best vocabulary words for creative writing

400 Descriptive Words List to Make Your Writing Shine

Do you want to make your writing more engaging? Check out this descriptive words list with 400 words you can use today.

As you strive to be a more engaging writer, using  descriptive words  can help. It’s easy to overuse these words, but sprinkling them in here and there is a great way to colorize your writing.

Descriptive words are adjectives , which describe nouns and pronouns, or adverbs, which describe verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. Identifying and using these will help you write stronger pieces and descriptive essays .

This descriptive word list is a good place to start. It also pairs nicely with our list of mood words .

Descriptive Words List: 400 Words to Make Your Writing More Colorful

Example sentences using adjectives, common endings for adjectives, list of adverbs in english, example sentences using adverbs, a final word on descriptive words list, what are some good descriptive words, what words describe movement.

Descriptive words take writing from boring to engaging. Consider this sentence:

• She swam across the water.

While this tells you what is happening, it has little to help you imagine the scene. If you add some adjectives and adverbs and transform the statement to this:

• She swam speedily across the choppy water.

Now you have a better picture of what happened. In order to transform your writing in this way, you need a number of descriptive words at the ready, and this list of descriptive words will help.

List of Descriptive Adjectives in English

Adjectives are the most common type of descriptive words, so first we will look at these. These words describe features like shape, texture, color, and size. They help differentiate between items in a group by calling out distinguishing features.

In  English  grammar, you can use the following to describe nouns and pronouns:

• Adventurous
• Accomplished
• Comfortable
• Embellished
• Enthusiastic
• Everlasting
• Fashionable
• Intelligent
• Quarrelsome
• Querulous 
• Questionable
• Thoughtless
• Uninterested

This list is not exhaustive, and there are many synonyms and other words that could be added. In addition, all colors are considered adjectives and describing words . Nationalities, like American or English, can also fit this list.

As you work on creating descriptive writing, get used to using these and similar words. You might also find our list of pronouns useful.

To better understand how adjectives look in sentences, consider these examples:

• The fuzzy red fox jumped over the tall fence. (red, tall)
• We like to visit the beautiful forest (beautiful)
• The garden shed feels damp this morning. (garden, damp)
• The trip to Disney World was magical. (Magical)
• The beautiful bird sat on the rough branch and sang. (beautiful, rough)
• The woman is short, but her husband is tall. (short, tall)
• I prefer cold climates. (cold)
• The luxurious hotel included soft robes for each guest. (luxurious, soft, each)

Because listing all adjectives in the English language is impossible, knowing their endings is helpful, especially for ESL language learners. Some of the common endings for adjectives include:

If you see a word ending in one of these, and you know it isn’t a noun, chances are high it is an adjective.

The English language also uses adverbs to describe verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. These descriptive words show intensity, number, and extent. They often end in -ly.

• Accidentally
• Aggressively
• Apathetically
• Assertively
• Astronomically
• Beautifully
• Begrudgingly
• Blearily 
• Deceivingly
• Deliberately
• Differently
• Dramatically
• Emotionally
• Exceptionally
• Frightfully
• Frenetically
• Frivolously
• Hysterically
• Inquisitively
• Intelligently
• Impressively
• Ludicrously
• Methodically
• Mysteriously
• Neglectfully
• Obnoxiously
• Occasionally
• Pointlessly
• Significantly
• Splendidly 
• Substantially
• Technically
• Unexpectedly
• Victoriously
• Vitally 
• Vivaciously
• Voluntarily

Again, this is not an exhaustive list. As you learn to identify adverbs or use them in your writing, look for words that describe verbs and other descriptive words that end in -ly.

Editing tip: Sometimes adverbs can also serve as filler words that you can remove or use to slow down or speed up a piece.

To better understand how adverbs show up in sentences as descriptive words, consider these examples:

• The electric car drove so quietly we didn’t hear it coming. (so, quietly)
• My dog barked angrily at the intruder. (angrily)
• The girls sang beautifully. (beautifully)
• He swam across the pool quickly. (quickly)
• The box is surprisingly heavy for its size. (surprisingly) 
• The toddler walked very carefully across the slippery floor. (very, carefully)
• Language learning is incredibly easy for some students, and incredibly hard for others (incredibly)

As you learn how to become a better writer , descriptive language is a big part of the picture. Adjectives and adverbs are the parts of speech that allow you to describe other things vividly. While you can overuse them, they can add color and interest to your writing when used well.

Keep this list of descriptive words handy. When you have a need, pull it out and find one that fits your writing. Whether you’re writing a sentence, a short story, or an entire novel, you’ll find it easier to get descriptive when you have these words on hand.

Check Like this? Check out our list of sensory words .

FAQs on Descriptive Words List

Descriptive words are words that make something easier to identify by describing its characteristics. Some good words that fit this include: Bright Adventurous Jovial Charming Peaceful

Some descriptive words describe the movement of an object. These include: Swiftly Fluidly Gracefully Smoothly Disjointedly

Nicole Harms has been writing professionally since 2006. She specializes in education content and real estate writing but enjoys a wide gamut of topics. Her goal is to connect with the reader in an engaging, but informative way. Her work has been featured on USA Today, and she ghostwrites for many high-profile companies. As a former teacher, she is passionate about both research and grammar, giving her clients the quality they demand in today's online marketing world.

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500 Descriptive Words To Improve Your Writing

These  descriptive words  will help improve your writing. All these  describing words  are from my own personal notes. I’m an avid, and active, reader, and over the last couple of years I’ve jotted down the descriptive words that I pop out to me.

This list of descriptive words for writing was born from a desire to become enhance my vocabulary and become a better storyteller, and writer. Three things I care a lot about – just a  fun fact about me .

I’ve learned over time – and with many failures – that working with describing words on a page is akin to a potter at the molding wheel. And as writers, we use them to slowly shape our stories whether it’s writing about  driving around the world  or inspiring people to create their own list of  bucket list ideas .

The list is separated by  parts of speech ; You’ll find a list of adjectives, descriptive phrases, action verbs, and more.

At the end are some phrases I like, that I have read here or there over the years. Make sure to check out our  list of descriptive adjectives  as well.

I hope you use this  list of descriptive words , and phrases and garner inspiration to enhance your tales.

500 Describing Words to Improve Your Writing

“This is one of the best resources I’ve come across in a long time…”

Get our Descriptive Word Cheat Sheet for FREE . You’ll get immediate access to our PDF cheat sheet of Descriptive Words. A resource you won’t find elsewhere. Perfect for papers, writing and resumes!

1 – although.

“he was making headway, albeit rather slowly.”

1 – very typical of a certain kind of person or thing.

“the archetypal country doctor”

1 – without purpose or direction.

“Don’t live an aimless life.”

1 – To face or endure danger or pain; showing courage.

The brave healthcare workers are putting their life on the line.

1 – perplexed and confused; very puzzled.

“I had a bewildered look on my face”

1 – giving out or reflecting a lot of light; shining.

The sun was bright in his eyes.

2 – vivid and bold color.

The grass in Ireland is bright green.

1 – Bright or Radiant.

The brilliant light was blinding.

1 – Clever or Smart

He was a brilliant student. He always chose to use the right word.

1 – unlimited, infinite, or immense.

The boundless energy of the kid wore me out.

1 – socially unconventional in a way regarded as characteristic of creative

Running this  travel blog  has led me to live a boho life.

2 – woman’s fashion aesthetic is characterized by flowing print fabrics, layers of clothing, and costume jewelry such as long strings of beads, dangling earrings, and multiple bangles.

she went for the boho look in a floor-length green dress teamed with a fringed  jacket  and chandelier earrings.

1 – hurt by repeated blows or punishment.

he finished the day battered and bruised.

2 – damaged by age or used repeatedly.

I finished the day battered and bruised.

1 – a taste sensation that is peculiarly sharp or acrid.

The bitter fruit tasted terrible.

1 – lacking due thought or consideration

Zack Morris showed a blithe disregard for the rules.

2 – Happy or Lighthearted Character

Want to watch a blithe romantic comedy?

1 – having a blue tinge; somewhat blue.

The bluish tint of the water was stylish.

1 – Lost in deep sadness of thought.

The kid was brooding that his parents wouldn’t buy the toy.

1 – having the characteristic of a baby.

He acted babyish when he lost the game.

1 – not fake; or counterfeit

This is a bona fide masterpiece.

1 – lose or hanging.

My eyes are baggy after a red-eye flight.

1 – loved very dearly.

The teacher was beloved by his students.

1 – a low murmuring or humming sound.

The buzzing bee flew across the park.

1 – strong, or strongly built.

The burly bear was intimidating.

1 – having a lot of bounce.

The trampoline was extra bouncy.

2 – confident or having a jaunty rhythm.

The man was bouncy and full of life.

1 – very apt to stay afloat.

The pool floaty was extremely buoyant.

2 – cheerful.

The buoyant salesman was very charming.

1 – lacking plants or life.

The bleak desert was barren.

2 – Cold and Miserable Outlook.

After his divorce, he had a bleak outlook on life.

1 – expressing or marked by earnest entreaty or pleading.

The beseeching peasant feared for his life.

1 – having the taste of butter.

The buttery bread warmed the soul.

1 – having feelings or actions control or remaining calm.

Even though he was afraid he remained composed.

1 – caverns in either size, shape, or atmosphere.

The cavernous mansion stood empty.

2 – Giving the impression of dark and vast.

The cavernous eyes.

1 – a series of columns set at specific intervals, and supporting a roof.

The ancient marble colonnades are just one reason to explore the  best islands in Greece .

1 – free from worry or anxiety.

he was a carefree soul.

1 – having a rough texture; large grains.

The treated wood was coarse.

1 – anxious to protect or avoid potential danger or mishaps.

he was careful not to get into trouble.

1 – making or liable to make a harsh, high-pitched sound when being moved or when pressure or weight is applied.

“I climbed the creaky stairs”

1 – dirt free, unmarked, or have been washed.

the room was clean.

1 – having a wavy outline

The crenelated coast when  backpacking Thailand  is breathtaking. ..

1 – covered by clouds.

It was too cloudy to go hiking.

1 – present from birth.

“a congenital defect of the heart.”

1 – a striking array of colors.

The colorful painting lit up the room.

1 – rude language.

They didn’t allow the colorful speech to get past the sensors.

1 – Happy / Sprightly

He was chipper after getting  married in Sweden .

1 – rude shortness

The curt manager’s comments angered the waiter.

1 – confused

The chef was confounded by the dinner tickets.

1 – continuing occurrence

I suffer from chronic indigestion.

2 – present and encountered.

Chronic meddling always causes problems.

1 – relating to the community / Collective ownership.

The communal garden gives us great vegetables every year.

1 – huge in size, power, or stupendous.

The colossal rocks blocked the dusty path.

1 – pleasing

Chicago food  has some of the most delectable meals I’ve ever had.

1 – delicate

The dainty glass broke from the fall.

2 – tasty

The dainty sandwich was filling.

1 – untidy in appearance

Boys often have a disheveled room.

1 – devoted to a cause or purpose

Star Wars has dedicated fans.

2 – given a purpose

He has a dedicated server to protect his data.

1 – awarded or received marks of honor.

He was decorated with a medal for winning the race.

2 – furnished with something ornamental

A hallmark of the parade are the decorated floats.

1 – chosen but not yet installed

the ambassador designates the future assignments.

He has a designated server to protect his data.

1 – bright, brilliant, or showy, colorful, and impressive.

The dazzling fireworks were the highlight of the festival.

1 – eating food quickly.

The Lion is a devouring beast.

2 – destructively consuming/absorbing

Don’t let devouring loneliness defeat you.

1 – below / far from the surface

His joy was buried deep below the surface of an ocean of swirling emotions.

Deep-Pocketed 

1- Having a great deal of money; being wealthy.

The deep-pocketed businessman donated a large sum of money to the charity. 

Disagreeable 

1- Having a disposition that is not pleasant or agreeable; disagreeable behavior or remarks.

“I’m sorry I was so disagreeable earlier. I had a really bad day.” 

DILAPIDATED

1 – fallen into decay or deteriorated

The dilapidated home needed an intense amount of love and care.

1 – serving for ornamental decoration.

The decorative replica was made to be displayed. And invoked a strong emotion.

1 – moving from the common direction.

Do follow the popular path. Instead, go into the unknown, and discover your divergent path.

Compassionate 

1 – Showing concern and sympathy for others, especially those in distress.

When I saw the homeless man on the side of the road, I felt compassion for him and wished I could help him. 

Entertaining  

1 – A movie that is enjoyable and amusing.

The new comedy starring Melissa McCarthy was very entertaining. 

1 – hard to pin down, identify, or isolate.

They knew the elusive thief lurked nearby.

1 – enthusiastic joy

They were exuberant about their upcoming trip to some of the  most beautiful places in the world .

1 – vertical position

Few erect columns were peppered throughout the temple ruins.

1 – having the ability to expand.

The expansive landscape is seemingly never-ending.

1 – deriving style, ideas, and taste from a wide range of sources.

The eclectic mix of opinions caused an argument.

EXASPERATING

1 – cause a strong feeling of annoyance

The planes exasperating delay made everyone late.

1 – fully detailed or well planned.

The elaborate design of Bangkok’s royal palace is breathtaking.

1 – uttered, or emphasizing on.

The emphatic refusal helped them close the deal.

1 – productive / desired effects.

The efficient writer finished before the deadline.

2 – being involved or an immediate agent.

The efficient action helped make a change.

EVER-DEEPENING

1 – go deeper

He had an ever-deepening love for sports.

1 – thorough / all possibilities

The exhaustive to-do list was intimidating.

1 – seemingly without end

The endless forest instilled a mood of tranquility.

EXTRAVAGANT

1 – exceeding normal limits or excessively elaborate

The extravagant building is grand.

2 – extremely high in price

The extravagant purchase maxed out his credit card purchase.

1 – elegance

The elegant clothes belonged to the king.

1 – relating to or named after

The eponymous landscape outside Dingle is one of the  best places to visit in Ireland .

1 – relating to a celebration,  festival , or feast.

The festive dinner got a little out of hand.

1 – tinged with red in the face, from shame, heat, or physical exertion.

Caught in a lie, his face became flushed with embarrassment.

1 – very hot or passionate desire.

I have a fervent desire to explore the world.

FAST-MOVING

1 – moving quickly

The fast-moving current washed away our supplies.

FANTASTICAL

1 – based on fantasy

Game of Thrones takes place in a fantastical world, filled with dragons, and magic.

1 – unrestrained violence or brutality

The ferocious lion hunted his prey.

1 – having to do with the burial.

They found treasure in the Pharaoh’s funerary chamber.

1 – focused on something.

The dog was fixated on the squirrel.

1 – loving having fun.

The fun-loving locals love putting on their annual festival.

1 – covered with grass

The grassy knolls are stunning.

1 – a large number of

He had charm galore.

1 – repulsion, or inspiring horror.

The movie was too gruesome for me.

1 – possessing glory

When  backpacking New Zealand  you see glorious landscapes. 

Good-Looking 

1 – Very good-looking, or beautiful. Can be used to describe people, things, or places. For example, “She is a glorious sight in that dress.” 

1 – painful or distressing

It was a harrowing adventure filled with an unexpected twists, turns, and sacrifices.

1 – an unrestrained expression

I was greeted with a hearty welcome.

2 – wholesome or substantial

I enjoyed the hearty meal.

1 – relating to an herb

Those herbaceous florae were savory.

1 – alone

He was isolated during the exam.

INTOLERABLE

1 – not tolerable or unbearable

The intolerable noise kept me up all night.

1 – picturesque or pleasing

The idyllic Irish landscapes are some of the best in Europe.

1 – great in size or degree

Our immense Universe is without limits.

1 – extreme degree

The intense amount of work was overbearing.

1 – irk or tedious

Sometimes we all have to do Irksome tasks.

1 – prone to act, acting momentarily

To lose weight sometimes we have to deny our impulses for bad food.

1 – tempting

The inviting meal made my mouth water.

1 – existing in, or belonging to

The innate behavior of a child was to cause trouble.

