Grammar Mini Lesson:

Word Choice
Tereso Abrahan Pedroza
Los Angeles Pacific University
 Why is word choice important in writing?

When writing you want to select words that will impact your
audience and clearly convey your message.

Be aware of wordy sentences, active verbs, appropriate

language and using exact language.
When writing be aware of commonly confused
words, misused words, and words that are
nonstandard, or can offend readers.
a, an - an is used before a vowel sound, a is
used before a consonant sound.
affect, effect - Affect is a verb meaning “to
influence” Effect is a noun meaning “result” or a
verb meaning “to bring about”
hardly - avoid expression can’t hardly and not
hardly, considered double negatives.
ain’t - nonstandard word meaning am not, are
not (aren’t), is not (isn’t).
as to - jargon for about
awful and awfully - not appropriate in formal
writing.
mankind - avoid when possible. May offend
some readers. Use humanity, humans,
humankind, human race.
Wordy Sentences
A wordy sentence contains many unnecessary words. Too many words interfere with your message.
A sentence is wordy if it can be condensed without losing its meaning.

A. Eliminate redundancies = No need to say the same things twice.

B. Avoid unnecessary repetition of words = If a concise version is possible don’t repeat words.

C. Cut empty or inflated phrases = be concise. Introductory groups weaken the writer’s
authority.

D. Simplify the Structure = Strengthen the Verb. Ex: make an estimate of

E. Reduce Clauses to phrases, phrases to single words = Make word groups more compact.
The problem is not the quantity of words. A sentence can have many words as long as
they add information and detail. Do not sacrifice richness and expressiveness to writing.

Examples of Wordy Sentences:

strikethrough words are to eliminate and (words) are to add.

A. Maria very hurriedly scribbled down her grocery list.

B. A study done by scientists studied (measured) the effects of water on the body.

C. We are unable to provide funding at this point in time (now).

D. Doctors were involved in examining (examined) the sick patient.

E. Due to the fact that (Although) I don’t like chocolate, these cookies taste good.
 Active Verbs vs. Passive Verbs
A VERB is a word that does the action.

ACTIVE VERBS express meaning and have vigor. It PASSIVE VERBS lack strength but can still be used to
emphasizes the subject. It is when the verb is the subject emphasize the object rather than the subject of the
or the doer of the sentence. sentence.

The thing doing the action is the Subject of the sentence The Subject of the sentence isn't the word doing the action.
and the thing receiving the action is the object. The thing doing the action is the object of the sentence.

The bat hit the ball. The ball was hit by the bat.

Verb is hit. The subject is hitting the object The verb is still hit. The subject is not hitting the object.

The sentence with the active verb clearly conveys a concise and direct meaning.
The passive verb can cause some confusion.
Appropriate Language
Engage your audience and match your purpose

⚠ Stay away from jargon, slang, euphemism, sexist language, and offensive language ⚠

Be straightforward and write in appropriate level of formality for your purpose and audience

● Jargon = technical words and phrases common in a profession, discipline, or group. Doctors will
use medical terminology with others in their field but will use more common words with
patients to help them understand.

● Slang = invented words and phrases specific to a group of people.

● Euphemisms = nice-sounding words or phrases to substitute words that may sound harsh.

● Sexist language may include stereotypes, exclude or demean women or men.

Using Word Choice in Writing

When writing keep in mind not only what you say, but how you say it.

❖ Know your audience

➢ Who will be reading it?
➢ Do you have to be very formal, formal, or informal

❖ Be concise and straightforward

➢ Are you using unnecessary words or phrases?
➢ Are you using active verbs or passive verbs?

❖ Have a clear message

➢ What is your purpose?
 https://voicethread.com/share/13427303/

Hacker, D., & Sommers, N. I. (2011). A writer’s reference (7th ed.).

Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martins.

Purdue Writing Lab. (n.d.). Appropriate Language: Overview // Purdue

Writing Lab. Retrieved from
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/usi
ng_appropriate_language/index.html.