Word Choice

Word Choice Impacts Writing Style

Good writers are concise and precise, weeding out unnecessary words and choosing the exact word to convey meaning. Precise words — active verbs, concrete nouns, specific adjectives — help the reader visualize the sentence. Good writers use adjectives sparingly and adverbs rarely, letting their nouns and verbs do the work. Good writers also choose words that contribute to the flow of a sentence. Polysyllabic words, alliteration, and consonance can be used to create sentences that roll off the tongue. Onomatopoeia and short, staccato words can be used to break up the rhythm of a sentence.

What is WORD CHOICE?  

How do you master it?

It is proven that the more you read, the better you write.  Why?  Because you learn from reading others’ writings what works well, flows smoothly, or holds attention.  Word choice needs to be smooth and precise.  Think of yourself as a doctor going into brain surgery.  Every little movement matters in the surgery.  In your writing, every word matters.  It will either add to your STYLE or weaken it terribly.  CLICK HERE for a lesson on WORD CHOICE.

• Writing "Style"
• Hansa and Phillip's Writing "Style"
• The "Way" You Write is as Important as "What" You Write

Additional Ways to Understand Style

from Paola Brown's Student Learning Tools

• Style: Spoken vs. Written Voice
• Writing Style

Contractions

Have you received a comment from your instructor telling you to not use contractions in academic writing?  Click this link to find out why.

The information in the GREEN box above is distributed under the Creative Common license.  It was Created BY KATHLEEN CALI for LEARN NC.  Go to the hyperlink to reach the original resource on the Learn NC website.