1 – memorable or cannot be washed away or erased.

The indelible landscape means there are hundreds of  places to visit in the United States .

INFURIATING

1 – the feeling of extreme anger.

The infuriating delay at the airport made him miss his flight.

1 – spotless / extremely clean

Singapore is an immaculately clean country.

2 – having no flaw

The glass in Venice is immaculate.

1 – having many complex parts

Mona Lisa is an intricate painting. Making it the most famous in the world.

1 – belonging to the inside,

I great battles happen inside the interior of our minds.

1 – sprightly

he took a jaunty stroll through the park.

1 – having a disorienting effect

The jarring truth is that dreams without goals, remain dreams.

1 – ready, or in favor of

I am keen to go to the bar.

2 – sensitive perception

He had a keen nose.

1 – having lungs

The lunged fish swan in the pond.

1 – transparent or clear; Glasslike

The limpid waters in Thailand or famed around the world.

1 – expending or bestowing excess

The lavish palace of Versailles is one of the most popular  day trips from Paris .

1 – outlandish, or eccentric

Some ludicrous movies aren’t bad.

1 – filled with desire or lust

She was filled with lascivious thoughts.

1 – lack of interest, or energy

His listless attitude held him back in life.

1 – sad or lonely

Ah, the lonesome road, has many trails, but many rewards.

1 – highly significant, outstanding

The monumental task can be accomplished by taking little steps every day.

1 – expressing sadness

A melancholy nature will keep you stuck.

MERITORIOUS

1 – deserving reward or praise.

A meritorious life of service.

1 – intrusive or getting involved in

The meddlesome raccoon knocked over the trash can.

1 – Huge, exceedingly large

Many of the mammoth  caves in the United States  are worth visiting.

1 – existing today

Many modern-day advances give our lives ease.

1 – inferior in size or degree

The minor problems in life or nothing to sweat over –  life is too short .

1 – covered by mist.

The heavy air of the misty morning endowed the park with an eerie coolness.

1 – covered by mystery

The monk has a mysterious nature.

OUT-OF-PLACE

1 – not where it should be

The restaurant felt out of place.

1 – elaborate or excessively decorated

The ornate .ruins draw in visitors.

OUTSTANDING

1 – standing out

His outstanding skills put him in line for a promotion.

2 – unpaid

Outstanding bills can be stressful.

1 – lack of sharpness

His obtuse answer made no sense.

1 – lacking remembrance, or memory

Don’t be oblivious to the opportunities that life presents you.

1 – wealth, abundance

The opulent hotel is worth the price tag.

1 – characteristic of a person

His hot temper was peculiar.

2 – different from the normal

The book had a particular plot twist in the book.

1 – not spoiled, or corrupted

The pristine beaches had soft sand.

2 – earliest state

The pristine state of the forest

1 – a sense of peace

The peaceful forest instilled a peace of tranquility.

1 – argumentative quarrelsome

He has a pugnacious nature.

1 – mental and emotional state of fear

Don’t panic. Breathe and slow down.

1 – able to be passed

The currents were passable during the low tide.

1 – turning, a pivot

Taking my first trip to Ireland was a pivotal moment in my life.

1 – critical

It was a pivotal piece of the puzzle.

1 – polishing, smooth, glossy

Polish your writing before publishing the piece.

1 – by or in itself

That’s not the facts per se, but valuable to know.

1 – notably luxurious or rich

His plush life made him soft.

1 – elevated or arrogant

The pompous rhetoric is hurtful.

2- exhibiting an air of self-importance.

The pompous politician lost sight of his vision.

1 – extreme or severe

After rigorous training, he was ready to test himself.

Sidesplitting 

1 – When something is so funny that it causes one’s sides to split, it is side-splitting.

My mom’s joke was sidesplittingly funny.

1 – like thunder

The thunderous roar of the waves beating along the coast.

DESCRIPTIVE WORDS FOR WRITING: ACTION and Strong VERBS

These are some of the best words. They are great when wanting to show a clear meaning of a sentence or improve a short story.

1- regard something as being caused by.

I attribute my grammar skill to how many questions I ask.

1 – provide clear evidence; declare that something exist.

I attest that life is good

1 – make minor changes.

I had to amend your application before sending it in.

1 – regard (an object, quality, or person) with respect or warm approval.

I admire your commitment to learning the English Language.

1 – praise enthusiastically

I acclaimed actor won the best actor for his deep performance.

1 – achieve or complete successfully.

I accomplish my goals.

1 – increase in sound

They amplify the sound at the concert.

2 – make copies of something

The notes amplify that new evidence. ..

1 – change, or make changes too

They altered the rules of the game.

1 – (of a problem, opportunity, or situation) emerge; become apparent.

“a string of new difficulties have arisen “

2 – get or stand up.

“he arose at 5:30 to work out.”

1 – to clear out or save (Usually water from a boat)

They bailed him out of trouble.

1 – talk enthusiastically for a long time

Just one of the many  fun facts about me . Sometimes I like to babble about travel.

1 – to set upon

We were beset with locals trying to make a sale.

2 – to set with ornaments

The roses are beset with thrones.

1 – fail to give a true notion or impression of (something); disguise or contradict.

I newspaper story belied the facts.

2 – fail to fulfill or justify (a claim or expectation); betray.

The notebooks belie Darwin’s later recollection.

1 – hit repeatedly with blows.

He battered the broken car.

1 – become perplexed.

I was bewildered by the lack of work the team had done.

1 – bend the head or upper part of the body as a sign of respect, greeting, or shame.

It is common to bow in Asia.

2 – play (a stringed instrument or music) using a bow.

The techniques by which the pieces were bowed.

1 – think deeply about something that makes the person unhappy.

He brooded over his bad day.

1 – encourage or help

I need to boost my spirits.

2 – push from below

She needs to boost to master the English Language.

1 – cast a spell or enchant.

I was bewitched by the lush landscape.

1 – low murmuring or humming sound.

Flies buzz when they fly.

1 – lock with a bar that slides into a socket.

He bolted the door for protection.

2 – ran away quickly.

He bolted down the street.

1 – strike hard.

He bashed the wall in anger.

2 – criticize.

He bashed the smoking industry.

1 – break or burst

They bust the water balloon.

2 – lose something

He went bust at the poker table…

1 – squeeze together

Compress the laptop’s file to save space.

1 – to bring to an end.

The summit concluded with world peace.

2 – to reach a logical end or decision.

The magazine concludes that Rome is one of the  most beautiful cities in the world .

He concluded his college application with a question.

1 – unmarked, free dirt

He cleaned the room every other week.

1 – fall or hang in copious or luxuriant quantities.

“the cool water cascading down the waterfall.”

1 – decrease in size, number, or range.

“glass contracts as it cools.”

2 – become shorter and tighter to affect the movement of part of the body.

“The heart is a muscle that contracts about seventy times a minute”

1 – wind into rings

The sailor coiled the rope.

1 – to cover something

Massive trees canopied the small island.

1 – to form short bends or ripples / Wrinkle

Don’t crinkle my shirt.

2 – a think crackling sound

The crinkling bag woke up the dog.

1 – chuckle or laugh

He chortled with amusement.

2 – sing or chant

She chortled in her happiness.

1 – broken into small parts.

The  Greek Islands  are filled with crumbling ruins.

1 – beg or sponge

He cadges for a free cup of coffee.

1 – sharp, quick, repeated noises

The crackling fire.

1 – to dig and bring to light.

Don’t dredge up those painful memories.

1 – travel somewhere in a hurry

I dashed through the forest.

2 – strike, or destroy

The ship was dashed upon the rocks.

She dashed his spirits.

1 – cause (someone) to feel consternation and distress.

A deep  feeling  of dismay overtook the room.

1 – greatly astonish or amaze

I’m often dumbfounded after watching the task force meetings.

1 – eat / destroy / adsorb quickly

I want to devour the big meal.

2 – read eagerly

Amy always devours a good book.

1 – make (someone’s) clothes or hair messy.

Boris Johnson disheveled his hair before being on camera.

1 – to lessen the courage of

A lesser man would be daunted by this challenge.

1 – to set apart for a purpose. to distinguish as a class

We designate this room as the class lab.

2 – to point out a location

A marker designating where the trial starts.

1 – to feel aversion to (Offend)

His distaste for the joke was apparent.

1 – to dig

Suspicion led him to delve into his wife’s bag.

1 – to search for information

He delved into the past to find the problem.

1 – to get carried along (by water, air, etc)

The windy drift pushed the hot air balloon to the west.

1 – a pile of something in heaps

Snow drifts covered the landscape.

1 – to stray or move from a principle, standard, or topic.

Don’t deviate from your goals. Stayed focused even when life is tough.

1 – to cause annoyance or irritation

I hope you’re not exasperated by this list of descriptive words.

1 – Set up / to fix/put together in an upright position

The father and son erected the tree house.

1 – to become known,

Jane emerged from her travels a most well-rounded person.

1 – To make it ornamental or make it more attractive.

Frank embellished his life story to impress his date.

1 – to furnish / to provide with

I’m endowed with a  good sense of humor .

1 – allure or tempt

He was enticed by the smell of the chocolate.

1 – eliminate by wearing away surface

The rocks are effaced by wear and tear.

1 – rot slowly

Don’t let your anger fester about your tough English test.

1 – steal secretly

He filches the cookie from the jar.

1 – give a false appearance

The company feigned how bad his leg hurt.

1 – containing frescoes

The frescoed walls of the chapel inspired my love of art.

1 – to pass quickly or shift

The chortling birds flitted around the forest.

1 – to flow in an irregular current

The stream gurgling stream swept over the rocks.

2 – ta gurgling sound

The gurgling stream blocked the path.

1 – to gather,

Tim garnered his courage before presenting his  essay  to his teachers.

1 – move quickly

He hastened his journey home.

1 – lift or raise by tackle

Hoist the flag.

1 – lift or raise or pull

He heaved the trunk onto the oak table.

1 – a harmful or disquieting occurrence

The past mistakes haunted him.

2 – to visit often to seek the company of

I spend a lot of time haunting the bookstore.

1 – cross one with another.

The intertwined vines were impassable.

1 – place a body in a tomb or grave

The king was interred with all the honor due him.

1 – weave.

It’s dangerous to interweave lies and the truth.

1 – to make, irritated, or weary

He was irked trying to learn all the  English grammar  rules.

1 – endow or influence

He imbued the spirit of the old times.

INTERSPERSE

1 – spaced in intervals

The interspersed paintings covered the east wing.

1 – sharp uneven surface

The jagged mountains dotted the horizon.

1 – come into contact or pushing

The jostling crowd flooded to the door.

2 – vying for a position.

The workers began to jostle for the new job.

1 – expend or bestow

His lavish habits cost him a lot of money.

1 – slow parting

The effects lingered long after it was over.

1 – take a large shape or an impending occurrence

The  teacher  loomed over the  student  to make sure he wasn’t cheating.

1 – an area to stop

Lay-by the dock the ship tied up.

1 – utter barely audible sounds in a low voice.

He muttered to himself about his workload.

1 – hypnotizing

The mesmerizing beauty of the  best islands in Croatia  is not easily forgotten.

1 – settle snugly

A small town nestled among the mountains.

1 – grab or catch

He nabbed the best spot in the class for the  English lesson .

1 – a slow trickle, to seep out of something

The oozing gunk stained the floor.

1 – exiled

He was ostracized after his betrayal was made public.

1 – to peer through / to look furtively.

Don’t peek around the corner.

1 – to go deep into, or thrust into something.

I plunged into the task of self-development.

1 – landscape with a level surface, and little change

He wandered the plateau looking for his lost wallet.

1 – search for information.

His friend probed him with questions about the girl.

1 – sprinkled throughout

The olive trees peppered the Greek countryside.

1 – work laboriously

The book plodded along slowly.

1 – soaked in

The city was steeped in charm.

1 – a loud sharp noise

He shirked when he thought he saw a ghost.

1 – to spread without restraint

The sprawling landscape of the desert is one of the best  things to do in Tucson .

1 – fill with things or with satiety

He was stuffed after Thanksgiving dinner.

1 – feeling to do something (usually wrong)

He was tempted to eat the candy.

DESCRIPTIVE WORDS FOR WRITING: LIST OF ADVERBS

1 – Suddenly or Unexpectedly.

The car stopped abruptly.

2 – In a rude manner.

His mom abruptly cut him off.

3 – Steep

The hill ascends abruptly.

Apathetically 

1- Without enthusiasm or interest.

She played with the dog apathetically, barely looking at it. 

ADDITIONALLY

1 – extra factor or circumstance.

brokers finance themselves additionally by short-term borrowing.

2 – used to introduce a new fact or argument.

Additionally, the regulations require a clean environment.

ALTERNATELY

1 – one after the other or next

Alternately, don’t give up when things get hard.

Begrudgingly 

begrudgingly (adverb) – unwillingly; reluctantly 

I begrudgingly gave him my number.

 Deliberately 

1- done or planned with care and intention

The mother deliberately left the child in the car while she went into the store. 

 Dramatically 

1. in a dramatic manner

The actress dramatically read the lines from the script. 

EFFECTIVELY

1 – being effective or in effect

John effectively finished his to-do list before stopping for the day.

1 – evident or provide evidence

He was evidently born in Ohio.

1 – expert in something

He expertly navigated his way through the maze of alleyways.

Extraordinary 

1 – strikingly unusual or different; remarkable

This painting is extraordinary! 

FURTHERMORE

1 – what precedes

Furthermore, people should travel more.

1 – a gloomy or somber

He grimly walked to see his boos.

1 – a sinister character

The dark figure had a grimly stance that shadows seemed to cling to.

Inquisitively 

1- Inquisitively is defined as in a curious or questioning manner. 

Looking inquisitively at someone means looking at them in a way that suggests you want to know more about them. For example, you may be staring intently at their face as if you are trying to read their thoughts. 

Intelligently

1 – In an intelligent way

The mother cat was intelligently trying to get her kitten out from under the car. 

1 – to a great degree

The immensely talented writer self-published his book.

INTENTIONALLY

1 – intentional manner or awareness

He intentionally arrived at the airport early.

1 – intense

He intensely focused on the problem at hand.

IMPULSIVELY

1 – from impulse

He impulsively got up early every morning.

He invitingly offered me a free drink.

INFURIATINGLY

1 – extreme anger

Moving to my wife in Sweden is an infuriatingly slow process.

1 – born or existing in.

He innately loved filling his head with quotes about adventure.

1 – lasting or unforgettable cannot be removed.

The indelibly hued landscape when  backpacking Italy  changed my life.

INTRICATELY

1 – complex with many parts

The intricately designed plot has levels of detail.

1 – eager or intense

They are keenly attuned to your bad behavior.

1 – clear; glassiness

The limpidly rushing water of the cascading waterfall.

LUDICROUSLY

1 – meriting laughter or exaggeration

He ludicrously lost his wallet.

Synonym for Richly or Grandly

1 – marked by excess

The lavishly decorated crown marked him as king.

Methodically 

1 – In a precise and orderly way.

The scientist methodically recorded the data. 

MONUMENTALLY

1 – large, or to an extreme degree

He monumentally failed in his task.

1 – without doubt

The claims were patently false.

1 – peace or tranquility

he peacefully listened to the sounds of birds singing outside his window.

1 – strict

He rigorously worked at his craft every day.

ROMANTICALLY

1 – romantic

He was romantically involved with her.

DESCRIPTIVE WORDS FOR WRITING: NOUNS

1 – the process of absorbing.

The absorption of the spilled water.

2 – The whole occupation of the mind.

The absorption of my work overtakes every other desire.

1 – strong desire to do or to achieve something which takes hard work.

People trying to improve their skills with this list of descriptive words for  writing  have a lot of ambition.

2 – determination to achieve success.

life offers many opportunities for those with ambition.

1 – a large quantity of something.

I have an abundance of ambition.

2 – The condition of having a copious quantity of something; bountifulness.

The vineyard has an abundance of grapes.

1 – a person who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about an activity, subject, or pastime.

