Word Choice and Style

Why Word Choice is Important

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.

What is Jargon? Can you use it in standard English academic writing?

Basic Stylistic Guidelines for English writing.

Choosing Words and Style

• Do different types of writing call for different word choices? 
• What 'word choices' should one include in specific types of academic writings?  

According to Highland Literacy,

Word Choice is the use of rich, colourful, precise language that communicates not just in a functional way, but in a way that moves and enlightens the reader.

In descriptive writing, strong word choice resulting in imagery, especially sensory, show-me writing, clarifies and expands ideas.

In persuasive writing, purposeful word choice moves the reader to a new vision of ideas.

In all modes of writing figurative language such as metaphors, similes and analogies articulate, enhance, and enrich the content.

Strong word choice is characterised not so much by an exceptional vocabulary chosen to impress the reader, but more by the skill to use everyday words well.

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.