When it comes to conveying an idea, as the French writer Gustave Flaubert once said, “There is but one word to express it, one verb to give it movement, one adjective to qualify it; you must seek until you find this noun, this verb, this adjective” (Seldes, 1998, p. 438).
Like Flaubert, accomplished writers and speakers understand the importance of choosing the most specific and concrete words possible in order to get their ideas across effectively and clearly, because they know that general or vague language can lead to misunderstanding, misinterpretation, and even befuddlement on the part of their readers or listeners.
General and Specific Language in Communication
According to Bob Brannan, author of A Writer’s Workshop (2010), “Language consists of words that are either relatively general or relatively specific, and each type has an appropriate place in writing” (p. 478). It is important, though, for one to know exactly when to use each type of word, and that “when” is ultimately based upon the situation:
- If you are composing a professional correspondence, wording should be specific, concrete, and concise because the receiver of that message will probably make a character assessment based upon your choice of words and the formality of your language..
- If you are writing an email or letter to a friend, you can probably get away with using more general language since it’s unlikely that a friend will make a character assessment based upon your choice of words and/or lack of formal language.
The Difference between Connotation and Denotation
Joseph Trimmer, author of Writing with a Purpose (2001), says that even the best writers worry about word choice, which is why they usually make so many revisions to a piece before they are pleased with the results. Then again, as Trimmer reminds us, “Words are not right or wrong in themselves. What makes a particular word right is the effect it creates in the context of your sentence or paragraph” (p. 233); and in order to use words effectively, you should possess an understanding of their connotations and denotations.
Words have strict dictionary definitions (denotations), but words also evoke emotional responses (connotations), which are related to how readers or listeners perceive them. For instance, Webster’s New World Dictionary (2001) defines “steel” as “a hard, tough metal composed of iron alloyed with various small percentages of carbon and often various other metals” (p. 1394); however, the word “steel” is often used to conjure images of something (or someone) resolute, firm, or unbending.
Guidelines for Learning to Use Words Correctly
In order to improve your ability to choose the best and most effective words, whether you are communicating orally or in writing, consider doing the following:
- Purchase a good dictionary, for example, The American Heritage Dictionary, Webster’s New World Dictionary, or New World Dictionary of the English Language, and then use them.
- Purchase a book of synonyms and antonyms such as Roget’s International Thesaurus, and then use it.
- Always take into account a word’s possible connotations before you use it, and if those connotations don’t seem appropriate for your intended audience, purpose, or subject matter, it’s best to find a more appropriate word.
- Select specific, precise words instead of general or abstract ones. For example, words like thing, factor, aspect, individual, etc. are imprecise. Don’t make the reader guess about to what you are referring; state it clearly and precisely.
- Make certain you are using the “right” word, not one that’s similar in spelling but means something else entirely; for instance, don’t say “detract” (lessen or reduce) if you mean “distract” (sidetrack or divert); and don’t say “mongrel” (cur dog or mutt) if you mean “mogul” (tycoon or entrepreneur).
Note: There are some excellent online dictionaries and thesauruses available, for example, Merriam Webster Online, Webster’s Dictionary Online, and Dictionary.com.
In summary, by using specific and concrete language, you can greatly improve your ability to communicate effectively; and by improving your communication effectiveness, you will be far more likely to make a positive impression upon the recipients of your messages, whether those messages are delivered orally or in writing.
Sources:
- Brannan, B. (2010) A Writer’s Workshop: Third Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill
- Seldes, G., ed. (1998) The Great Thoughts. New York: Ballantine Books
- Trimmer, J. F. (2001) Writing with a Purpose: Thirteenth Edition. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company
- Webster’s New World Dictionary (2001) New York: Simon and Schuster
Carol Rzadkiewicz - Carol Rzadkiewicz has taught college English for over 14 years and is the author of three published novels and numerous short stories.