“He’s a wine aficionado.”

1 – a dark volcanic rock that displays a columnar structure and is made of fine-grained.

The fertile soil was made of decomposed basalt.

1 – something of monstrous size

That’s a behemoth-sized lion.

1 – a person who is socially unconventional in a way regarded as characteristic of creative artists; a bohemian.

The town bohos opened an art gallery.

1 – an increase

A boost in the economy.

1 – a room or pantry used for storing wine or hard liquor.

Can you grab the wine out of the buttery?

1 – a beer that has a strong hop taste; or liquor with the sharp taste of plant extracts.

What bitters do you have on tap?

1 – a combination of qualities of color, such as shape, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight.

“I was struck by her beauty .”

Synonym  for Rock or Stone

1 – a large rock, mostly worn smooth by years of erosion.

The boulder blocked the path.

1 – move quickly.

He buzzed through these descriptive words.

1 – Irish name for a beehive hut.

The ruins of a clochán sat on the other side of the field.

1 – a written or spoken agreement, especially one concerning employment, sales, or tenancy, that is intended to be enforceable by law.

“both parties must sign employment contracts “

1 – a mass of something that falls or hangs in copious or luxuriant quantities.

“A cascade of pink bougainvillea.”

2 – a large number or amount of something occurring or arriving in rapid succession.

“a cascade of antiwar literature”

1 – an ornamental decoration at the ridge of a roof or top of a wall or screen.

High on the roof was a cresting decoration.

1 – Someone who chips

The chipper was hard at working cutting down the tree.

1 – one delegated by a superior to execute a duty or an office

The commissary was tasked with finding a cure.

1 – a series of loops

The coil of pumps was confusing.

2 – everyday troubles

Sometimes we all need to shrug off the coils of the workday.

1 – any of an order (Coniferales) of mostly evergreen trees and shrubs having usually needle-shaped or scalelike leaves like pine, cones, and arillate fruit.

The group of conifer trees took over the forest.

1 – to create

Christians believe in the creation story.

1 – an agreement or promise / attached to someone or something

I have a commitment to my wife.

1 – a cover carried above by a person of rank / or a cloth suspended

The canopy covered the diners on the patio.

1 – a heap of stones in a heap. Usually a landmark or memorial. Typically on a hilltop or skyline.

The stony cairn marked the way back.

Characteristics

1- Colorful Having many different colors. The sunset was so colorful.

Loyalty is one of his best characteristics

1 – something to eat considered rare and luxurious

What is your favorite delicacy in Italy?

2 – the quality or state of being dainty of someone or something

Spiderwebs have a delicacy.

1 – to flow along

To drift through life is sad.

2 – an underlying meaning or design.

The spy understood the drift of his orders.

1 – dislike food or drink

Many have a distaste for mushrooms.

1 – representation in images or  describing words  depicting something or someone.

The depiction of the movie wasn’t congruent with the book.

1 – a deep place or state of being

The depths of our abilities remain unknown until we push for greatness.

1 – an arrangement, or state of being engaged

Social engagement took most of my day.

1 – a massive structure

The social edifice holds together certain rules.

plural noun

1 – city districts / or surroundings in your space or vicinity

The crystal environs of the waterfalls.

1 – a public showcase

The art exhibition was a success.

1 – a high position of superiority, Commanding or in a profession.

His eminence in the film made him a legend.

1 – refined taste, dignified gracefulness

The novel had an air of elegance and wit.

EXASPERATION

1 – a state of exasperated or exasperating someone/feeling irritation

He was exasperated after working all day.

1 – the act of representing a medium

I don’t understand the expression that artists are trying to achieve.

FOCAL POINT

1 – point of attention.

The focal point of this blog post is  describing words  that help others master descriptive  writing .

1 – an embarrassing mistake or error.

Interpreting someone is considered a social faux pas.

1 – the front of the building

The store’s facade was highly decorated.

1 – a false, or fake appearance

His friends saw through his thinly veiled facade.

A love this descriptive word.

1 – a boisterous and loud burst of laughter.

The joke caused a guffaw in the room.

1 – enthusiastic and filled with joy.

1 – a gloomy or somber outlook

He had a grim disposition on life.

The grim tale left me afraid.

1 – the quality or current state

The grandeur of ancient Rome inspired our world.

1 – grand

Many of the  best places to visit in Europe  are grand in design, scope, and scale.

1 – strong wind

The gust of wind caused the bike to tip over.

1 – an outburst of feeling

He had a gust of energy that came with the good news.

1 – either side of an arch.

The dog loves to have his back haunches scratched.

1 – a great number

A host of ants took over the picnic.

1 – something to indicate

He gave the indication that he was going to travel this summer.

1 – a stage or exception

In this instance, we all need to be quiet.

2 – example

For instance, pasta tastes better in Italy.

1 – inside limits or inner constitution

Travelers loved the lavish interior of the modern-day art gallery.

1 – limestone land or limestone plateau

The karst lands were filled with sinkholes and caverns.

1 – a plant organism made up of alge

Working the lichen spotted lake held a natural charm rarely found.

1 – machine for interlacing

Working the loom is hard and painful.

1 – soil made of silt, sand, and clay.

The loam ground was hard to walk.

LAUNDERETTE

1 – a self-service laundry

The launderette was packed with others.

1 – causing wonder and astonishment

Abu Simbel, in Egypt, is a marvel to behold.

1 – a great number of

This myriad  list  of descriptive words is very helpful – like our list of descriptive words for personality -.

1 – middle of the day

The midday meal made him want a nap.

1 – a single massive stone in a column or obelisk

Monoliths pepper the old landscape.

1 – a single massive stone in a column or obelisk from prehistoric origin.

The Menhir’s of Stonehenge tower over all who stand before it.

METROPOLITAN

1 – one who lives in a metropolis

The metropolitan knew the city backward and forwards.

1 – wealth and Abundance

The opulence of the Blue Mosque makes it one of the  best things to do in Turkey .

1 – of an unusual size

The outsize bed wouldn’t fit.

1 – a dirty slovenly place

Clean up this pigpen of a room.

1 – the quality of excitement or attractive

He was charming and had a large amount of pizzazz.

1 – an earnest entreaty

They plead for another helping of mashed potatoes.

1 – a bar something is hung on

The bird sat on the perch.

1 – a medical instrument for exploring

The doctor used a probe to discover what was wrong.

1 – a person despised or rejected

The thief was treated as a pariah.

1 – chasing after

Our pursuits define our lives.

1 – contradictory phases or conclusions.

Life is full of many a paradox.

1 – state of fear

Don’t panic about your writing . Just learn more descriptive words that will improve your writing.

1 – a close inspection; under a microscope

His paper was under a lot of scrutiny.

1 – riot or commotion

Tumult uprisings are a big part of history.

2 – loud noise

a tumult of noise kept me from sleeping.

1 – tiles

The tiling walls were stunning.

DESCRIPTIVE WORDS FOR WRITING: LIST OF PREPOSITIONS WITH DEFINITION

preposition

1 – surrounded by; in the middle of

He walked amid the rolling hills and lush landscape.

2 – in an atmosphere or against a background of.

Mid accusations of cheating the student were suspended.

DESCRIPTIVE WORDS FOR WRITING: DESCRIPTIVE PHRASES

Here are a lot of describing words that I’ve picked up from various books, and blog posts. I fell in love with this word list. And are great for adding detail.

Pro tip:  The  describing words  are all around you. Listen to how people use descriptive language in your favorite movies, tv shows, and podcast. Try to find describing words in the things you read. The  lesson  you are looking for and the right words are all around you! You just have to look for the lesson to find the best describing word.

ARID STEPPE

1 – one of the vast treeless tracts in Europe and Asia.

The arid steppe of Mongolia is famous around the world.

ATLANTIC SWELLS

1- Waves crashing on the coast.

The Atlantic swells crashed against the crenelated coast.

BROODING SUMMITS

1 – sad terrain, a  phrase to describe  mountain ranges.

The brooding summits, covered in clouds, look like a storm is coming.

BEHIND THE TIMES

1 – not aware of or using the latest ideas or techniques; out of date.

When it came to tech, he was behind the times.

CRYSTALLINE LAKES

1 – a good description to describe a still lake. Or a phrase lake on a nice day.

The crystalline lake boasted the perfect space to camp.

CRUMBLING CASTLES

1 – a castle falling apart.

Ireland’s peppered with crumbling castles.

CRESTING MOUNTAINS

1 – descriptive of a scenic mountain range.

The cresting mountains of New Zealand are unforgettable.

EVER- DEEPENING

1 – getting deeper

The ever-deepening snow made the terrain impassable.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The historical significance of Rome echoes even until today.

INFINITE HILLS

The infinite hills of New Zealand lure thousands of visitors a year. This is one of my favorite descriptive phrases.

ICY ROLLERS

1 – cold waves

The icy rollers of the Atlantic Ocean beat along the coast.

INDELIBLY WILD

The indelibly wild forest of Peru.

LUNAR-SCAPED

1 – landscape similar to that on the moon

The Lunar-scaped beaches on Milos, put it high on many travelers’  lists of Greek Islands  to visit.

LONG-FORGOTTEN

The long-forgotten castle has centuries of neglect.

A great  descriptive word  for the forest!

1 – covered by moss

The moss-clad rocks sat along the stream.

MODERN HIGH-RISE SKYSCRAPERS

The hundreds of workers wasted their lives in modern high-rise skyscrapers.

Descriptive Words for Food

1 – having a pleasing smell

1 – having a brittle texture and a dry, brittle sound when broken

Crunchy 

1 – having a brittle texture and a crisp, crackling sound when broken

1 – having a strong, satisfying flavor

1 – having a pleasing, sugary flavor

1 -having a sour, acidic taste

Salty 

1 – having a salty, savory flavor

1 – not having a strong or distinctive flavor

 1 – having a hot, pungent flavor

1 – having a lot of flavors 

1 – something that tastes extremely good 

1- providing the body with essential nutrients 

1 – making someone want to eat something 

Scrumptious

1 – extremely delicious and appetizing 

1 – a sweet liquid produced by flowers and used as a drink or in cooking 

1 – producing an excessive flow of saliva 

1 – of or relating to the sense of taste 

1 – arousing or tempting the appetite 

1 – having an extremely pleasing taste 

1 – delightfully beautiful or elegant 

1 – extremely luxurious and expensive 

Scintillating

1 – brilliantly sparkling 

1 – strikingly unusual or different 

1 – restoring or invigorating 

1 – promoting good health

1 – energetically alive and vigorous 

1 – pleasantly firm and fresh 

1 -full of juice 

1 – having a strong, distinctive taste 

Mouth-watering 

1- so delicious as to make the mouth water 

1 – easily broken or chewed and having a delicate, pleasing texture 

Descriptive Words for Trees

Words to describe trees is one of the most requested updates for this post. So I have updated the list with a bunch of tree descriptive words. I hope you enjoy it! 

• massive 
• towering 
• gigantic 
• enormous 

Descriptive Words in Spanish

• ágil – agile
• bello – beautiful
• brillante – brilliant
• cálido – warm
• claro – clear
• colorido – colorful
• cortés – courteous
• curioso – curious
• dulce – sweet
• enérgico – energetic
• fresco – fresh
• gentil – gentle
• inteligente – intelligent
• joven – young
• ligero – light
• lindo – pretty
• maduro – mature
• maravilloso – marvelous
• nervioso – nervous
• optimista – optimistic
• pacífico – peaceful
• perezoso – lazy
• romántico – romantic
• sensible – sensible
• serio – serious
• simpático – likable
• triste – sad
• vibrante – vibrant 

LIST OF DESCRIPTIVE ADJECTIVES

Here are some words to describe the positive qualities of people’s personalities. And using words like this to showcase a  personality  can connect those feeling with your readers.

affectionate – readily feeling or showing fondness or tenderness.

Agile – able to move quickly and easily.

Altruistic – showing a disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others; unselfish.

amiable – having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner.

bright – giving out or reflecting much light; shining. – A very common descriptive phrase.

Bonza – excellent; first-rate.

charming – very pleasant or attractive.

Conscientious – wishing to do one’s work or duty well and thoroughly

imaginative – having or showing creativity or inventiveness.

List of Common Adjectives

These are great for common adjectives that can be used for anything from a descriptive phrase, descriptive writing, or a cover letter. 

compassionate

distinguished

enthusiastic

fashionable

fascinating

independent

influential

intelligent

mesmerizing

WORD LIST OF ATTRIBUTIVE ADJECTIVES

What are attributive adjectives?

These are words to can be placed inside a sentence that can modify a person or a thing. These  different adjective  are only used before nouns.

Example Sentence:  The tender steak made my mouth water.

Heart-stopping

Too-yummy-to-be-believed

Face-to-face vicious

adjective for thick vines

• coiling, twisting, writhing
• constricting
• claustrophobic 

WORD LIST OF MULTIPLE ADJECTIVES

What are multiple adjectives?

Sometimes called paired adjectives. This is using more than one word to describe a noun.

Almost an adjective can be multiple adjectives if it can be paired together with other describing words to describe a noun. The key is to put them in the right order.

But here are some common ones.

Example Sentence:  The thick, dense college application seemed daunting.

Smart, energetic

Small, round

Short, Fast

Pretty Little

WHAT ARE COORDINATE ADJECTIVES

Similar to paired adjectives,  Coordinate adjectives

are two – or maybe even more – adjectives that describe the same noun. They are separated by a common.

LIST OF POSITIVE ADJECTIVES

Positive words are a great way to make your readers feel something about a character, place, or object. Positive words of descriptive are powerful.

Example: He was brave enough to use a new word to showcase his skill in front of the class.

Adventurous

Affectionate

Broadminded

Knowledgeable

Self-confident

Warmhearted

descriptive words starting with m

Magnificent.

impressively beautiful, elaborate or striking

Example: The view from the top of the mountain was simply magnificent.

given to unpredictable changes in mood or feelings

Example: He was in a moody state after his fight with his girlfriend.

Melancholic

feeling or expressing a deep sadness or gloominess

Example: The melancholic music helped me release my emotions.

Mischievous

Playful or causing trouble in a playful way Example: The mischievous child kept on playing pranks on his siblings.

difficult or impossible to understand or explain

Example: The disappearance of the man is still a mysterious case to this day.

having or showing impressive beauty or dignity

Example: The Taj Mahal is a majestic work of art.

having a smooth, rich, or full flavor or personality

Example: The mellow sound of the saxophone helped me relax.

relating to the present or recent times as opposed to the remote past

Example: The modern technology we have today has made life easier.

Magnanimous

generous or forgiving, especially towards a rival or less powerful person

Example: Despite losing the game, he still remained magnanimous and congratulated the winning team.

unassuming or moderate in size, quantity, or importance

Example: She is a modest person who never seeks attention.

Descriptive Words Starting With N

feeling or showing anxiety or worry.

Example: I’m nervous about my upcoming job interview.

having or showing high moral principles or ideals.

Example: He was a noble man who always put others before himself.

making a lot of sound, often in an unpleasant or disruptive way.

Example: The party next door was very noisy and kept us up all night.

existing or occurring as part of nature; not artificial or man-made.

Example: The park was a beautiful natural oasis in the middle of the city.

clean, orderly, and well-organized.

Example: His desk was always so neat and tidy.

pleasingly stylish or clever; neat or attractive.

Example: The nifty new gadget made my life easier.

quick and light in movement or action.

Example: The nimble cat easily caught the mouse.

feeling a sentimental longing for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.

Example: Looking at old family photos made her feel nostalgic for her childhood.

providing nourishment or food that is essential for health and growth.

Example: The salad was full of nutritious vegetables and healthy fats.

worthy of attention or notice; remarkable.

Example: His notable achievements in the field of science made him a household name.

descriptive words of a leader and Leadership Skills

Here are some great descriptive words that are great for describing effective leaders, passionate leaders, and other leadership qualities.  

Charismatic

Having a compelling charm or appeal that inspires devotion in others.

Example: His charismatic personality made him a great public speaker. And a successful leaders. 

having or showing a powerful imagination and the ability to think about or plan the future with wisdom or foresight.

