I USING PRECISE LANGUAGE: CONFIDENTLY SAYING
WHAT YOU MEAN
Use higher-level vocabulary
I have suggested that you not toss in “big” words in your essays that you don’t know. However,
you still need to show that you have a sophisticated vocabulary. Begin to use the words you are
learning from your word list in Chapter 9. If you never use a “big” word, your prose may sound
simplistic.
Use strong verbs
Avoid using “being verbs” or linking verbs, as they do not express action. Instead choose strong,
vivid action verbs. Your writing will be more powerful and more visual. When we write with
linking and being verbs, we rely too much on adjectives. Adjectives can be vague or ambiguous. See
the samples below.
