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Sunday, March 20, 2011

"Concrete Language"

Prefer the specific to the general, the definite to the vague, the concrete to the abstract.

A period of unfavorable weather set in (Or) It rained every day for a week.
He showed satisfaction as he took possession of his well-earned reward.
(Or) He grinned as he pocketed the coin.

If those who have studied the art of writing are in accord on any one point, it is this: the surest way to arouse and hold the readers attention is by being specific, definite, and concrete. The greatest writers-Homer, Dante, Shakespeare-are effective largely because they deal in particulars and report the details that matter. Their words call up pictures. (Strunk & White)

Happy Writing,

Magdalena


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