Example: Steve Jobs was a visionary who revolutionized the technology industry. And held many leadership roles throughout his life. 

Feeling or showing self-assurance; having faith in oneself and one’s abilities.

Example: A confident leader can inspire confidence in others. Which makes him a true leader. 

Settling an issue; producing a definite result.

Example: A decisive leader is able to make tough decisions when necessary.

Having the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

Example: An empathetic leader is able to connect with and inspire their team. Which makes them effective leaders. 

Relating to the identification of long-term or overall aims and interests and the means of achieving them.

Example: A strategic leader is able to plan and execute successful business strategies.

Inspirational

providing inspiration or motivation to others; uplifting and motivating.

Example: An inspirational leader can inspire their team to achieve great things. And allows him to be a true leader. 

Trustworthy

deserving of trust or confidence; reliable.

Example: A trustworthy leader is one who can be relied upon to keep their promises.

able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.

Example: A resilient leader is able to bounce back from setbacks and continue to lead effectively.

having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s importance.

Example: A humble leader is able to put the needs of others ahead of their own and lead with integrity. And a true leader is humble, and it’s a sign of effective leadership. 

MORE ENGLISH GRAMMAR QUESTIONS WERE ANSWERED!

What are the different kinds of adjectives.

There are several kinds of adjectives, including descriptive adjectives, limiting adjectives, proper adjectives, demonstrative adjectives, interrogative adjectives, and distributive adjectives.

Descriptive adjectives describe the qualities of a noun or pronoun, such as “blue,” “soft,” or “happy.”

Limiting adjectives limit the noun or pronoun by indicating a specific quantity or amount, such as “two,” “many,” or “few.”

Proper adjectives are formed from proper nouns and describe a particular noun or pronoun, such as “American,” “Italian,” or “Shakespearean.”

Demonstrative adjectives point out or indicate which noun or pronoun is being referred to, such as “this,” “that,” “these,” or “those.”

Interrogative adjectives are used to ask questions and include “which,” “what,” and “whose.”

Distributive adjectives refer to individual members of a group, such as “each,” “every,” “either,” or “neither.”

What are Negative Adjectives?

Negative adjectives are adjectives that describe something negatively, or with a negative connotation. And indicating that it lacks or has the opposite of a positive quality. They can be used talk about a personality trait, character trait, and change your writing style. 

Examples of negative adjectives include “bad,” “ugly,” “harmful,” “horrible,” “unpleasant,” “unfortunate,” “unfriendly,” “unhappy,” “displeasing,” “unfair,” and “unsatisfactory.”

These adjectives can be used to express criticism, disapproval, or disappointment towards someone or something. Negative adjectives can also be used to contrast one thing with another, such as in phrases like “less beautiful,” “not as smart,” or “less effective.”

positive personality adjectives

• Affable – friendly, easy-going and pleasant to talk to
• Ambitious – determined to succeed and reach goals
• Assertive – confident and self-assured; able to stand up for oneself and one’s beliefs
• Authentic – genuine and true to oneself; not fake or artificial
• Benevolent – kind, caring and generous, with a desire to do good for others
• Brave – courageous, not afraid to face challenges or danger
• Charismatic – possessing a compelling charm or appeal that inspires devotion in others
• Compassionate – empathetic, caring and understanding towards others who are suffering
• Confident – having faith in oneself and one’s abilities; self-assured
• Creative – imaginative, original and innovative
• Diplomatic – able to handle delicate or difficult situations with tact and sensitivity
• Empathetic – having the ability to understand and share the feelings of others
• Enthusiastic – passionate, energetic and eager to do things
• Gracious – courteous, kind and polite
• Honest – truthful and sincere; not deceptive or deceitful
• Humorous – having a sense of humor and able to make others laugh
• Independent – self-sufficient and able to take care of oneself
• Intuitive – able to understand or know something instinctively, without the need for conscious reasoning
• Optimistic – hopeful and positive, expecting good outcomes and opportunities
• Passionate – having strong emotions and intense feelings towards something or someone.

WHAT IS A PRESENT PARTICIPLE?

A word formed from a verb that ends in ing.

Sentence: He couldn’t stop laughing.

What is a Pronoun?

Pronouns are words that replace a noun.

A word formed from a verb that ends in  ing.

Sentence: He couldn’t stop  laughing.

What is a Collective Noun?

A collective noun is a word that refers to a group of things or animals as a single unit. Some common collective nouns are flock, herd, pack, and swarm. 

What is a Prepositional Phrase?

A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or a pronoun. The preposition shows the relationship between the noun or pronoun and the verb. 

 What are Some Popular Synonyms?

Some popular synonyms are beautiful, pretty, handsome, and stunning. 

What are Transition Words

Transition words are used to connect ideas, show relationships between ideas, and indicate the logic of thought or argument. They are used to signal the start and end of paragraphs, introduce new paragraphs, and connect related thoughts within a paragraph. 

There we go! Over 500 descriptive words that will help you improve your writing! This list is always being updated as I find new  describing words  I like through reading and writing. Becoming a good writer and increasing your  skill , and learning  a new word  is an endless quest. These are great words that can improve your follow-up comments or inline feedback on your writing.

And I hope that you found the list of adjectives, nouns, descriptive phrases, and verbs useful. And helps you get a little better and expand your  vocabulary.

Check back for new  descriptive words  monthly!

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How to Use Vocabulary in Creative Writing to Make Brilliant Stories

If you want to be a writer or really like writing, it’s important to know that vocabulary in creative writing is very important – as it can help you be the best writer you can be.

Creative writing is the way for people to express themselves and share their imaginative stories with others. It doesn’t follow regular writing rules, so it allows writers to create stories, poems, and essays that deeply connect with the readers’ emotions. When you are writing in a creative approach, it is very important to have a large and strong set of words that you know and understand well. This allows you to express your thoughts clearly, create strong mental pictures, and provoke feelings in your readers’ mind.

With Vocavive App , we have been helping students learn and master a strong collection of important English vocabulary. Having this kind of collection of a wide range of words helps writers express their ideas clearly and genuinely, making their creative ideas come alive on paper.

In this article, we will further discuss the words that can greatly help you to create a well-crafted story. We will give you helpful advice and tips to improve your writing skills – which includes choosing the right words, avoiding using the same words too much, and using good transitions.

Let’s get started?

Exploring the Significance of Vocabulary in Creative Writing

Creative writing is incredibly important because it lets us express ourselves and connect with others. It allows us to unleash our imagination, share personal stories, and evoke emotions in readers. The best kind of Creative writings have a great storytelling . They are full of rich expressions that take the reader through a journey.

Now, when it comes to writing effectively, having a good vocabulary is vital. Why?

A wide range of words helps us to convey our thoughts, emotions, and visuals in the best possible way. The work gets easier for the writer. But is it only that?

It also enables us to create vivid imagery in readers’ minds, develop intriguing characters, and construct realistic worlds. Numerous research studies have demonstrated this link between a strong vocabulary and writing proficiency. Research conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) reveals that a larger vocabulary enhances the quality and complexity of writing. When we know and use a variety of words, our writing becomes more creative, clear, and profound.

Another study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that students with an extensive vocabulary tend to produce more engaging and captivating stories.

Overused Words That Will Make Your Writing Sound Weak

Using a variety of words is important when writing creatively. However, we should try not to use words and phrases which have been used too much in creative writing. We might use those words thinking it will improve the richness, when in fact, it can do the opposite. Those commonly used and overused words can make our writing sound boring and unoriginal.

Let’s look at a list of commonly used words that we should be careful not to use too much.

• Awesome – The word “awesome” is used too much and doesn’t give enough details to describe something impressive or remarkable.
• Beautiful – A word that is often used without giving any specific details or personal viewpoints.
• Brilliant – The word “brilliant” is often used to say something is really good or smart, but it might sound overused.
• Cool – An informal word that many people use a lot, but it doesn’t give a clear meaning anymore.
• Cute – Often used to describe something charming or appealing, but it can be used too much and become unoriginal.
• Different – Different is a word that is commonly used to describe something but doesn’t give much information or understanding about it.
• Simple – Simple things are repeated too much and don’t have much meaning, so they don’t show all the details or difficulties involved.
• Great – A word that is often used but it doesn’t provide many details and can be unoriginal.
• Nice – A word that is used too much and doesn’t have enough clear details to describe something well.
• Really – Often used as a word that doesn’t have much meaning and doesn’t make things clearer or more important.
• Amazing – Often used without giving details or showing the real specialness of something.
• Surprising – Used too much and doesn’t have a strong effect because people use it to describe things that happen or experiences that they have frequently.
• Breathtaking – It has been used so much that it lost some of its power and impact.
• Difficult – Often used without giving specific details or explanations about the difficulties being talked about.
• Compelling – Means when something is persuasive or captivating, but it is often used too much and lacks originality.
• Important – Often used to highlight significance without giving different viewpoints or specific details.
• Dramatic – Often used to describe something intense or powerful, but can be unoriginal.
• Effective – Effective is a word we use a lot but it doesn’t tell us much and doesn’t give us any new or special information about what we’re talking about.
• Encouraging – Means giving support or motivation, but it is often used without giving examples or details to explain why it is encouraging.
• Exciting – A word that people use too much, and it’s not very specific in describing the real nature or specialness of an exciting experience or event.
• Fabulous – Frequently used to describe something exceptional or marvelous, but its frequent usage has diminished its impact.
• Fantastic – Often employed as a generic term to convey excitement or positivity, but can lack specificity and originality.
• Fascinating – A common choice to describe something intriguing or captivating, but its frequent usage can make it sound clichéd.
• Fortunate – Frequently used without providing unique details or perspectives on the nature of the good fortune.
• Genius – Overused to describe exceptional intelligence or talent, but its frequent use can diminish its impact.
• Helpful – A commonly used term that lacks specificity, failing to convey the specific ways in which something or someone is helpful.
• Incredible – Often used generically to express disbelief or awe, but its frequent usage can dilute its impact.
• Inspiring – Frequently used to describe something that motivates or encourages, but can sound clichéd without offering specific examples.
• Interesting – A generic term used to convey engagement or curiosity, but its overuse can make it sound unoriginal.
• Magnificent – Frequently used to describe something grand or impressive, but its frequent usage can lessen its impact.
• Memorable – Often used without providing specific details or insights into what makes something truly memorable.
• Outstanding – A common descriptor for excellence, but its overuse can make it sound less impactful or unique.
• Powerful – Frequently used to convey strength or influence, but its frequent usage can make it lose some of its impact.
• Remarkable – Often used to describe something extraordinary or noteworthy, but its frequent usage can diminish its impact.
• Significant – A frequently used term to express importance or meaning, but its overuse can make it sound clichéd.
• Spectacular – Often used to describe something visually stunning or impressive, but its frequent usage can make it lose impact.
• Striking – Frequently used to describe something visually or emotionally impactful, but its overuse can diminish its effect.
• Substantial – A common term used to convey importance or size, but its overuse can make it sound generic or lacking in specificity.
• Successful – Often used without providing specific criteria or context for defining success.
• Surprising – Frequently used to convey unexpectedness, but its overuse can make it sound less impactful or genuine.
• Terrific – A commonly used term to express enthusiasm or positivity, but its frequent usage can make it sound clichéd.
• Unique – Often used to describe something one-of-a-kind or distinct, but its frequent usage can diminish its impact.
• Valuable – Frequently used to express worth or importance, but its overuse can make it sound less impactful or specific.
• Vivid – A commonly used term to describe something vibrant or intense, but its frequent usage can make it sound unoriginal.
• Wonderful – Often employed as a generic term to convey delight or positivity, but its frequent usage can diminish its impact.
• Worthwhile – Frequently used to express value or significance, but its overuse can make it sound less impactful or meaningful.

Use these 14 Types of Transition Vocabulary In Creative Writing

Effective transitions help connect ideas and make it easier for readers to follow along with the story or information. By using connecting words and phrases, writers often make their work easier to understand and flow better. Here are the Transition Words and Phrases you should keep in your volt.

Addition: again, also, besides, too, furthermore, moreover, in addition, first, second, third, next, lastly

Contrast: but, however, nevertheless, on the other hand, conversely, yet, although, even though, while, whereas

Comparison: similarly, likewise, in the same way, as, just as, than, like

Cause and Effect: because, therefore, thus, hence, as a result, consequently, so, for this reason, due to

Time: after, before, during, since, then, when, while, afterwards, next, finally, initially

Sequence: first, second, third, next, then, afterward, finally, to begin with, to start with

Emphasis: indeed, in fact, certainly, of course, truly, really, definitely, undoubtedly

Restatement: in other words, to put it another way, that is, as I said, in short

Clarification: to be more specific, to clarify, in other words, that is to say

Summarization: in summary, to sum up, all in all, in conclusion, to conclude

Example: for example, for instance, to illustrate, as an illustration, as shown

Concession: admittedly, it is true that, I agree that, I grant that, I will admit that

Refutation: however, on the contrary, yet, still, nevertheless, in spite of

Concluding Remarks: to conclude, in conclusion, in summary, to sum up, all in all

Question: How do I Use These Transition Words to Create a More Compelling Read?

To make your paragraphs flow better, it’s important to keep a few practical tips around you that connect your ideas smoothly. First, think carefully about how to move smoothly from one idea to another in your writing. Plan out the order that makes the most sense for your thoughts.

By doing this, you can find out where you need to use transition words and phrases to help readers understand how ideas are connected. Try out different connectors like “also,” “however,” or “likewise,” to keep your readers interested and add some variety to your writing.

Make sure to think about the situation and what you want to say when you write. Choose words that clearly show how your ideas connect to each other. It’s important to put transitions in the right places in sentences to make sure the writing flows smoothly and makes sense. You can put them at the start, in the middle, or at the end of sentences.

Vocabulary Gems to Dazzle Your Teacher in Essay Writing

As students, we often find ourselves striving to impress our teachers with well-crafted answer scripts. Beyond accurate content, an impressive essay demands the strategic use of vocabulary to showcase our language prowess and command over the subject matter. Let’s take a look at it with an example.

Before Using Vocabulary:

Imagine you are writing an essay about the American Revolution. In the fayirst scenario where there is no vocabulary, your essay may read like this –

“The American Revolution was a significant event in history. The colonists fought against British rule for their freedom.”

After Using Vocabulary:

Now, let’s see the same essay with an improved vocabulary usage –

“The American Revolution stands as a pivotal milestone in history, epitomizing the relentless spirit of the colonists who valiantly waged a battle for their emancipation from British dominion .”

Which one do you think has more richness?

See, the “after” scenario here elevates the description of the American Revolution by incorporating words like “pivotal milestone,” “relentless spirit,” and “valiantly waged a battle.”

Your classroom might have 20+ students. To stand out from the general crowd, you can use vocabulary like these. It not only demonstrates a more nuanced understanding of the said topic, but it also brilliantly captures the attention of the reader, including your teacher. She might feel more convinced to give you an A.

How to use specific words, descriptive language, and figurative language in creative writing

When describing emotions, shy away from simplistic and overused terms, such as “happy” or “sad”, or “very important”. Instead, try to opt for colorful alternatives that bring your characters’ feelings to life. For instance, rather than stating “The boy was happy,” say “The boy was grinning ear to ear, his eyes twinkling with excitement.” Such descriptions allow your readers to experience the joy alongside the character.

You also need to pay attention to employing descriptive language that adds depth and color to your writing. For example, replace mundane phrases like “The sky was blue” with a more captivating expression. It could be “The sky was a brilliant azure blue, stretching out like a vast ocean.” When you are using such rich language, your readers can feel as though they’re witnessing the scene firsthand.

Coming to figurative language, utilize similes, metaphors, and personification. This will leave a lasting impact on your audience who want to enjoy and feel connected to your story. For example, if you had to merely write an expression such as “The boy was strong” – you could very well say “The boy was as strong as an ox.” When this is done, the comparison to “an ox” not only conveys strength but also makes the description more memorable for the reader.

