AMPLIFYING DICTION
How do I make my writing better?
• Have something interesting to say
• Control the message and its delivery
• Amplify word choice, especially
nouns and verbs
• Vary the sentence structure and type
Clare Sansburn, [email protected]
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Amplifying Diction – Verbs and Nouns
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The tree is shiny.
The red oak glistens.
The person moved.
One EMU student meandered.
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Generic nouns and verbs slow down writing and
make the words forgettable.
Precise, descriptive, specific nouns and verbs
energize the text, and make the writing distinctive
and memorable.
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Amplifying diction
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Revise descriptions with precise nouns and
verbs. Do not just tack on adjectives and
adverbs (although one or two choice descriptors
are often useful); focus on crafting powerful
nouns and verbs.
Choose words that convey the
message/action/argument/mood/tone to the
reader.
Use active voice – hugs instead of was hugged by
Use base form of the verb instead of the
participle form -- attacks instead of is attacking,
etc.