What Is Diction? Learn 9 Different Types of Diction in Writing

Diction is the choice of words for the accurate, effective, and varied expression of thought and feeling in speech and writing.

While accepted usage varies from occasion to occasion, from one class of people to another, and according to differences in the locality, yet logic and good taste demand the observance and practice of certain standards of good usage in formal writing and speech.

The following suggestions were formulated in accordance with these standards.

1: Do not use archaic or obsolete words.

Archaic words are those peculiar to remote periods of time, such as thou for you, forsooth for indeed, etc. Obsolete words are those which have completely gone out of use. Most authorities do not condemn as obsolete any word used in a major literary work written since the Restoration (1660).

2: Never use vulgarism

Vulgarisms are words or expressions characteristic of illiteracy.

Examples: them flowers, where does he live at, to enthuse.

3: Avoid improprieties.

Improprieties are words or expressions correct in themselves but used either in an incorrect sense or in an incorrect function.

4: Do not use colloquialisms in formal speech or writing

Colloquialisms are words or expressions permissible in ordinary conversation or writing but not used in formal speech or writing.

Examples: Taxi, isn’t, pal, backbone for taxicab, is not, friend, courage.

5: Guard against affected or flowery language, too rigid adherence to bookish correctness, and straining for accuracy which sometimes causes awkwardness.

6: Guard against redundancy and tautology.

Redundancy is the use of grammatically superfluous words or phrases.

Examples: come down off of the fence.

Tautology is the repetition of synonymous words or expressions in close succession.

Examples: The day dawned clear and bright, without a cloud in the sky.

7: Idiomatic words and expressions are accepted as good form.

An idiomatic word or expression is one that is peculiar to a language and sanctioned by long usage, although sometimes in violation of the rules of grammar.

Examples: plan to go, at home, different from, as regards.

8: Use words that express the exact thought or feeling you wish to convey.

In addition to their literal meaning (connotation) beyond those of other words having the same literal definition.

Consult your dictionary for the literal meaning of the words you wish to use. If the meaning of that particular word does not completely express your thought, or if it is weak, trite, or overworked, look it up in your thesaurus and choose from its synonyms the one most suitable to your subject, the occasion, reader, or auditor.

9: Choose words having easy and pleasant combinations of sounds

The following suggestions will be found helpful:

• avoid placing in close succession words that rhyme.
• avoid the use of a too regular meter (singsong effect).
• avoid like sounds in close succession, especially sibilants.

Remember, finally, that the monotonous repetition of certain words and phrases, the habitual use of slang, and deliberate smartness in writing or speaking are usually indicative of a lazy mind!

Every effort made toward better diction will aid mental alertness, outline ideas more sharply, and freshen and strengthen the powers of expression ———- all of which make utilization of one’s intelligence a keen delight.