Clarity and Precision:
* Use specific and concrete words: Avoid vague or general language. Instead of saying "good," use "excellent" or "remarkable" to convey a more precise meaning.
* Avoid jargon and technical terms: Unless your audience is familiar with them, use simpler language that everyone can understand.
* Be concise and avoid redundancy: Eliminate unnecessary words and phrases that don't add anything to the meaning.
Impact and Engagement:
* Use vivid and evocative language: Sensory details and strong verbs can make your writing more engaging and memorable.
* Vary sentence structure: Avoid using the same sentence structure repeatedly. Mix it up with short and long sentences, simple and complex sentences.
* Use active voice: Active voice is usually more concise and direct than passive voice.
Accuracy and Appropriateness:
* Choose words that are accurate and true to the meaning you want to convey: Double-check your facts and use a dictionary or thesaurus to ensure accuracy.
* Consider your audience and purpose: Choose language that is appropriate for your intended audience and the context of your writing.
* Be aware of potential biases or stereotypes: Choose words that are inclusive and avoid using language that might be offensive or discriminatory.
Examples of revision for word choice:
Original: The man was very happy.
Revised: The man beamed with joy.
Original: The car was big and fast.
Revised: The sleek, crimson sports car roared down the highway.
Original: The student got a good grade on the test.
Revised: The student achieved an exceptional score on the challenging exam.
By revising your word choice, you can make your writing clearer, more engaging, and more effective in conveying your message.