1 Choosing Precise Words Free Online FlashCards

What makes a word choice useful?

A useful word conveys the intended meaning clearly and suits the audience; it does not have to be long or impressive.

What does concise writing do?

Concise writing keeps words that do useful work and removes or replaces words that do not. It is not simply writing as little as possible.

Why can vague words weaken writing?

Vague words can leave readers guessing about what the writer means.

What do concrete words help readers do?

Concrete words name things readers can picture or verify.

What do precise verbs clarify?

Precise verbs explain what happened.

What should limit the specificity of a statement?

Make a statement only as specific as your knowledge supports; do not invent details to sound precise.

How should you write when an exact number or cause is unknown?

Acknowledge what is unknown or use a suitably broad description rather than guessing.

What should guide word choice for a particular audience?

Consider what readers already know and what the writing needs to accomplish.

How should technical terms be handled for different audiences?

For general readers, explain unfamiliar terms or choose familiar alternatives; use accepted technical terms when they help specialist readers.

What does plain language prioritize over unnecessary jargon?

Plain language favors clarity and precision over unnecessary jargon.

What concise phrase can replace “made a decision”?

Use “decided.” It expresses the same meaning more directly.

Why might redundant wording hinder informational writing?

In ordinary informational writing, redundancy often slows readers without adding meaning, though it can sometimes provide emphasis.