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Using the right word is necessary for precise, exact writing and imagery |
Using the Right Word by Vivian Gilbert Zabel Goal: Writers will find ways of tightening and strengthening writing by finding and using appropriate, specific words. Materials needed: Alternatives to “Said” Alternatives to “Good” and “Bad” Tone Vocabulary NOTES: In order to create concrete images, whether in prose or in poetry, finding specific words that are appropriate tightens and strengthens the writing. Writers need to avoid general, overused words. Writers should also avoid state-of-being verbs as much as possible, using vivid action verbs instead. Many times the writer has to reword and revise, but the result is stronger, tighter writing. Although most words on each handout are synonyms, they do not have the exact same meanings. The writer needs to find the specific word that “fits” the way it is being used. The Tone Vocabulary lists help the writer find words that match the mood desired. For example, if a poem describes a spring day, the writer wouldn’t want to use words that portray sorrow such as somber or gloomy. Instead he would want to use words such as cheery or hopeful. These lists are not nearly complete; they are just examples, giving the writer ideas, a place to start. A thesaurus and a dictionary should always be at hand when a person writes. They are tools that can help the writer find the best word for his purpose. Writers also need to avoid using cliches, generalizations, and stereotypes. Directions: 1. Consider the three lists. Find other terms which could apply. 2. Consider the differences in meaning of some of the terms. Assignment: 1. Write a six-line poem using the following words: good, bad, said, glad. 2. Revise the poem using specific words to replace the four used, tightening the meaning of the poem. 3. Revise the poem with its specific words, being sure to use at least four poetry devices besides enjambement and caesura. Alternatives to “Said” (Note: I'm sorry I was unable to format the following into columns for easier reading) added corrected insisted ranted wept admitted cried laughed reminded whispered answered croaked lied replied wondered argued crowed mentioned requested yelled asked dared murmured roared babbled decided muttered sassed bawled declared named sighed bet demanded nodded smiled blurted denied nudged spoke bragged ended offered smirked bugged exclaimed ordered snickered called explained panted stammered cautioned expressed pleaded stated chatted fretted praised stuttered cheered gasped prayed suggested chuckled greeted promised tempted coaxed hinted questioned told confessed informed quoted wailed Less Common Alternatives to “Said” admonished droned projected vocalized affirmed enjoined quibbled volunteered alleged enumerated quipped assented espoused quizzed bantered estimated rebuked bemoaned evinced recited berated exhorted rejoiced broached indicated renounced cajoled intoned retorted carped jeered revealed challenged jested scowled cited lamented simpered claimed leered speculated communicated mocked sputtered conceded needled squelched demurred opined stipulated denounced outlined stormed disclosed presented theorized drawled proffered uttered Alternatives to “Good” and “Bad” Words to use in place of “Good”: excellent valuable benefit masterpiece pride gem precious jewel brilliant treasure model prince angel beneficial profit improve asset divine heavenly useful advantageous elite edifying genuine moderate tiptop virtuous favorable dandy well behaved perfect fresh Words to use in place of “Bad”: hurtful ill evil pest plague thorn abuse oppression persecution outrage atrocity torture mischief rotten vicious misbehave trespass deviate decayed decomposed putrid tainted burden imperfect wicked reprehensible deteriorated corrosive Tone Vocabulary Samples Positive Tone/Attitude Words lighthearted hopeful exuberant enthusiastic confident cheery optimistic loving amused elated sympathetic compassionate complimentary passionate proud sunny bright shining brilliant intelligent whimsical bantering wit Negative Tone/Attitude Words Anger: angry disgusted outraged furious wrathful bitter irritated indignant threatening accusing condemnatory inflammatory Humor/irony/sarcasm: scornful disdainful contemptuous sarcastic cynical condescending critical facetious patronizing satiric sardonic mock-heroic irreverent mock-serious ironic flippant Sorrow/fear/worry: somber elegiac melancholic sad disturbed mournful solemn serious apprehensive concerned fearful despairing gloomy sober foreboding hopeless staid resigned Neutral Tone/Attitude Words formal objective incredulous nostalgic ceremonial candid shocked reminiscent restrained clinical baffled sentimental objective disbelieving questioning urgent instructive matter-of-fact admonitory learned factual didactic informative authoritative |
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