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Powerful Words Make Powerful Writers

In order to be a truly skilled writer, you must be able to use powerful words. A powerful writer may not write novels or poetry. A powerful writer may write persuasive business letters, or legal briefs. A powerful writer may only write email and post on social networking sites, however their words will still carry meaning and weight. Many people lament the decline of the English language that has occurred with the rise of the internet and text messaging. For some reason, the internet has become a place where writing has devolved to a level more appropriate to that found in notes passed in an elementary school classroom. “my bff will b there, r u coming 2?” has become somewhat normal and understandable online. However, a person who demonstrates proper spelling and grammar and an excellent vocabulary will always be more respected online or off.

The English language is incredibly complex. Due to the mix of Anglo-Saxon, Latin, Greek, and French heritage, the language has many words that mean essentially the same thing. The many synonyms have caused words to take on subtle meanings and flavors. A writer has many different words to choose from, and the freedom to choose the word that has the exact meaning and context required. For example, the words “abscond,” “absquatulate,” “steal,” and “run away with” mean essentially the same thing. However, they are not fully interchangeable. A writer could choose any of these words in the sentence “I shall ________ with your plate of figs.” The word “steal” gives the sentence a fairly sinister connotation, while the phrase “run away” has a more playful meaning. The phrase “run away” makes the sentence simpler and brings the reading level down. The word “absquatulate” is archaic and sees limited use, so choosing this word will make the sentence excessively verbose and difficult. The word “abscond” gives the sentence exactly the correct playful meaning while keeping the sophisticated tone of the sentence.

Choosing the correct words can give a writer’s work power and tone. Powerful words also allow aspiring writers to improve their work through reading. Because reading and writing are so closely tied together, improvement in one area leads to improvement in the other. Reading progressively more sophisticated material will improve writing, vocabulary, and spelling skills.

Powerful words allow a writer to convey meaning, which is of ever-increasing importance in our text-based society. People often communicate with employers and clients solely through the written, or typed, word. Because written communication lacks facial expression and tone of voice, it can be difficult to convey the correct tone and meaning. This often leads to communication, as writers of email and messages do not always choose the best words to convey exactly how they feel. Powerful writers can convey the correct sentiment through words alone.