In Conclusion

In your journey as a budding writer, remember that mastering vocabulary in creative writing is not just a skill but a powerful tool for self-expression and captivating your readers. It is a skill that is essential for any writer, but it is especially important for creative writers. When you have a wide vocabulary, you have a wider range of tools to express yourself and bring your stories to life. You can use more precise language to describe your characters, settings, and events.

So don’t be afraid to experiment with new words. The more you use them, the more comfortable you will become with them, and the better your writing will be.

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10 Beautiful Words You Can Use in Narrative / Descriptive Writing | Secondary School

• Posted By blog-user

Have you ever asked yourself: what makes a word beautiful? Is it because of what it means or the way it sounds? According to British linguist David Crystal in his article titled, “Phonaesthetically Speaking”, we tend to love words that have three or more syllables and include letters that we enjoy enunciating like “ m ” and “ l ”. Simply put, beautiful words are lovely to read and sound pleasant to our ears.

For Secondary English students, such charming words with positive connotations can be used to bedazzle your reader. Let’s explore ten beautiful words which not only sound great but will also be useful in painting vivid pictures for your examiners (especially for narrative and descriptive writing). With the examples provided below, try coming up with your own sentences to use these words! (:

1. Compelling (adj.)

Meaning: (something e.g. a reason, argument) that makes you pay attention to it because it is interesting and exciting

Synonym: enthralling, captivating, gripping

Sentence examples:

I found it hard to look away from his compelling eyes that seemed to ask me to inch closer. It was such a compelling story that I ended up reading the entire book in one sitting.

2. Effervescent (adj.)

Meaning: (of people and their behaviour) excited, enthusiastic and full of energy

Synonym: vivacious, animated, bubbly

She has a warm effervescent personality that made her easy to get along with. The effervescent host spoke with infectious energy and was able to bring a smile to not only the contestants on the show, but also the audience at home.

3. Euphonious (adj.)

Meaning: (of a sound, especially speech) pleasing to the ear

Synonym: pleasant-sounding, sweet-sounding, honeyed

The euphonious chimes of the bell lulled the baby to sleep. Her euphonious tone made her sound like an angel and I was immediately all ears to what she was explaining.

4. Evocative (adj.)

Meaning: bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind

Synonym: reminiscent, suggestive

The writer uses descriptive vocabulary to paint evocative images, moving his readers to tears. The evocative music that she often heard as a child in her grandparents’ house made her miss them dearly.

5. Halcyon (adj.)

Meaning: denoting a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful

Synonym: happy, carefree, blissful

My grandmother would often recall the halcyon days of the past when her grocery store business boomed and she was healthy and free to do what she liked. The halcyon summer holidays where we could play outdoors freely in groups without our masks are long gone.

6. Lissom (adj.)

Meaning: (of a person or their body) thin, supple, and graceful

Synonym: lithe, elegant, svelte

The lissom dancer mesmerised the audience as she swayed to the music. Perry grew up with horses and always admired how graceful they looked trotting around the stables with their lissom bodies.

7. Resplendent (adj.)

Meaning: very bright, attractive and impressive in appearance

Synonym: splendid, magnificent, brilliant

Dressed in resplendent costumes, the children created a beautiful rainbow of colours on the stage. During the Singapore Night Festival in 2019, a resplendent underwater scene full of marine animals was projected onto the building of the National Museum of Singapore.

8. Redolent (adj.)

Meaning: having a strong pleasant smell

Synonym: aromatic, perfumed

Although my mother had left for work, the entire house was redolent with the fragrance of her perfume. The kitchen was redolent with the aroma of freshly baked bread, making my mouth water.

9. Serendipitous (adj.)

Meaning: occurring or discovered by chance in a happy or beneficial way

Synonym: coincidental, lucky

The serendipitous encounter with my primary school classmate after not seeing him for two years led to an enjoyable chat about our shared experience. The scientists made a serendipitous discovery which could lead them to the cure for cancer.

10. Sublime (adj.)

Meaning: of great excellence or beauty

Synonym: outstanding, grand, majestic, stellar

The Great Barrier Reef is known for its sublime natural seascape full of unique marine life and vibrantly coloured corals. Having devoured the delectable food, we complimented the chef for the sublime meal.

Were you able to come up with your own examples to use the beautiful words in your narrative writing as you were reading this post? Feel free to look them up in a dictionary to familiarise yourself with more contexts where you can use these charming words appropriately.

I hope you would use these beautiful words in your narrative writing. Go forth and apply the new knowledge you have acquired to impress your readers. See you in future posts!

Ms. Hui Jun

As a teacher, Ms Hui Jun is driven to create a safe conducive space for learning in her classroom. To achieve this, she makes an effort to build rapport with her students so that they are unafraid to ask questions when in doubt. With an aim for her students to grow from every lesson, she encourages them to reflect on their learning and find ways to connect them to real life application. With this, she hopes to stretch the young minds of all her pupils and to equip them with the language skills necessary in our world today.

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Helping Writers Become Authors

Write your best story. Change your life. Astound the world.

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• Story Structure Database
• Outlining Your Novel
• Story Structure
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The Ultimate Glossary of Writing Terms

I still clearly remember the day I learned what “WIP” meant. I was a newbie on a writing forum, and everybody was using special writing terms like “WIP.” It got to the point where I wanted to scream: What’s a WIP? And why don’t I get one tooooooo? Then I googled it. Oh. Work-in-progress. That’s what it means. Of course.

As with any specialized occupation, writing comes complete with an equally specialized lexicon. Nowadays, I take for granted terms like “WIP,” “MC,” “ deus ex machin a,” and “head hopping.” But there was a day when all I could do was slack my mouth and glaze out in confusion.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt this way.

Introducing the Ultimate Glossary of Writing Terms

Action beat.

A description of the actions (gestures, facial expressions, or even thoughts) that accompany a speaking character’s words. An action beat should be included in the same paragraph as the dialogue as an indication that the person performing the action is also the person speaking.

For further study:

• Action Beats

Active Voice

The opposite of passive voice.

Active Voice:  Beautiful giraffes roam the Savannah.

Passive Voice: The Savannah is roamed by beautiful giraffes.

In active voice, the person or thing performing the action serves as the subject of the sentence. In passive voice, the subject is the person or thing being acted upon . In linguistics, the actor in a sentence is called the “agent,” and the passive receiver of action is called the “patient.” These are independent of “subject” and “object,” but which is which determines the voice of the verb.

• Active Voice vs. Passive Voice: How to Use Both to Get the Most Out of Your Writing

Alliteration

A stylistic literary device identified by the repeated sound of the first consonant in a series of multiple words, or the repetition of the same sounds at the beginning of words or in stressed syllables of a phrase.

Example: P eter P iper p icked a p eck of p ickled p eppers.

For further study

• 4 Tricks for Picking the Perfect Word

Alpha Reader

An alpha reader is among the first to read a completed manuscript (MS) or work-in-progress (WIP) and is usually a close friend of the writer. The role of the alpha reader is to provide cheerleader-like support and encouragement rather than constructive criticism.

See also:  Beta Reader

• Is Now the Time for an Alpha Reader?

A person (or force) standing in opposition to the protagonist.

• How to Choose the Right Antagonist for Your Story
• How to Write Multiple Antagonists
• Evil, Insane, Envious, and Ethical: The Four Major Types of Antagonists

Antagonistic Force

Whatever is standing in opposition to the protagonist’s goal. Could be a human, but could also be an inanimate obstacle.

• What if Your Antagonist Isn’t a Person?
• The Pixar Way to Think About Story Conflict

A protagonist who lacks conventional heroic qualities such as idealism, courage, and morality. These individuals often possess dark personality traits such as disagreeableness, dishonesty, and aggressiveness.

Examples: Captain Mal in Firefly or Holden in  The Catcher in the Rye .

• 4 Ways to Make Your Antihero Deliciously Irresistible

A “type” of character, which is commonly repeated across literature.

Examples: The Mentor, the Magician, etc.

• 8 ½ Character Archetypes You Should Be Writing
• Three Character Archetypes in Fiction

“As you know, Bob…” A method of dumping exposition through dialogue, infamous for its awkwardness and lack of realism. It involves an otherwise unnecessary conversation between two characters that the author forces on them solely to inform readers of what the characters both already know. Writers often choose this technique to reveal important background information without taking readers out of the story, but it usually works against them by taking the characters out of the story instead.

• The Sneaky Secret Life of “As You Know, Bob…”

Back Matter

The additional parts of a book, appearing after the main body of the text (i.e., acknowledgements, historical notes, explanatory notes, end notes, an afterword, index, bibliographies, and appendixes). Also called End Matter.

Information about past events or thoughts that shaped the characters or story world.

• Backstory: The Importance of What Isn’t Told
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• The Only Rule About Backstory That Matters
• When Not to Tell Your Character’s Backstory

An important event or turning point within a story.

• The Units of Story: The Beat

Beta Reader

Beta readers provide feedback during the writing and/or editing process. They are not explicitly proofreaders or editors, but can serve in that context. Elements highlighted by beta readers encompass things such as plot holes, continuity problems, characterization, and believability. The beta might also assist the author with fact-checking.

For further study :

• A Quick Guide to Beta Reader Etiquette
• 15 Places to Find Your Next Beta Reader
• Relax! Beta Readers Aren’t Scary: Here Are 3 Truths About Them

Black Moment/Low Moment

The part of the story when everything looks hopeless and the situation is at its lowest point. Usually coincides with the Third Plot Point.

• How to Figure Out the Worst Thing That Can Happen to Your Character
• Creating Stunning Character Arcs, Pt. 12: The Third Plot Point
• The Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 9: The Third Act

A short summary of what the book is about, meant to hook the reader.

• How to Write a Book Blurb That Sells

Burly Detective Syndrome

Frequently referring to a character by a description (“the burly detective”), usually out of fear of overusing the character’s name or pronoun (see Stutter).

• Most Common Writing Mistake: Referencing Characters by Title Rather Than Name

The name of the author printed at the head of the article or on the cover of the book.

Character Arc

The personal/inner transformation the protagonist undergoes over the course of the story. Usually, the character learns something through the main conflict in order to become a better person by the story’s end.

For further study: 

• How to Write Character Arcs

Chekhov’s Gun

This is a dramatic principle that requires every single element within a story to be necessary and irreplaceable. The term was coined when Anton Chekhov wrote a letter to A.S. Lazarev, indicating that if a loaded gun is present in one scene it should be fired in a subsequent scene in order to avoid being superfluous. If you give something attention, such as the gun, it must be because it has some import later in the narrative.

• Chekhov’s Gun: What It Is and How to Use It
• Setup and Payoff: The Two Equally Important Halves of Story Foreshadowing

A genre fiction centered on contemporary women and women’s issues that is often written in a light, humorous tone. Generally, it deals with the protagonist and her relationships with family, friends, and/or romantic interests. Often referred to as women’s commercial fiction.

Any situation in a story that has been used too many times in literature, to the point it loses meaning and/or becomes cheesy.

• Turn Clichés on Their Heads
• Are You Creating Your Own Personal Clichés?
• 3 Ways to Make Clichés Work in Your Writing

Cliffhanger

The ending of a chapter or book in a moment of high suspense and tension, used to compel readers to read on or buy the next book in an installment.

• Is the Cliffhanger Ending Overrated?

Climactic Moment

The moment in the Climax where the overall goal is reached or not reached. This is the moment when the protagonist defeats the antagonist or visa versa.

• Want Readers to Adore Your Book? Learn How to Ace Your Climactic Moment
• Creating Stunning Character Arcs, Pt. 14: The Climax
• How to Structure a Whammy of a Climax
• The Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 10: The Climax

Climactic Turning Point

The beginning of the Climax, halfway through the Third Act (at approximately the 88% mark in the book).

The finale of the story, featuring the final and decisive confrontation between the protagonist and the antagonistic force, determining whether or not the protagonist will succeed or fail in gaining the main plot goal. Takes place in the final eighth of the story (the second half of the Third Act), starting around the 88% mark, and lasting until the last or next-to-last scene.

• Creating Stunning Character Arcs: The Climax
• What Is the Role of Theme in a Story’s Climax?

The overarching opposition fueling the entire plot of a story and presenting obstacles to the protagonist on a macro and micro level.

• What’s the Difference Between Conflict and Tension?
• Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 31: One-Dimensional Conflict
• The Four Different Types of Conflict in Dialogue
• 5 Ways to Keep Readers Riveted With Conflict

Contagonist

A term unique to Dramatica ’s list of archetypes. As defined by Melanie Anne Phillips and Chris Huntley, the Contagonist “hinders and deludes the Protagonist, tempting it [ sic ] to take the wrong course or approach.”

• What’s a Contagonist? (How to Keep Story Conflict High Without the Antagonist)

Content Editing

A content editor looks at the big picture: character arcs, plot arcs, tone, and pacing. Also may comment on POV issues and/or narrative voice. A content edit is the first edit a story should go through after the rough edges have been knocked off the first draft.

• Your Novel Is a Hot Mess! How to Edit Your Book
• 5 Steps to a Thorough Book Edit

Copy Editing

The process of ensuring that a piece of writing is correct and consistent in terms of grammar, spelling, and punctuation; that it is logically structured and audience-appropriate; and that the intended meaning of the text is communicated clearly through suitable word choice and style.

• How to Edit Fiction: Watch Me Correct My Own Story in Real Time
• 6 Tips for How to Organize Your Novel’s Edits
• 5 Ways to Trim Your Book’s Word Count

Court Intrigue

A subcategory of epic fantasy that’s currently popular and is the fantasy equivalent of Dumas’s The Three Musketeers . Good examples of this are Robin Hobbs’s Assassin trilogy, George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, Martha Wells’s The Element of Fire , and Dave Duncan’s The King’s Blades trilogy.

A mystery novel that usually features a bloodless crime, with very little violence, sex, or coarse language (but not always a pure “clean read”). Usually, the person solving the crime is an amateur and has the support/friendship of a police officer/detective/medical examiner. Readers usually identify with the main character because they are positive and socially acceptable (even their small faults).

Creative Nonfiction

The use of literary style and writing technique to tell a true story. It’s an embellishment, but only for the sake of telling a story that teaches a lesson or conveys a change of heart or mind. Narrative, dialogue, setting, and voice are just a few creative writing tools used to grab a reader’s interest and leave them changed somehow at the end.

• What Non-Fiction Authors Can Teach Novelists

Critique Partner/Critter

A partner with whom a writer exchanges manuscript critiques, in order to get knowledgeable feedback about how to improve a story. Critique partners receive no payment, only your critique of their own writing in return. (See also Beta Reader and Alpha Reader.)

• Questions for Critique Partners
• When You’ve Chosen the Wrong Critique Partner

Cyberpunk explores the fusion between man and machine. A key element is the perfection of the Internet and virtual reality technology. In a cyberpunk novel, characters can experience and interact with computers in a 3D graphic environment so real it feels like a physical landscape. The society in which cyberpunk is set tends to be heavily urban and usually somewhat anarchic or feudal. The “father of cyberpunk” is William Gibson, author of the seminal cyberpunk novel Neuromancer . Other authors defining this ever-evolving virtual reality include Neal Stephenson and Rudy Rucker.

The wrap up after the story is done. The wind down from the action of the Climax. Sometimes not included in the full arc of the story, but tells afterward details.

• Creating Stunning Character Arcs, Pt. 15: The Resolution
• The Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 11: The Resolution
• The Characteristic Moment Belongs at the End of Your Book Too

Deus Ex Machina

Literally translates “god from a machine” and was originally a reference to the “god” (played by an actor lowered onto the stage on a “machine”) who descended at the end of the Greek and Roman plays to solve all the mortal characters’ problems and put everything in order for a happy ending.

• Deus Ex Machina : Latin for “Don’t Do This in Your Story”

Deuteragonist

A secondary protagonist and the driver of a subplot. Can be a sidekick.

Developmental Editing

Editing concerned primarily with the structure and content of a book that starts near the beginning of the manuscript’s life. A developmental editor works to give the book focus and direction (mostly towards what is “marketable”) by helping to develop author’s ideas, and so will point out inconsistencies in aspects such as logic, voice, and audience.

