How to Become a Wordsmith
Word Choice: Using Specific and Accurate Words
How to Become a Wordsmith
Choosing the right words is no easy task. But here are some ideas you
can try to find just the right word to express yourself in just the right way.
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1. Seek synonyms.
Use a dictionary or thesaurus to find different ways to express an
important idea.
Example: You want to describe the spicy taste of an enchilada, so
you look up spicy and find the synonyms pungent, hot, and
savory. Now you have a more complete menu of words to
choose from.
2.Pounce on pitiful words.
Replace vague words such as good, bad, nice, cool, or very with words
that express ideas more precisely.
Example: Instead of writing, “The movie was cool,” you might write,
“The movie had me on the edge of my seat the whole time!”
3.Modify for meaning.
A well-placed modifier (an adjective or adverb) helps readers
picture your ideas. Modifiers can help you express something more
accurately than you may be able to do with nouns or verbs alone.
Example: “We sat and watched the sunset” has no modifiers. “We sat
motionless and watched the blazing orange sunset” uses
modifiers to paint a more precise and vivid picture.
4.Consider connotations.
Words that mean almost the same thing may have different
connotations, or shades of meaning. When choosing a word for a piece
of writing, think deeply about its definition. What does it really mean?
Example: You could say, “The meal was tasty.” Or you could say,
“The meal was savory.” Which was it: “tasty” or “savory”?
There is a difference.
152 Unit 6 • Week 2
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Grade 6 • Unit 6 • Week 2
12/5/11 9:39 AM
Word Choice: Using Specific and Accurate Words