1. Guide 4 Use Concrete Language

2. Concrete Language Concrete Language is very specific language that conveys precise meaning. Readers can relate to specifics better than to generalities. Specific language takes the guesswork out of reading.

3. Concrete Language The expression of ASAP deserves special attention. (As soon as possible) It is used when you want something done immediately—but what does that mean. To one person it may mean as soon as I have time, to another it may mean by the end of the day.

4. Examples General Language: Leslie makes a good salary (What is a good salary?) Specific Language: Leslie makes $10 an hour. General Language: We often take a long walk. (When do they take a walk and for how long?) Specific Language: We walk two miles three or four times a week.

5. More Examples General Language: Please pay this invoice as soon as possible. ( When is as soon as possible?) Specific Language: Please pay this invoice by March 15. General Language : Pat wears expensive suits. (What is the dollar amount of an expensive suit?) Specific Language: Pat wears $500 suits.

6. Rules for Writing Numbers Spell out numbers that begin a sentence Spell out numbers ten and under If a sentence has a mix of numbers (i.e. some under eleven and some over), all numbers are typed in figures. (3 dogs, 5 fish and 13 cats) For dollar amount, use figures and the $ sign –$56, or $57.50

7. Rules for Writing Numbers Time: 11:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m. It is 12 noon and 12 midnight (or midnight, noon) –a.m. = Ante Meridiem (before midday) –p.m. = Post Meridiem (after midday) Dates are March 14 (pronounced March 14 th but we don’t type the “ th ”) or March 14, 2011.

8. Guide 4 Open Guide 4 on Mrs. Hyde’s Web Page For each of the sentences, add specific numbers or words to make the sentences concrete. You may add any numbers you like, as long as the numbers are realistic for the sentences. You must type the numbers according to the rules. Remember words such as large, good, excellent, expensive, etc. are too general.