Writers' Wednesday - "The Better Word" - tips from writers.com 12/09 newsletter

As Mark Twain said, "The difference between the right word and the nearly right word is the same as that between lightning and the lightning bug." Most problems of definition can be avoided by simply checking your ever-present-as-you-write-and-revise dictionary as to the precise meaning of a word. With free online dictionary sources, dictionaries built into software and even operating systems, checking is easier than ever.

But sometimes the choice is not so much the *right* word as the *better* word. Of course, in fiction we often have room for wordplay and even need "wrong choices" in our dialogue to make it sound authentic. But, in general, clarity is preferred. Here are a few tips (and examples) that may help you make decisions.

-- Short simple words work better than long fancy ones:
accomplish = do
component = part
facilitate = ease, help, make clearer
lengthy = long
utilization = use

 -- Familiar words work better than the less common or unfamiliar:
defalcate = embezzle
defenestrate = throw out the window
felodese (written as one word in article; felo de se or felo-de-se - see explanation in comments) = a suicide
jugal bone = cheek bone

-- Specific words are preffered over general words:
lower-tract discomfort = diarrhea
natural fertilizer = cow dung
several = six
vehicle = car

 -- Avoid overused and faddish words:
key = main, important
interface = work together, communicate
rationale = reason


NOTE FOR FICTION WRITERS:  there is an audience for general and heterosexual stories.  Self-promotion of your work is encouraged!