For further reading:

• What Is a Developmental Editor and What Can You Expect?

Words spoken by a character, conventionally enclosed in quotation marks. Dialogue should sound realistic, without attempting to reproduce real speech verbatim. Indirect dialogue, also known as reported speech, is a narrative summary of dialogue.

• Get Rid of On-the-Nose Dialogue Once and For All
• How to Write Funny Dialogue

Dialogue Tags

Dialogue tags and/or action beats let readers know which character is speaking.

• Most Common Writing Mistakes: How Not to Use Speaker Tags and Action Beat

A subgenre related to steampunk, although it is driven more by the culture of the 1920s through the early 1950s. Technology is strongly influenced by diesels.

• Storming: A Dieselpunk Adventure

Fiction of almost or exactly one hundred words, but not over. Something you write for fun. Or practice. Or both. Both is good.

Dumb Mechanic

Where a character explains something to a character who doesn’t know anything about the subject. For example, a mechanic explains what is wrong with a machine to someone who knows nothing about mechanics. It’s vital the ignorant character’s lack of knowledge be realistic and believable.

See also, “As you know, Bob” (i.e., a character telling another character something they both know.) The Dumb Mechanic is slightly better than “As you know, Bob,” but the core problem is the same.

• Are You Making Your Characters (and Yourself) Look Stupid?

This describes an imagined community, society, or world, in which everything is unpleasant or undesirable. It is the opposite of utopian, and literally means “bad place.”

The additional parts of a book, appearing after the main body of the text (i.e., acknowledgements, historical notes, explanatory notes, end notes, an afterword, index, bibliographies, and appendixes). Also called Back Matter.

Epic Fantasy

Sweeping in scope, epic fantasy usually concerns a battle for rulership of a country, empire, or entire world. Drawing heavily upon archetypal myths and the quintessential struggle between a few good people against overwhelming forces of evil, epic fantasy is best represented by author J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Other authors of epic fantasy include New York Times ‘ bestselling Raymond E. Feist ( The Serpentwar Saga ) and Adam Lee ( The Dominions of Irth ). Some other popular epic fantasy authors are Robert Jordan, David Eddings, and Terry Brooks.

A separate section at the end of a work often commenting on the work as a whole and/or serving as an addendum.

• How to Write an Epilogue That Works
• One Way to Tell if Your Prologue (and Epilogue) Is Unnecessary

The part of the story where background information about characters, events, setting, etc., is provided.

A genre of speculative fiction. Sci-fi typically aims for scientific plausibility, while fantasy often incorporates magical systems. Stories may contain elements of both or be exclusive to one or the other, but all such stories explore fantastic worlds and scenarios.

• Fantasy Worldbuilding Questions
• One Handy Way to Add Instant Originality to Your Fantasy Novel
• Waiter! There’s a Smphurphle in My Fantasy Novel: Do’s and Don’ts of Made-Up Words
• Are You Asking These Important Questions About Your Fantasy Setting?

The opening act in your story. In the classic Three-Act structure, the First Act comprises the first quarter of the story. It is primarily concerned with introducing characters, settings, and stakes, as well as setting up the main conflict. It includes such important structural moments as the Hook, the Inciting Event, and the Key Event. It ends with the First Plot Point.

• The Secrets of Story Structure: The First Act
• Creating Stunning Character Arcs: The First Act
• How to Take the Guesswork Out of What Scenes Belong in Your First Act

First Person

A point of view in which readers “see” through the eyes of the main character. It uses pronouns such as “I” and “me.”

For example: “I walked into the house.”

• 3 Ways You Can Use a First-Person Narrator to Tell a Better Story
• Don’t Even Think About Using First-Person Unless…
• Most Common Writing Mistakes: Is Your First-Person Narrator Overpowering Your Story?

First Pinch Point

An important structural turning point that occurs in the First Half of the Second Act at the 37% mark. It emphasizes the threat of the antagonistic force, shows what is at stake for the protagonist in the conflict, and introduces important new clues about the nature of the conflict.

• What Are Pinch Points? And How Can They Make Your Book Easier to Write?

First Plot Point

The first major plot point in the story, marking the end of the First Act and the beginning of the Second. It takes place around the 25% mark. This is where the protagonist fully encounters the story’s conflict in a way that the choice to leave behind the Normal World of the First Act and enter the “adventure world” of the Second Act.

• Never Confuse the Key Event and the First Plot Point in Your Book Again!
• The Secrets of Story Structure: The First Plot Point
• Creating Stunning Character Arcs: The First Plot Point

Short narration that breaks a story’s linear time sequence by showing the past.

• Most Common Writing Mistakes: Are Your Flashbacks Flashy or Flabby?

Flash Fiction

Extremely short fiction. Some flash fiction markets have a limit of 50 words, while others allow up to 1,000 words. Like longer fiction, flash fiction includes conflict and resolution, but some elements may be implied and left to readers’ imaginations. Due to its extreme brevity, flash fiction tends to focus on a single turning point or revealing moment.

Flashforward

Short narration that breaks a story’s linear time sequence by showing the future.

• Hook Readers With a Sneak Peek
• Foreshadowing

Involves planting hints early on in a book to prepare readers for important revelations and events that occur later in the story.

Front Matter

The material preceding the main body/text of a work: including the title pages, printing/publishing data and/or a table of contents, foreword, preface, author’s note, dedication, etc.

A category of fiction (e.g., romance, mystery, or fantasy). “Genre fiction” is generally considered popular fiction as opposed to literary fiction.

• Definitions of Fiction Categories and Genres
• What Is Genre Fiction?
• Literary Fiction vs. Genre Fiction

Ghost Writer

One who undertakes the physical labor of writing an article, book, or memoir for someone else, usually in secret. One who produces written content as a third party for someone else, nominally for a fee in exchange for all credit for said written content belonging to someone else.

• 5 Writing Lessons I Learned Ghostwriting for New York Times Bestsellers

Happily Ever After. Romance writers use this to describe a genre as well as a moment. “A great HEA read.” Or, “you do get your HEA?” Most often seen with Harlequin and the “cozy” genre.

Head Hopping

A common gaffe that occurs when the narrative breaks “out of POV” and jumps without warning from the perspective of one character into the perspective of another.

• Most Common Writing Mistakes: Head-Hopping POV

Hero’s Journey

The Hero’s Journey is a narrative structure or pattern, identified by Joseph Campbell as being the common thread in many historical and mythological stories and purported to be the strongest psychological storyform. At its most basic level is it is a classic adventure storyform, featuring a hero who must overcome opposition and save his world. However, it can be applied to vastly different types of stories. Also known as the Monomyth.

• The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler
• The Hero’s Journey: An Author’s Guide to Plotting

Historical Fiction

A literary genre where the plot takes place in the past, often (but not always) including historical figures.

• 7 Easy Ways to Research a Historical Novel
• Why Your Novel May Not Be Historical Fiction After All

Any moment of interest designed to “hook” a reader’s curiosity. Specifically, it applies to the opening Hook in the book’s first chapter, which piques reader curiosity about the plot and protagonist and convinces them to read the book.

• The Secrets of Story Structure: The Hook
• How to Drive Your Readers Wild With Hints and Story Hooks—Without Frustrating Them
• Think You Wrote a Great Hook for Your Book’s Beginning? Find Out Why It May Not Be Enough

Refers to well-known, respected publishing houses.

Impact Character

A character who is a strong catalyst for change in the protagonist, causing inner conflict and helping put the plot into motion.

• The Impact Character: Why Every Character Arc Needs One

Inciting Event/Incident

The moment that “officially” kicks off a story’s main conflict/plot. This is the protagonist’s first brush with the conflict—the Call to Adventure, which the character will start out by rejecting to some degree. Usually takes place after the story’s initial set-up, at the 12% mark, halfway through the First Act. This is the first prominent turning point in the story.

• Your Book’s Inciting Event: It’s Not What You Think It Is
• The Secrets of Story Structure: Inciting Event and Key Event
• Maximize Your Story’s Inciting Event

An undesirable writing method in which the author “dumps” information or extensive description on the reader all at once, instead of weaving the information into the action of the story.

• Most Common Writing Mistakes: Info Dumps
• This Is How to Transform Info Dumps Into Exciting Plot Reveals
• How to Use Dialogue to Avoid Lengthy Info Dumps

In Medias Res

The Latin term for “in the middle,” which is applied to idea of beginning a story in the middle of things .

• Dostoevsky and the Art of In Medias Res
• In Medias Res : How to Do It and How Not to

Internal Dialogue

Reproduces a character’s thoughts and is often (though not always) indicated by italics.

• The Do’s and Don’ts of Internal Monologue
• 5 Ways to Write Character Thoughts Worth More Than a Penny

If the Inciting Event is what gets your plot rolling, the Key Event is what sucks your protagonist into that plot. Even if you have a great big Inciting Event (like, say, the beginning of a war), it can’t affect your character until the Key Event drags him into the mess (as would happen if he were drafted into the Army).

Books for children.

Line Editing

This form of editing means going over a manuscript line by line and editing it for grammar errors as you go. It doesn’t entail any extensive rewriting, but there may be some use of color editing to liven up flat prose, and there may be some reduction of redundancies (such as repeated information). This type of editing may include the use of a style guide, such as the Chicago Manual of Style.

• Is a Professional Editor a Waste of Money?

Single sentence story summary, specifically used as pitch. See Premise Sentence.

• 6 Reasons a Premise Sentence Strengthens Your Story

Love Interest

A principle secondary character for whom the protagonist has romantic interest (and/or the romantic subplot itself).

• How to Take Advantage of Your 4 Most Important Characters

MARY SUE (female), MARTY-STU (male)

Begun by fan fiction writers but now a part of writers’ general vocabulary. A derogatory term for a character who is able to do everything, with unrealistic abilities.

• How to Spot (and Kill) Your Mary Sue Characters

Short for Main Character. The lead of the story.

• Protagonist and Main Character— Same Person? The Answer May Transform Your Story!

An experienced adviser who offers—sometimes reluctantly—to show the hero “the way.” Usually a trustworthy ally, the mentor figure will often impart an object or piece of information that will prove vital later in the hero’s quest. The name itself comes from a character in Homer’s The Odyssey . Examples include: Obi-Wan Kenobi from Star Wars , Gandalf from Lord of the Rings , and “Irv” in Cool Runnings (a less trustworthy mentor figure).

• 4 Ways to Write a Thought-Provoking Mentor Character

Main Female Character. The female lead in a romance story. Usually gets the guy in the end.

Middle Grade fiction, targeted to children ages 8 to 12 years old. Typically features a main character in the same age range and avoids “mature” content such as graphic violence or sexually explicit material. That’s not to say the stories are simplistic, of course.

Microfiction

Extremely short fiction. Some flash fiction markets have a limit of 50 words, while others allow up to 1,000 words. Like longer fiction, flash fiction includes conflict and resolution, but some elements may be implied for the sake of brevity and left to readers’ imaginations. Due to its extreme brevity, flash fiction tends to focus on a single turning point or revealing moment. (See Flash Fiction.)

The Second Major Plot Point in a story’s structure. It occurs in the middle of the book, halfway through the Second Act, at the 50% mark. This is where the protagonist experiences a Moment of Truth, which allows a better understanding of the antagonistic force and the external conflict, as well as the internal conflict driving the character arc. It signals a shift from the reactive phase of the first half into the active phase of the second half.

• The Secrets of Story Structure: The Midpoint
• Creating Stunning Character Arcs: The Midpoint
• How the Perfect Midpoint Moves Your Protagonist From Reaction to Action
• How to Transform Your Story With a Moment of Truth

Main Male Character. The male lead in a romance story. Usually gets the girl in the end.

An image or phrase with thematic significance that is repeated throughout the book.

• Strengthening a Thematic Motif Through Repetition

MPS: Missing Parent Syndrome

The rather common occurrence in which the protagonist is underage but the parents and/or guardians are somehow left out for the majority of the plot. This can be due to death (Frodo in Lord of the Rings ) or boarding school ( Harry Potter ) or visitation to another world ( Narnia ) or just about any other reason.

“Manuscript.” A yet unpublished work, whether written or typed.

New Adult (Fiction) is aimed at an older age group than Young Adult (12-18) and focuses on new adult experiences such as the first serious relationship, first serious job, going to college, and moving out on their own.

The overall progression of a story. Also, specifically, the summary aspects of the writing, as distinct from dialogue, direct thoughts, and “shown” action. “Internal narrative” is told from a character’s point of view and, often, in his or her voice.

• Keep Your Story Moving With a Cohesive Narrative
• 6 Steps to Create a Fantastic Narrative Voice
• Top 4 Editing Tricks for Creating a Seamless Narrative

Normal World

The initial setting in the story, meant to illustrate the characters’ lives before they meet with the story’s main conflict. This world may be destructive to the protagonist (in which case, the protagonist must learn to move away from it and live without it), or it may be healthy (in which case, the protagonist will have to leave it in order to defend it). The Normal World may be a definitive setting, which will change at the beginning of the Second Act, when the character enters the “adventure world” of the main conflict. However, it may also be more metaphorical, in which case the setting itself will not switch to a new setting, but rather the conflict will change the setting around the protagonist.

• Creating Stunning Character Arcs: The Normal World
• 5 Misconceptions About Your Story’s Normal World
• Provide Contrast Using Your Character’s Normal World

A fictional prose work with a relatively long and often complex plot, usually divided into chapters, in which the story traditionally develops through the thoughts and actions of its characters.

A story that runs from around 40K to 50K words. Normally, it has no subplot and no more than two POV characters. One of the harder forms to sell traditionally, though this is changing.

• 3 Reasons You Should Consider Writing a Novella Right Now

A short novel that is often about romantic relationships and is usually not very serious. Word count is 7,500 to 17,500 words.

A type of point of view (POV), in which the narration is told from an omniscient or “all-knowing” perspective (sometimes the author’s, sometimes just generally), in which things the characters would have no way of knowing are shared with readers. One of the most difficult types of POV to do well.

• What Every Writer Ought to Know About the Omniscient POV

On the Nose

A poor style of writing that presents the story in a way that is too straightforward, without irony or subtext. Especially common in dialogue, in which characters always say exactly what they’re thinking or feeling.

Your manuscript has been submitted, usually by your agent, to a list of editors at publishing houses who may or may not have agreed to read it.

A sketch of every event that makes up the structure of a story, which is written before a first draft to edit out any structural weak spots beforehand.

• How to Outline Your Novel
• What Should Your Book Outline Look Like? [Free Download]

The rate at which a story progresses and events unfold.

• Here Are Five Great Ways to Pace Your Story
• 4 Pacing Tricks to Keep Readers’ Attention
• 5 Ways to Use Pacing to Write a Powerful Story

Writers who prefer to write “by the seat of their pants,” meaning without previous outlining.

• Can You Structure if You’re a Pantser?
• The Mirror Moment: A Method for Both Plotters and Pantsers
• Thinking About Outlining Your Novel? One Pantser’s Story

A speculative fiction genre that involves elements such as vampires, shapeshifters, fairies, elves, etc. Often set in modern-day urban settings. Often romantic in nature.

• How to Tell the Difference Between Fantasy and Paranormal

A writer who prefers to write a book after going through an outlining process.

Passive Voice

The opposite of active voice.

Examples:  

Active Voice: Beautiful giraffes roam the Savannah.

• To Be or Not To Be: In Defense of the Passive Voice

Pinch Point

A scene or event that adds pressure to the heroes and reminds readers of the antagonist’s plan or presence within the narrative. One of two turning points that take place in the Second Act (at the 37% and 62% marks, respectively).

One of the major turning points in a story’s structure. See also First Plot Point, Midpoint, and Third Plot Point.

• What Are Plot Points?
• Are Your Plot Points Too Weak?
• A Matter of Timing: Positioning Your Major Plot Points Within Your Story
• Point of View

The first stage of the writing process, which generally includes brainstorming, planning, mapping, researching, and outlining. Prewriting encompasses everything a writer does before beginning the first draft, and it accomplishes such goals as determining the intended theme, organizing plot points, and establishing characters. See also Outlining.

