Have you ever said something and then thought, “That’s not what I meant!”? In writing, this happens all the time. The problem? Word choice.
The words we pick shape the meaning of what we say. One minor change can make a big difference.
♦ Example: She looked at him with interest.
♦ Example: She stared at him with longing.
These two sentences are almost the same—but they don’t feel the same. That’s the power of word choice.
In this blog, we’ll explore why word choice matters, how to choose the right words, and how to make your writing stronger and clearer.
We can use words as tools. Choosing the right words makes your writing clear and strong. If you don’t, your message could get lost in translation.
Imagine saying:
♦ Example: He ate the cake.
♦ Example: He devoured the cake.
Both say he ate it. But devoured gives us more. It tells us he was hungry—or maybe greedy. It adds feeling. Word choice helps readers connect with your message.
What Does “Good” Word Choice Look Like?
Good word choice means picking words that:
♥ Say what you mean
♥ Are clear and easy to understand
♥ Match the tone you want (funny, serious, excited, etc.)
Let’s compare:
♦ Example: She was kind of mad.
♦ Example: She was furious.
The second sentence is stronger and more specific. You know exactly how she feels.
Don’t use words like thing, stuff, kind of, or very. The reader doesn’t get much from them. Get straight to the point.
Related Reading: Mastering Sentence Structure
How to Choose the Right Word
With so many words to choose from how do you know which one to pick. When writing, always ask:
♥ Does this word say exactly what I mean?
♥ Does it feel right for the mood or tone?
♥ Will my readers understand it?
For example:
♦ Example: He walked into the room.
♦ Example: He crept into the room.
♦ Example: He marched into the room.
Each sentence uses a different verb. Walked is neutral. Crept sounds sneaky. Marched feels bold or angry. Pick the word that fits your meaning best.
Words That Pack a Punch
Want to make your writing more powerful? Use strong, specific words.
Use strong verbs:
❌ She ran quickly to the door.
✅ She sprinted to the door.
Use clear nouns:
❌ He saw an animal in the yard.
✅ He saw a fox in the yard.
Use helpful adjectives:
❌ It was a nice day.
✅ It was a sunny, quiet day.
Stronger words create stronger images in the reader’s mind.
Bad Grammar
You can break poor grammar down into three categories: solecisms, barbarisms, and improprieties.
Solecisms are the violations of the principles of grammar, which we have discussed in our grammar series.
A barbarism is basically using words wrong. An impropriety is the use of a proper word in an improper sense (we will talk about this next time).
Related Reading: Classifying Sentences
Barbarisms
So, barbarism is the incorrect use of language. This might include using slang, mispronouncing words, or employing unconventional word usage.
Okay, so what are the mistakes, and how do we stop making them?
Obsolete Words
These words, once common, are now disappearing or have already disappeared from use. Think about the language used in Shakespeare’s works that we no longer use.
♦ Examples to avoid: methinks, betwixt, afeard, anon, hast
Mixing Languages
Avoid foreign words unless they’re widely accepted in English; instead use an English equivalent. Saying “Je ne sais quoi” when “I don’t know what” is perfectly acceptable.
♦ Examples to avoid: entre nous (use between us), distingué (use distinguished)
Related Reading: Sentence Types Made Simple
Provincialisms
Provincialisms are local expressions (words, phrases, or pronunciations) that are characteristic of a particular region or province. Using regional slang might confuse people elsewhere.
♦ Examples: reckon (instead of suppose)
Vulgarisms
Vulgarisms are words or phrases that are rude, crude, or offensive. Similar to profanity. These words show a lack of refinement or education.
♦ Examples: Swear words (like the f-word), crude slang for body parts or bodily functions, insults or slurs
Slang
Slang changes fast. While some slang words become acceptable over time, it’s usually best to avoid them in formal writing.
♦ Examples: ghosted, sus, vibe, bummer, zonked, cool
Technical Jargon
Unless you’re writing for a specialized audience, avoid words only understood in certain professions.
♦ Examples for coders: debug, deploy, loop, syntax
Common Word Choice Mistakes
Here are a few traps to watch out for:
Fancy Words
Using complex words just to impress is unnecessary.
♦ Example:
Bad: He commenced to eat the meal.
Better: He started eating.
Repetition
Repetition is like saying the same thing again and again. If you use the word happy five times on one page, your writing may sound flat. Try words like cheerful, thrilled, joyful, or excited instead.
Using Filler Words
Using filler words like really, very, just, or kind of often add clutter. Try removing them and see if your sentence is stronger.
Building a Better Vocabulary
You don’t need to know every word in the dictionary. But the more words you know, the more choices you have.
Here’s how to grow your vocabulary:
♥ Read a little every day. Pay attention to words other writers use.
♥ Keep a list of interesting words you come across.
♥ Look up words you’re unsure of. Don’t just guess what they mean.
You’ll get better with practice. One new word a week can make a big difference.
Related Reading: Complex and Compound-Complex Sentences
Key Takeaways
1. Use strong specific words
2. Use words that say what you mean
3. Use words that are clear and easy to understand
4. Use words that match the tone you want.
5. Avoid Barbarisms
Last Words on Word Choice
Words matter. The right word can paint a picture, stir a feeling, or explain an idea clearly. The wrong word can leave readers confused or bored. As a writer, your job is to pick the best words you can. Keep it simple. Make it clear. Choose words that match your message.
Happy writing!
Linda
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