1 Word Choice and Precision Free Online FlashCards

What should guide a writer’s choice of words?

Choose words that match your intended meaning, tone, audience, and purpose.

When are specific words especially useful?

Prefer specific words when details matter, because they help readers picture what happened.

How can writing style vary by purpose?

A technical report may need plain, exact terms, while a story may benefit from sensory detail.

How should writers handle jargon?

Avoid jargon when readers may not know it; explain specialized terms that are necessary.

Why can near-synonyms be unsuitable substitutes?

Words with similar dictionary meanings can differ in tone or formality; choose the one that suits the situation.

How can writers prevent unclear pronoun references?

Make sure each pronoun clearly refers to a specific noun so readers know who or what it means.

Where should a descriptive phrase be placed?

Place a descriptive phrase near the word it modifies to make the sentence’s meaning clear.

How can a strong verb replace a vague construction?

Use a precise verb, such as “analyzed,” instead of a vague construction like “did an analysis.”

Why shouldn’t writers automatically vary repeated words?

Do not replace a repeated word automatically: a synonym may change the meaning or sound unnatural.

When is repeating a key term better than varying it?

Repeat a key term when doing so keeps the meaning clear; vary it only when the alternative is accurate and improves flow.

How can a long phrase be made more concise?

Replace a long phrase with a direct word when the shorter wording preserves the meaning, as in “due to the fact that” becoming “because.”

How can a noun phrase be made more direct?

Turn a noun phrase into a strong verb when possible; for example, “made a decision” can become “decided.”