Writer's Vocabulary

This article will give you a few ideas that you can use to improve your writing.

Literal vs. Figurative Speech

Literal meaning/Literal language is the exact meaning of words. Figurative meaning/figurative language is something untrue that is said to make a point, a figure of speech used to make writing more interesting.

Idioms

An idiom is a figure of speech common to one language; a phrase that has a figurative meaning. It is fine to use in informal or fiction writing. Idioms should not be used in formal, nonfiction writing. Non-English speakers are not familiar with idioms like native speakers. All readers of your writing should be able to understand it.

Here are some common idioms to avoid:

Pull a fast one, do the honors, for the birds, cost an arm and a leg, caught a cold, ahead of time, drop mea line, and in the same boat.

Cliches

A cliché is an overused phrase, or idea, such as "Don't count your chickens before they're hatched." Avoid clichés as they make writing unclear. Use words that you really mean.

Common clichés to avoid:

"If you can't beat them, join them."

"Actions speak louder than words."

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder."

"The early bird catches the worm."

"Waste not, want not."

"Beggars can't be choosers."

"Look before you leap."

"You can't have your cake and eat it too."

"Like father, like son."

"A rolling stone gathers no moss."

"A picture is worth a thousand words. "

"Every cloud has a silver lining."

Imagery

Write vividly and creatively so that your readers can see what you are writing in their imaginations.

Similes and Metaphors

Similes use like or as to compare two unrelated things. A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a direct comparison. Both are used for color or emphasis in writing.

Symbolism

A symbol is a literal thing; place or happening in writing that has a figurative meaning used to add depth to writing.

Personification

Personification is giving inanimate object human qualities.

Sound Devices

Onomatopoeia is a word that sounds like the sounds they describe, such as buzz, pop, and fizz.

Alliteration is a sound device; the author starts every word in a phrase with the same consonant sound.

Assonance is another type of sound device; the author starts every word in a phrase starts with the same vowel sound.

Comparison & Contrast

To compare two objects or ideas, list reason why these things are the same. Use the strongest connection in your writing. To contrast, list reasons why the two things are different.

An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which contrasting terms are placed next to each other. (There was a deafening silence.)

Compare & contrast can be a great tool for character development. Use a point of contrast to show difference between two characters. Use comparison when they are similar.

Rhyme Schemes

A rhyme scheme is a pattern of rhyme used in a poem. There are different types of rhyme schemes.

A couplet has two lines of rhyming poetry.

A-b-a-b rhyme scheme occurs when there are four lines, and the first line rhymes with the third and second rhymes with the fourth.

Free verse is poetry without a set rhyme scheme.