Quick Help: Word choice

Quick Help: Word choice

Choosing appropriate words allows you to fine-tune your writing to give exactly the right effect.

  • Do you use too many abstract and general nouns rather than concrete and specific ones? Saying that you bought a car is much less memorable than saying you bought a used Mini Cooper.

  • Are there too many nouns in relation to the number of verbs? The effect of the overuse of nouns in writing is the placing of too much strain on the inadequate number of verbs and the resultant prevention of movement of the thought. In the preceding sentence, the verb is carries the entire weight of all those nouns (in italics). The result is a heavy, boring sentence. Why not say instead, Overusing nouns places a big strain on the verbs and slows down the prose?

  • How many verbs are forms of be—be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been? If be verbs account for more than about a third of your total verbs, you are probably overusing them.

  • Are most of your verbs active rather than passive? Although the passive voice has many uses, your writing will generally be stronger and more energetic if you use active verbs.

  • Are your words appropriate? Check to be sure they are not too fancy—or too casual.