Diction | Writing Commons

Ableist Language – Disability Metaphors – Disability Studies

Joe Moxley — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 19:34:14 +0000

What is Ableist Language? Every time you write, whether it is an email, an argument for class, or a social media post, you shape the culture around disability, for better or for worse. Your language reflects your perspectives on disability. One way that our culture marginalizes and excludes those with disabilities is by defining “normal” ... Read more

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Wrong Word

Joe Moxley — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 13:39:23 +0000

What Does it Mean to Use the Wrong Word? English is a tricky language. Words can be easily confused for similar sounding words (homonyms). When in doubt, research the word you are using to make sure that it means what you think it means. Related Concepts: Audience; Diction; Editing; Rhetorical Analysis; Rhetorical Reasoning Examples Accede—verb—to agree or consent Ex. I ... Read more

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Abstract Language

Joe Moxley — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 11:29:01 +0000

What is Abstract Language? Abstract language is Related Concepts Concrete, Sensory Writing; Description; Code Switching; Figurative Language; Given to New Contract; Register; Vague Language; Writer-Based Prose Style Why Does Abstract Language Matter? Abstract language empowers writers, speakers, knowledge makers . . . to Abstract language is widely employed in peer-reviewed journals and publications. It is ... Read more

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Homonym

Joe Moxley — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 15:06:58 +0000

Homonyms are words that are pronounced similarly but mean different things words that are spelled the same words that are pronounced similarly. Accede—verb—to agree or consentEx: I accede to your request for help. Exceed—verb—to go over an expected limitEx: If you exceed the speed limit, you may get a speeding ticket. Accept—verb—to receiveEx: I would ... Read more

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Simile

Joe Moxley — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 14:52:17 +0000

A simile is a particular type of metaphor that compares two objects that are essentially not like one another. A simile, unlike a metaphor, introduces this comparison with the words “like” or “as.” My essay’s introduction is like the first sip of a fine wine—that is a simile; My essay’s introduction is the first sip ... Read more

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Personification

Joe Moxley — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 14:47:58 +0000

Personification is the act of giving animals, inanimate objects, and ideas human form, personality, or emotion. Though you would not want to employ personification too much in an essay (just as you also have to be careful about the frequency of your similes and metaphors—too many can make your writing tedious or pretentious), one or ... Read more

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Metaphor

Joe Moxley — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 14:43:55 +0000

Metaphor is a figure of speech that identifies one thing with another. Metaphors do not use “like” or “as” but equate the two terms you are comparing. Effective metaphors capture your reader’s attention, and by creating strong, clear, interesting images, help the reader better understand and remember your point. Examples: The financial crisis in America ... Read more

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Vague Language

Joe Moxley — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 05:24:34 +0000

What is Vague Language? Ambiguous Language? Vague Language (aka Ambiguous Language) is Examples of vague language are Vague Language may also be called Related Concepts: Concrete Language, Sensory Language; Description; Given to New Contract; Reader-Based Prose Style; Register; Writer-Based Prose Why Does Vague Language Matter? Vagueness undermines interpretation. Readers, listeners, users . . . will ... Read more

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Word Form

Joe Moxley — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 06:10:13 +0000

What is Word Form? What is a wrong word form? Word Form refers to ways the form of a word in English conveys different meanings. 3 Common Word Form Examples: -s, -ing, -ed The third person singular verb in English has an -s on the end: “He sits on the bus, while I stand, and ... Read more

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Contractions

Joe Moxley — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 08:54:34 +0000

What are Contractions? Contractions are two words that are joined by an apostrophe. Examples: Writers, speakers, knowledge workers . . . cannot join any two words with an apostrophe. Instead, convention dictates that only a certain number of words can be joined as contractions. Wikipedia provides an exhaustive list of English contractions. Related Concepts: Diction; ... Read more

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