• 6 Tasks You’ll Love Yourself for Checking Off Your NaNo Pre-Writing List

A separate, introductory section to a work.

• Skip the Prologue!
• When Not to Skip the Prologue
• Find Out if Your Prologue Is Destroying Your Story’s Subtext

Proofreader

Someone reading through a completely edited work to find and/or correct typographical errors (i.e., typos).

Protag/Protagonist

The character whom the story is about and who is most directly affected by the antagonist. This character may be the narrator/POV character (such as Harry Potter or Katniss Everdeen), or the protagonist may be a character who is viewed by someone else (as Atticus Finch and Heathcliff are viewed by Scout and Nelly Dean, respectively).

• 3 Ways to Choose the Right Protagonist
• The Only Reason You Should Ever Choose a Protagonist

Query Letter

A letter written when seeking representation from a literary agent. It describes your story and shows agents why your book is worth their time and effort and is a good fit for their agency.

• How to Write a Great Query Letter

Query Trenches

Generally refers to looking for representation from a literary agent (although it is possible to directly query publishers).

Red Herring

A false clue meant to mislead the reader. It creates a false trail for the reader to follow. A red herring can be an object, a character, part of the setting, etc.

The final section of the story—usually the last two to three scenes in the final chapter. This is where any final loose ends are resolved after the main conflict has already been decided.

• The Secrets of Story Structure: The Resolution
• Creating Stunning Character Arcs: The Resolution

The power to evoke enduring images, memories, and emotions.

Rising Action

A series of events within the book’s conflict building up—with greater and greater tension—to the story’s Climax.

A fiction genre focusing on romantic love.

• Romance University

R&R: Revise and Resend/Resubmit

An agent or editor saw something they liked in your work but felt it need a significant revision. They’d like you to make the changes they suggested and resubmit it. It doesn’t necessary mean they’ll take it though.

A scene is a sequence of events that happens at a particular place and time and that moves the story forward. The scene consists mostly of “showing” though it may contain some “telling.” The scene has a particular structure that gives the story motion.

• How to Structure Scenes in Your Story
• How to Write Interesting Scenes
• 7 Questions You Have About Scenes vs. Chapters

Scene Sequence

A series of scenes with an overall related focus. A sequence has a unified focus which can usually be summed up in a simple idea (e.g., a rescue, a wedding, a trial, a battle). Scene sequences have their own defined beginning, middle, and end within the overall story.

The division of a Scene into a scene (the action that happens when a character has a goal , then conflict interferes with that goal and there is an outcome ) and its sequel (the character reacting to the previous outcome, then facing a dilemma , and finally making a decision about it that will determine what the character’s goal is in the next Scene).

• Learn How to Structure Your Scenes–in 5 Minutes!
• Incidents and Happenings: Scenes That Aren’t Actually Scenes

Science Fiction

Aka Sci-Fi. Fiction that incorporates scientific elements such as futuristic societies, advanced technology, and alien worlds. Though usually aiming for scientific plausibility, it ranges in realism from currently understood physics and biology to highly speculative science.

(A) A self-contained story that continues within the world of a previous story. It typically follows the characters, setting, or themes from the original, but with a new story premise and problem.

(B) The second half of a Scene, following the scene (goal, conflict, disaster). It contains the reaction, dilemma, and decision that the character has in response to the events of the scene.

• How to Write a Sequel That’s BETTER Than the First Book

Serial Fiction

Novel (or longer) length fiction written in installments and published at regular intervals, either on a blog, in a magazine, or as small e-books.

• How the Amazon Kindle Serials Program Works

Every character has his opposite, which allows the author to draw important contrasts and plumb the depths of his theme. Just like the Antagonist is the opposite of the Protagonist, the Skeptic character archetype is the opposite of the Sidekick. This is someone who doubts everything, particularly the Protagonist’s choices.

The middle act in your story. In the classic Three-Act structure, the Second Act comprises the biggest part of the story, from the 25% mark to the 75% mark. It is primarily concerned with developing the main conflict. It includes such important structural moments as the First Pinch Point, the Midpoint, and the Second Pinch Point. It begins with the First Plot Point and ends with the Third Plot Point.

• The Secrets of Story Structure: The First Half of the Second Act
• The Secrets of Story Structure: The Second Half of the Second Act

Second Pinch Point

An important structural turning point that occurs in the Second Half of the Second Act at the 62% mark. It emphasizes the threat of the antagonistic force, shows what is at stake for the protagonist in the conflict, and introduces important new clues about the nature of the conflict.

Second Plot Point

See Midpoint.

More than one book telling the same or related stories.

• Creating a Book Series: Great Idea or Think Again?
• FAQ: How to Write Character Arcs in a Series
• How to Outline a Series of Bestselling Books

The physical place in which the story’s events happen.

• 16 Ways to Make Your Setting a Character in Its Own Right
• 4 Setting Questions That Will Deepen Your Characters
• Ineffective Setting Descriptions

Science Fiction, aka Sci-Fi. Fiction that incorporates scientific elements such as futuristic societies, advanced technology, and alien worlds. Though usually aiming for scientific plausibility, it ranges in realism from currently understood physics and biology to highly speculative science.

Science Fiction & Fantasy. A combined genre of speculative fiction. Sci-fi typically aims for scientific plausibility, while fantasy often incorporates magical systems. Stories may contain elements of both or be exclusive to one or the other, but all such stories explore fantastic worlds and scenarios.

The period of time when you put aside your work in progress, in order to be able to come back to it later with fresh eyes.

• Why You Should Walk Away From Your Writing

Short Story

A story too short to be divided into chapters, usually under 7,500.

• Let’s Write a Short Story

(In contrast to Telling): Conveying an atmosphere, emotion, or mood by relating the movements or expressions of objects or players rather than stating facts about them.

Showing: The boughs bowed and swayed, dumping their icy load onto the quivering children.

Telling: The frightened children got soaked by a load of snow falling from the branches.

Showing: His face paled and his hands trembled as he slunk through the doorway.

Telling: He felt nervous and hesitated to enter the room.

• Showing and Telling: The Quick and Easy Way to Tell the Difference
• Most Common Writing Mistakes: Are Your Verbs Showing or Telling?
• Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 33: Telling Important Scenes, Instead of Showing
• 3 Tips for Improving Show, Don’t Tell
• 8 Quick Tips for Show, Don’t Tell

Sidekicks, by definition, are almost always with the main character, which allows the conflict to be ongoing. A person who helps and spends a lot of time with someone who is usually more important, powerful, etc.

• Why Your Hero Needs a Yappy Sidekick

Speaker Tags

In its most basic form, this consists of the speaker’s name and a speech-related verb ( said , shouted , asked , etc.). Often the simplest way of indicating which character is speaking.

• Most Common Writing Mistakes: How Not to Use Speaker Tags and Action Beats
• Most Common Writing Mistakes: Avoiding “Said”

Speculative Fiction

Speculative fiction is a fiction genre speculating about worlds that are unlike the real world in various important ways. In these contexts, it generally overlaps one or more of the following: science fiction, fantasy, horror, supernatural, superhero, utopian, dystopian, apocalyptic, post-apocalyptic, and alternate history. It is often used as an umbrella term for science fiction and fantasy when considered as a single genre. The term is used this way in academic and ideological criticism of these genres, as well as by some readers, writers, and editors of these genres.

• What Is Speculative Fiction?

Standalone Book

Either a book that is not part of a series, or a book that is part of a series but does not depend on the other books in the series to make sense. Used most often in the former sense to indicate a book that has no sequels.

Standard Manuscript Format

The standard way editors, agents, and publishers want your manuscript formatted before you send it to them.

The cover page should be separate from the rest of the manuscript. It should include:

– name of the manuscript and author (or pen name) – approximate word count (rounded to the nearest hundred) – Your name, address, phone number, e-mail, and website – Your agent’s details (if you have an agent)

font: Twelve point, Times New Roman or Courier New Black.

margins: One-inch margins on all four sides.

indent: Half-inch paragraph indentations for the first line of each and every paragraph.

space: Double space; no extra line between paragraphs.

align: Align left.

page numbering: Number pages beginning with the actual story (don’t count or put page numbers on the title page).

scene breaks: Indicate scene breaks by inserting a blank line and centering the number sign (#) in the center of the line.

page header: Include your last name, the manuscript’s title, and the page number in the page header of every page except for the title page. Align the header to the right.

chapters: Begin chapters on new pages (insert a page break or format using styles). Center the chapter title, even if it’s only Chapter One (or Chapter 1), about one-third of the way down the page. Skip a couple of lines and begin the text of the chapter.

end: Center a number sign (#) on an otherwise blank line one double-spaced line down from the final line of text of the final chapter or epilogue at the end of the manuscript. Or write The End. (The end should be labeled so an agent or editor isn’t looking for extra pages that aren’t there.)

italics: Use italics for italicized words (versus underlining them).

character spacing: Use a single character space, not two spaces, between sentences.

The standard document format is MS Word (.doc) If you have a newer version of MS Word, Open Office, Pages, or something else, save the document in .doc (This is usually found somewhere like, File>>Save As, “MS Word 97-2003 (.doc)” Almost everyone can read .doc files.)

Finally, check the publisher or agent’s website. Some will have specific fonts, spacing, or other ways they want things done that might vary slightly from the general guidelines.

• Formatting 101: how to format your novel for submission

A subgenre of fantasy fiction which is largely determined by its setting, which is typically an alternative-Victorian reality, laden with steam-powered technology. Corsets are optional.

Using the same word or phrase twice, recently enough that the reader remembers it; depends partly on how distinctive the word is. Can be distracting if not used intentionally.

A subcategory of a major genre. For example, “sword and sorcery” and “portal fantasy” are subgenres within the fantasy genre, while “cozy” and “noir” are subgenres within the mystery genre.

A secondary thread of the story, with its own beginning, middle, and end, the subplot may or may not be directly connected to the main plot, and generally involves supporting characters.

• 5 Tips for Organizing Subplots
• Can a Character’s Arc Be a Subplot?
• Does Your Story Need Subplots?

Substantive Editing

A detailed and complete editing of a book, involving not just suggestions for the overall story, but also line-by-line editing of the prose itself. This is the most intensive type of editing.

The meaning beneath the dialogue—what the speaker really means, even though it’s being said directly.

• Subtext: The Art of Iceberging
• I Just Figured Out What All My Favorite Stories Have in Common—and It Blew My Mind
• The Only 5 Ingredients You Need for Story Subtext

A description of the book’s content. Sometimes written as marketing copy—with a hook and no spoilers—to convince readers to buy the book. Sometimes written as a complete description of the plot—including spoilers—to convey the entire story to a potential agent or editor.

A detailed description of your story’s complete plot (including spoilers and the ending), written in either one or three pages, for the purpose of sharing with a literary agent.

A line of text—usually a short, tantalizing sentence—which appears under the title of the book on the front cover and also in catalogue listings.

(In contrast to Showing): Conveying information by stating facts about them, instead of relating the movements or expressions of objects or players.

• Telling Important Scenes, Instead of Showing
• Are Your Verbs Showing or Telling?
• Three Places Where You Should Tell Instead of Show

The moral statement at the heart of the story, usually a general, universal principle, which is then conveyed via the story’s specific message, as proven by the protagonist’s character arc and specifically his inner conflict between a Lie and a Truth.

• Plot, Character, and Theme: The Greatest Love Triangle in Fiction
• Want a Powerful Theme for Your Novel? Play Devil’s Advocate!
• What’s the Difference Between Your Story’s Theme and Its Message?

The final act in your story. In the classic Three-Act structure, the Third Act comprises the final quarter of the story, from the 75% mark to the 100% mark. It is primarily concerned with the final, climactic confrontation between the protagonist and the antagonistic force. It begins with the Third Plot Point, includes the Climax, and ends with the Resolution.

• The Secrets of Story Structure: The Third Act
• Creating Stunning Character Arcs: The Third Act
• How to Write a Flat Character Arc: The Third Act
• How to Write a Negative Character Arc: The Third Act

Third Person

The uninvolved narrator of the story, who refers to the actual players by name or as he/she/they, e.g.: “Peter ran in and hugged Susan.” Contrast this with a “first-person narrative,” e.g.: “When I saw Susan at the bar, I ran up and hugged her.”

• Everything You Need to Know About Writing a 3rd-Person POV

Third Plot Point

The Third Plot Point in a story’s structure occurs in between the Second and Third Acts, at the 75% mark. This is where the protagonist experiences the lowest moment of defeat and is faced with a choice about whether the quest is worth the effort—symbolically representing whether or not the character will embrace or reject the Lie. The character then enters the Climax ready for the final confrontation with the antagonistic force.

• Creating Stunning Character Arcs: The Third Plot Point

Three-Act Structure

The three-act structure is an approach to story structure that divides a fictional narrative into three parts, often called the Setup, the Confrontation, and the Resolution.

• Structuring Your Novel
• 5 Secrets of Story Structure

A story element or plot device that is particular to certain genres or stories, to the point they become a storytelling cliche. Examples include love triangles in Young Adult fiction or the “chosen one” in fantasy and science fiction.

Turning Point

A major moment in the story when the plot “turns” by changing in a dramatic way, almost always as the result of a “reveal” or twist that presents the characters with new information about the conflict.

Unreliable Narrator

The narrator’s unreliability might be obvious to the reader throughout, it might be revealed gradually, or it might come as a revelation that provides a major plot twist. Common examples are Vladimir Nabakov’s Humbert Humbert from Lolita  and Alex from A Clockwork Orange . A lesser known example is Micky DeWitt from Flank Street .

Upmarket Fiction

A type of fiction that is an amalgamation between commercial fiction (something with a wide audience that fits into a typical genre) and literary fiction (something that doesn’t fit exactly into a standard genre classification). Upmarket fiction can appeal to audiences of both commercial and literary fiction. It offers exceptional writing that doesn’t fit into a mold, yet has the potential for mass appeal.

Urban Fantasy

A subcategory of contemporary fantasy, urban fantasy is set in a contemporary city. Often co-existing with the familiar city life is a hidden, magical aspect of the city frequently including magical creatures. Charles de Lint is one of the primary authors of urban fantasy. To some extent, Mark Helprin’s A Winter’s Tale is an urban fantasy as well as Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere .

The tenor and style of a story’s narrative. Authorial voice is the “sound” unique to the author. However, each author can and will use multiple variations of voice for each character’s POV and dialogue as well.

• Writing Voice: 6 Things You Need to Know to Improve It
• What Every Writer Needs to Know About Finding Your Writing Voice

World Building

(A) The act of designing a story world, including its culture, language, technology, magic, biology, landscape, history, etc. The author does this to build a consistent backdrop for the story. It is especially important for science fiction and fantasy (and even historical novels), in which the story world may be much different from the world readers inhabit.

(B) The art of distilling the elements of a story world, building the world within the minds of readers. This can be done through setting descriptions, exposition, dialogue, or character actions and interactions. In most cases, avoid info-dumping exposition and AYKB dialog. Instead, weave in the worldbuilding as a seamless part of the story itself.

• How to Decide if You Should Use a Real-Life Setting in Your Story

Young Adult (Fiction), a genre aimed at adolescents ages 12-18. Often told in first-person with fast pacing. Focuses on new, fresh, “first time” experiences and coming-of-age experiences. There is often a strong romantic subplot. This genre, like romance, includes many other subgenres under it such as YA Romance, YA Fantasy, and YA Mystery.

Work-in-progress. The story or novel the author is currently writing.

An adjective for when you say a writerly thing. If you wear a blazer with leather patches on your sleeves and sit at a coffee shop with your laptop, it could be said that you’re being writerly. 😉

Writer’s Block

A state in which the writer doesn’t know how to proceed with writing. It can result from simply not knowing what should happen next in the story, or from larger life issues, such as depression.

