1. Distinguishing Between Concrete and Abstract Language
Common Places: Integrated Reading and Writing
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2. Examples of Abstract Language
Abstract language presents concepts and ideas that are difficult to envision.
delicious
love
fuel economy
memory
opinion
shelter
rest
religion
habit
beauty
recreation
science

3. In contrast to abstract ideas, concrete language presents objects.
love
In contrast to abstract ideas, concrete language presents objects.
my cat
In contrast to abstract ideas, concrete language refers to particular objects.
chocolate cake
delicious
compact car
fuel economy

4. Objects are things and so are easier for us to picture in our minds.
opinion
People should eat more broccoli.
Objects are things and so are easier for us to picture in our minds.
energy
shelter
wind turbine
house

5. Actions can also be described using concrete language.
recreation
rest
lying in bed
skiing
Actions can also be described using concrete language.
science
habit
Public domain. Courtesy Minnesota Tourism
brushing teeth
examining fossils

6. The use of concrete language helps us visualize the ideas.
On long weekends, I like to get away from it all and lose myself in nature. I have a place I go where I can indulge my love for visual beauty and serenity.
Concrete language adds interest and helps readers understand your point.
The abstract language in this paragraph makes it hard for us to picture the scene.
On long weekends, I like to get away from my apartment in downtown Atlanta and lose myself in nature. I go to a small log cabin in the mountains off Valley Ridge Road. From the kitchen window in the cabin, I can see an eagle’s nest and Storm Mountain in the distance. The cabin is in a pine forest so quiet that you can hear every step you take.
The use of concrete language helps us visualize the ideas.

7. Can’t you just envisage the scene described in the second paragraph above?

8. The End