Diction in Writing: Understanding Word Choices

Study Notes

Diction refers to a writer's word choices, which can affect how a reader feels about something or imagines the scene.
Connotation is the connection between how a word makes a person feel and how they connect it to other words.

Formal diction: uses proper grammar and sentence structure, as well as professional and sophisticated language.
- Example: "As per our arrangement, the panel will convene at twelve o'clock."
Informal diction: conversational, realistic, and focuses less on proper language.
- Example: "Let's grab a bite to eat sometime."
Colloquial diction: uses informal language specific to a particular area or region.
- Example: "How are y'all doing today?"
Slang diction: uses informal language created by a specific group or for a specific context.
- Example: "Spill the tea" to ask someone to explain something dramatic.
Pedantic diction: implements academic writing, using formal and advanced academic language.
- Example: "The class fell under the tutelage of a new instructor who was fond of erudite discussions."
Abstract diction: aims to express ideas or emotions.
- Example: "A storm of ideas" inside one's head to illustrate feeling inspired.
Concrete diction: expresses ideas that are not open for interpretation, using specific and detailed language.
- Example: "My office is the third blue door on the right-hand side."
Poetic diction: uses lyrical words, often descriptive and following rhythm or meter.
- Example: "There we go / Dancing nice and slow."

Diction can showcase different tones, such as happiness, sadness, anger, and nervousness.
Tone demonstrates the author's attitude or feelings toward a particular topic.
Adjectives can be used to add tone to a sentence, making the author or character appear to feel a certain way.
Examples of good tone words:
- Happy: cheery, ecstatic, elated
- Sad: dreary, mournful, despondent
- Angry: absurd, scathing, outraged
- Desperate: hopeless, forlorn

Point-of-view is the narrator's position within the story, established through personal pronouns and diction.
Types of point-of-view:
- First-person: told from the viewpoint of a character in the story, using "I" and personal pronouns.
- Second-person: told from a character talking directly to the reader, using "you" and personal pronouns.
- Third-person: told from the viewpoint of a narrator, using "he" or "she" and personal pronouns.

Eliminate confusing words like homophones.
Use interesting words.
Use good tone words.
Use words that are specific and descriptive.
Examples of improving diction:
- Using "furious" instead of "very angry".
- Using "leaves rustled in the wind and fell softly to the ground" instead of "the air is windy".
- Using "Denny loved funny stand-up jokes" instead of "Denny loved certain funny jokes".