writer ensure it is being used correctly and also know how it changes the meaning of the text.
Example sentences employing synonyms:
A very bad thing happened last night.
A terrible thing happened last night.
An awful thing happened last night.
2. Choosing Strong and Precise Verbs
Verbs depict action and are a crucial part of a well-written sentence. An easy way to improve word choice is to use verbs that precisely describe not only the action but also how the action takes place.
For example:
Weak verb – At that moment, I wanted a strong drink.
Strong verb – At that moment, I craved a strong drink.
Weak verb – Heads turned as a very beautiful girl walked into the room.
Strong verb – Heads turned as a gorgeous girl walked into the room.
3. Choosing Active Voice over Passive Voice
To a great extent, choosing the right words depends on the sentence structure. In fact, the way a sentence is constructed usually determines whether a piece of writing has an active or a passive voice. Active voice makes the narrative go faster, creates smoother writing, and keeps the reader engaged. And although passive voice can be effective sometimes, it is active voice that produces stronger and more impactful writing.
To determine whether a sentence is in active voice or passive voice, it must first be determined whether the subject of the sentence is the doer or the recipient of the action. In active voice, the subject is the one doing the action; in passive voice, the subject is being acted upon.
For example:
Active voice – The child is reading a book.
Passive voice – A book is being read by the child.
Active voice – Helen watches television.
Passive voice – The television is being watched by Helen.
4. Cutting out the Fluff
Many writers, when stuck for words, tend to add a lot of fluff and filler words. Doing this might help them fulfill their word count requirement, but it weakens their writing. Effective word choice involves giving deep thought to each word that is used. It eliminates fluff, which can detract from the meaning and quality of the work.
Authors are advised to only use words that add to the meaning of the writing and take it forward; when it comes to good diction and effective writing, less is definitely more.
Look at the following examples:
Wordy – In my first job, where I had the opportunity to work with the best journalists in the country for two years, I realized how significantly a person’s enthusiasm can be destroyed merely by the attitudes of their superiors.
Concise – In my first job, during two years of working with the best journalists in the country, I saw people’s enthusiasm destroyed by the negative attitudes of their superiors.
Wordy – The financial situation of Tom Brooks was a crucial factor in the formation of his character.
Concise – Tom Brooks’ poverty helped form his character.
5. Using Audience-Appropriate Diction
This might sound a bit rudimentary, but writers, especially those writing academic papers, must keep their audience in mind as they write. The audience for most kinds of academic writing comprises the instructor(s) and peers, whereas other types of writing are geared toward a more casual readership. The trick is to select words that not only convey the author’s thoughts on the topic but are intelligible to the audience.
Here are some examples of sentences aimed at academic readers:
Psychology – In Freudian psychoanalytic theory, all psychic energy is generated by the libido. Freud suggested that our mental states were influenced by two competing forces: cathexis and anticathexis.
English literature – In this research paper, I will first examine the symbols in the novel and how they have been used for character development. Then, I will examine the metaphors present in the novel and their effects on character development.
Astronomy – The Chemistry of the Sun (1887) is a treatise on solar spectroscopy based on the hypothesis of elemental dissociation through the intensity of solar heat.
Thus, by employing these 5 simple tips, writers can convey information more effectively and ensure that readers stay interested in what they have to say in any piece of writing.
