23 Word Choice and Spelling

Deciding which word is the right word can be a challenge. It’s not unusual to find many words that have similar but subtly different meanings, and each makes a different impression on your audience. For instance, the “pasta with marinara sauce” presented in a restaurant may look and taste much like the “macaroni and gravy” served at an Italian family dinner, but the choice of one label rather than the other tells us not only about the food but also about the people serving it and the people they expect to serve it to.

Ensuring that you choose the correct spelling for the word you want to use is also important. Spell checkers can help you avoid some errors, but they can also make other mistakes more likely, including word choice errors, so use them with care (see 23e).

Editing for Appropriate Language and Spelling

AT A GLANCE

  • Check to see that your language reflects the appropriate level of formality for your audience, purpose, and topic. (23a)
  • Unless you are writing for a specialized audience that will understand jargon, either define technical terms or replace them with words that are easy to understand. (23a)
  • Consider the connotations of words carefully. If you say someone is pushy, be sure you mean to be critical; otherwise, use a word like assertive. (23b)
  • Use both general and specific words. If you are writing about the general category beds, for example, do you give enough concrete detail (an antique four-poster bed)? (23c)
  • Look for clichés, and replace them with fresher language. (23d)
  • Use spell checkers with care. (23e)