Importance of Word Choice

• Ela
• 9th Grade

Importance of Word Choice

According to Mark Twain, "The difference between the almost right word and the right word is a large matter. It's the different between the lightning bug and the lightning." What does he means?

Word Choice

When he speak, we have the opportunity to change, exaggerate, rush, amplify, or whisper our words. Writing, however, is different. The impact of our language depends on the specific words that we choose to use. 

Consider the word "walk." What visual does this word strike in your mind? What about "shuffle," "roam," or "parade?" How do these words convey a different mental image than walk?

Change one word in the following quote to change the tone without changing the meaning
"Cause if you liked it, then you should have put a ring on it."

Change one word in the following quote to change the tone without changing the meaning
"Houston, we have a problem."

"Life is like a camera. Focus on what's important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don't work out, take another shot."