Word Choice

Delete synonymous and wordy material in a sentence Incorrect: Today is a wet and rainy day. Correct: Today is a rainy day. (If it is rainy, then it is wet.)

Avoid wordiness! Write as simply and clearly as possible. Incorrect: Finishing my essay by Friday will be impossible without some kind of extra help. Correct: Finishing my essay by Friday will be impossible without some extra help.

Filler Words Kind of Sort of Type of Really Basically Particular Definitely actually Generally Individual Specific For all intents and purposes

Synonymous Pairs in Writing Past memories Various differences Each individual Basic fundamentals True facts Future plans Terrible tragedy End result Free gift Past history Unexpected surprise Completely finish Large/small in size Round/square in shape Heavy/light in weight Period in time Choose one set of synonymous pairs and explain WHY these are wordy/unnecessary. Example: You will receive a free gift if you spend $20 at our store. (All gifts are free). Correct: You will receive a gift if you spend $20 at our store.

Writing Style A writer should always keep the same style throughout a piece of writing.

Formal vs Informal Formal: Use proper, standard grammar if writing to an unknown audience or for the purpose of something important like a job application. Example: I am applying for the receptionist position advertised in the local paper. I am an excellent candidate for the job because of my significant experience Informal: A writer can choose to use slang or idioms if they are writing to a familiar audience, like friends or for the purpose of something like a journal. Example: I want to talk about the job ad you put in the paper. I’m a great person to work there because I am da bomb!

Word Choice/Diction Many words have similar meanings but different feelings attached to them. A writer chooses specific words to convey his exact meaning. Example: I dumped my books on the desk. I placed my books on the desk.