• Conquering Writer’s Block and Summoning Inspiration
• 7 Things to Try When Writing Is Hard
• Are You Struggling to Be Creative? This Might Be Why

The “vomit” draft, part of pre-writing. The writer “vomits” up whatever story ideas they have without concern as to structure, consistency, or sense. Used to a) explore world/worldbuild, b) explore/develop characters/character interactions c) develop and/or test plot elements d) anything the author wants.

Can You Think of Any Terms This Glossary Is Missing?

Help me turn this into a tool we can all reference and that will help other authors understand what it is we’re talking about when we use crazy terms like “logline,” “pinch point,” and “MS.” Post your suggestions and definitions in the comments, and I’ll update the list.

Wordplayers, tell me your opinion! What writing terms aren’t listed here and should be? Tell me in the comments!

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K.M. Weiland is the award-winning and internationally-published author of the acclaimed writing guides Outlining Your Novel , Structuring Your Novel , and Creating Character Arcs . A native of western Nebraska, she writes historical and fantasy novels and mentors authors on her award-winning website Helping Writers Become Authors.

What a fantastic idea, K.M.!

Here we go…

Words spoken by a character, normally enclosed in quotation marks. Dialogue should sound realistic, without attempting to reproduce real speech verbatim.

Internal dialogue reproduces a character’s thoughts, and is often (though not always) indicated by italics.

Indirect dialogue, also known as reported speech, is a narrative summary of dialogue that’s taken place.

Dialogue tags and/or action beats let the reader know which character is speaking.

https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/8-tips-for-awesome-dialogue/

https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/on-the-nose-dialogue/

THIRD PERSON The uninvolved narrator of the story, who refers to the actuals players by name or as he/she/they, e.g. “Peter ran in and hugged Susan”. Contrast this with a ‘first-person narrative’, which may be present tense (“I gape at the sight of Susan standing at the bar, rush up and hug her tight.”) or past tense (“When I saw Susan at the bar, I ran up and hugged her.”)

TAGLINE A line of text – usually a short, tantalizing sentence – which appears under the Title of the book on the front cover and also in catalogue listings, e.g.: Title: Aquila Tagline: Can Silvanus Escape That God?

SHOWING (In contrast to TELLING): Conveying an atmosphere, emotion or mood by relating the movements or expressions of objects or players rather than stating facts about them, e.g. “The boughs bowed and swayed, casting their icy load onto the quivering children” instead of “The frightened children got soaked by a load of snow falling from the branches.” Or “His face was white and his hands trembled as he slunk through the doorway” instead of “He felt nervous and hesitated to enter the room.”

A genre fiction centered on contemporary women and women’s issues that is often written in a light, humorous pace, and that generally deals with the protagonist and her relationships with family, friends and/or romantic partners. Often referred to as women’s commercial fiction.

MENTOR An experienced advisor who offers – sometimes reluctantly – to show the hero “the way”. Usually a trustworthy ally, the mentor figure will often impart an object or piece of information that will prove vital later in the hero’s quest. The name itself comes from a character in Homer’s The Odyssey.

Examples include: Obi-Wan Kenobi from Star Wars, Gandalf from Lord of the Rings, and “Irv” in Cool Runnings (a less-trustworthy mentor figure).

Good stuff, thx!

Trope—A story element or plot device that is particular to certain genres or stories, to the point where they become a storytelling cliche. Examples include love triangles in young adult fiction or the “chosen one” most common in fantasy and science fiction.

Protag/Protagonist—The character whom the story is about and who is most directly affected by the antagonist. This character may be the narrator/POV character (such as Harry Potter or Katniss Everdeen) or the protagonist may be a character who is viewed by someone else (as Atticus Finch and Heathcliff are viewed by Scout and Nelly Dean, respectively).

MC – Short for Main Character. The lead of the story.

Info Dump – An undesirable writing method where the author “dumps” a lot of information or extensive description on the reader all at once, instead of weaving the information into the action of the story.

Anti-Hero – A character who is not the main Antagonist, or a supporting character of the Protagonist, but one who opposes the hero or the hero’s ideas in some way.

An ANTI HERO is a protagonist who lacks conventional heroic qualities such as idealism, courage, and morality. These individuals often possess dark personality traits such as disagreeableness, dishonesty, and aggressiveness.

Like Captain Mal in Firefly or Holden in The catcher in the rye

I still don’t understand the concept of the anti-hero for some reason.

It is tricky. I think there are several definitions out there. Sometimes they are even split into Anti-Hero and Anti-Villain, but I still think that the application within stories of an Anti-Hero is pretty broad.

If you are still having difficulty, consider this, an Anti-hero is a hero who doesn’t act like a hero and who probably doesn’t want to be a hero or ‘good’ in the typical sense of the word. An anti-villain is a villain who acts more like a hero, but who ultimately proves themselves a villain even if they are ‘soft’. There are plenty of good broad definitions out there, but this helped me think of it in a broad sense.

Let’s use the example of a evil lab. Inside the lab there are innocent people. The protag needs to destroy the lab. A hero would try to get all the innocent people out before blowing it up. While an anti-hero may just blow it up. In an anti-hero’s mind, the ends justify the means.

Thanks, all the examples are very helpful. Sounds like an antihero can play up a lot of drama.

STUTTER (WRITING)

BURLY DETECTIVE SYNDROME

Frequently referring to a character by a description (“the burly detective”), usually out of fear of overusing the character’s name or pronoun (see Stutter (Writing)).

Cool never heard of these.

May I add R&R? This one was driving me crazy when I was reading it. I had to search everywhere for the definition!

R&R: Revise and Resend/Resubmit An agent or editor saw something they liked in your work but felt it need a significant revision. They’d like you to make the changes they suggested and resubmit it. It doesn’t necessary mean that they’ll take it though.

Good one. Never heard of it either.

1) An antagonistic character who bears personality traits commonly associated with noble and heroic characters

2) A heroic character who bears personality traits commonly associated with villainous or disreputable characters.

This is a popular one today. Third time I read it and it still makes no sense to me. Think my brain is shutting down and rebooting.

“Point-of-view”

Whoo! You’re today’s super-definer!

HISTORICAL FICTION

A literary genre where the plot takes place in the past, often (but not always) including historical figures

So the only difference between regular fiction and historical is the time period correct?

As I understand it, that’s fairly accurate. Within that, though, excellently written historical fiction also tends to focus in a much deeper way on the details of bringing an unfamiliar era to life (which would be approached much differently/taken for granted in a story with a more contemporary setting).

As time passes, though, the historical “cut-off” date is always bumping up, so as you can see, the line between the two is sometimes rather transparent. 😉

For a bit more, you can read Katie’s article here: https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/why-your-novel-may-not-be-historical/

What a great idea! Awesome list worth sharing.

A separate section at the end of a work often commenting on the work as a whole/serving as an addendum.

CLIMATIC MOMENT-the moment in the climax where the overall goal is reached or not reached, the moment when the protagonist defeats the antagonist or visa versa

YA-young adult, usually a genre

BLURB-a short summary of what the book is about, meant to hook the reader

Pacing–the rate at which a story progresses and events unfold.

I wish I knew more about the pacing process. Some books are paced differently than others and wonder is there a method to the madness.

Most issues with pacing have to do with story structure. Check out Katie’s Structure series for more information (and the Story Structure Database for plenty of examples).

Stories can be divided into four roughly equal parts (Act 1, Act 2A, Act 2B, Act 3), each with its own mission relative to the story’s development, and the turning points (“Plot Points”) between them form the major story pacing milestones. Actually, you can divide the story even further with the Inciting Incident, two Pinch Points, and the Climax at the odd eighth marks.

Story structure is all about keeping things balanced and well-paced. If you can hit all the major milestones where they need to go, all the while raising stakes, conflict, and tension right up to the climax, your story’s pacing should take care of itself.

Wow, that’s awesome. That’s what I need to master. The elements of story structure. Thank you!

Oh, and the difference in pacing that you sense for different stories is more likely due to different types of conflict or story problem than to any difference in structure. Lots of action-based conflict will feel faster paced than relationship drama, but everything will still follow the same basic structure behind the scenes.

That’s true. I definitely sense it in movies and books. Didn’t know it was due to differences in conflict though. But looking back it makes perfect sense. Hindsight is 20/20 right?

Some books were unevenly paced in different parts but the overall story was great. The one I’m thinking of had a lot of relationship drama, so pace seemed slower.

Storming was very balanced in its entirety so I didn’t really notice the pace so much. I just felt drawn into the story. Finished Cinder and had the same feeling. Currently reading the Einstein Prophecy and it’s having the same balanced affect on me. The ones that are balanced tend to be page turners!

With cars if your tires are not balanced it could be a bumpy, not so pleasant ride. It seems even more so with story structure. Cool. I think I’m finally learning something!

If I drank, I’d grab a cool one.

Ditto what Scrutinizer said. Pacing demands are different for different types of stories, but the key is to make it so seamless that readers don’t even think about it. Glad you felt that way about Storming !

“As you know, Bob…”

A method of dumping exposition through dialog, infamous for its awkwardness and lack of realism. It involves an otherwise unnecessary conversation between two characters that the author forces on them solely to inform the reader of what the characters both already know. Writers often choose this technique to avoid taking the reader out of the story to reveal important background information, but it usually works against them by taking the characters out of the story instead.

For further study: https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/as-you-know-bob/

This one is funny. Had a hardy chuckle! I’m definitely guilty of AYKB.

Holy fudgeknuckles Batman, what a great idea! I Love it.

One of the most recent definitions I’ve thoroughly enjoyed is that of the impact character in relation to engineering character arcs. SO AWESOME. Seems like this impact character/s are strong catalysts for change in the protagonist causing inner conflict and help put the plot into motion. This has greatly helped my understanding of the story.

IMPACT CHARACTER=

1. “Impact character” probably isn’t at the top of your list. But it should be. Because you can’t create a character arc without one.

2. “Impact character” is the term coined by Dramatica authors Melanie Anne Phillips and Chris Huntley to describe what is just as accurately termed by editor Roz Morris the “catalyst character.” This is the character who slams into your protagonist, catalyzes him into change, and has a major impact on his life.

3. The impact character is the one who enables, empowers, or sometimes just plain forces another character(s) to change.

4. The impact character may be a friend, or he may be a foe.

5. If the antagonist represents the story’s outer conflict, then the impact character represents the inner conflict.

6. Just like the antagonist, the impact character is a conflict-causer. Just like the antagonist, he’s at odds with the protagonist. But unlike the antagonist, the conflict isn’t necessarily the result of opposing goals. Rather, its core is the opposing worldviews of the protagonist and the impact character. The protagonist believes the Lie; the impact character (lucky dog!) already knows the Truth.

Even in posting this I learned something new! Conflict helps produce plot. What’s a plot without conflict right? It’d be a pretty stale story. The conflict can be external and internal, and both are essentially related to the antagonist and impact character. So if I understand this correctly the impact character is the catalyst for change in the protagonist helping him/her overcome the inner conflict that enables them to overcome the outer conflict represented by the evil antagonist to achieve their goal to live happily ever after….or not.

Further reading: https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/impact-character-2/

BETA READER

(paraphrasing from Google as it seemed like an excellent summary)

“Beta readers provide feedback during the writing and/or editing process and are not explicitly proofreaders or editors, but can serve in that context. Elements highlighted by beta readers encompass things such as plot holes and problems with continuity, characterization, and believability. In fiction and non-fiction, the beta might also assist the author with fact-checking.”

Novella: a story that runs around 40K to 50K words. Normally, it has no subplot and no more than two POV characters. One of the harder forms to sell traditionally, though I’ve ready recently this is changing.

Good one! I knew it was shorter but didn’t know the details.

Mimesis: where syntax echoes, mimes the narrative.

I’ll have research this one.

(And btw, did I mention that I LOVE this whole idea?! THANK YOU SO MUCH! ;D)

YA – Young Adult (Fiction), a genre aimed at adolescents ages 12 -18. Often told in first person with fast pacing. Focuses on new, fresh, ‘first time’ experiences and coming of age experiences, and there is often a strong romantic subplot. This is a genre that, like Romance, includes many other genres under it such as YA Romance, YA Fantasy, and YA Mystery. Differentiate from NA – New Adult (Fiction) which is aimed at an older age group and focuses on new adult experiences such as the first serious relationship, first serious job, going to college, and moving out on their own.

“Manuscript” (In writing lingo: a yet unpublished work whether written or typed)

Unreliable narrator. The narrator’s unreliability might be obvious to the reader throughout, it might be revealed gradually, or it might come as a revelation that provides a major plot twist. Common examples are Vladimir Nabakov’s Humbert Humbert, and Alex from A Clockwork Orange. A lesser known example is Micky DeWitt from Flank Street.

Alliteration: A stylistic literary device identified by the repeated sound of the first consonant in a series of multiple words, or the repetition of the same sounds of the same kinds of sounds at the beginning of words or in stressed syllables of a phrase.

PROOFREADER

Someone reading through a completely edited work to find and/or correct typographical errors (i.e. typos).

SUBTEXT: is the meaning beneath the dialogue; what the speaker really means, even though he’s not saying it directly. As humans, we often don’t articulate our thoughts exactly.

Subtext in Dialogue – The Writer’s Toolbox – Ask The Writer – Gotham … https://www.writingclasses.com › toolbox

I’d like to add “on submission” or “on sub” especially juxtaposed with being “in the query trenches”.

I recently heard two writers who are in the query trenches referring to themselves as being on sub and realized there is some confusion out there about the difference between the two.

Query Trenches: generally refers to looking for representation from a literary agent (although it is possible to directly query publishers)

On sub: your MS has been submitted, usually by your agent, to a list of editors at publishing houses who may or may not have agreed to read it.

Oh, that also makes me wonder if “house” was on your list, referring to publishers.

Perfect! Thanks, Merriam. I added “House” as well.

I am building a similar list myself, going beyond the ordinary of literary terms and picking what I think should be learned by all writers. A few of your words are on my lists. I welcome you to look through my list to see if it helps you. I did words for the A to Z challenge. I would list them here, but there are nearly 70 words.

AtoZ 2014: http://writing.chrisvotey.com/atoz-2014/ AtoZ 2015: http://writing.chrisvotey.com/atoz-2015/

Awesome! Thanks, Chris.

Kidlet: 1. a diminutive child. 2. term of endearment between parent/child; older to younger sibling.

Thank you, sincerely, for this resource. Definitely raised hand (!), baffled by various terms, WIP, MC, YA et al.

Hah. That made me laugh so hard I almost have to include in the glossary. 😉

LOL… that’s great, so glad to hear! 😀

Of all the things I’ve almost been included in, this would rank among the top!

Can’t credit for the idea, although sadly my memory fails to provide me with the name of whoever came up with the idea.

These definitions almost seems to be too simplistic.

1. Sidekicks, by definition, are almost always with the main character, which allows the conflict to be ongoing https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/why-your-hero-needs-yappy-sidekick/

2. a person who helps and spends a lot of time with someone who is usually more important, powerful, etc. (Merriam-Webster)

You go, you guys! This is awesome. We’ll have this puppy filled out before you know it.

A scene is a sequence of events that happens at a particular place and time and that moves the story forward. The scene consists mostly of “showing” though it may contain some “telling.” The scene has a particular structure that gives the story motion. Showing using the following tools: • Action. • Dialogue. • Interior Monologue. • Interior Emotion. • Sensory Description. Telling using the following tools: • Narrative Summary • Exposition • Description

I like this one. Thx!

Creative Nonfiction:

The use of literary style and writing technique to tell a true story. It’s an embellishment, but only for the sake of telling a story that teaches a lesson or conveys a change of heart or mind. Narrative, dialogue, setting, and voice are just a few creative writing tools used to grab a reader’s interest and leave them changed somehow at the end.

I echo many of the other commenters: this is a great idea!

Here’s a definition you could add:

COPY EDITING

For Further Reading:

https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/how-i-self-edit-my-novels-15-steps-from/

Nice. I’ll have to follow that link for more info. Thx.

If you are going to include AYKB, you should also have the Dumb Mechanic dialogue.

Dumb Mechanic Where a character explains something to a character who doesn’t know what they are talking about. The example from the name is a mechanic explaining what is wrong with a machine to someone who knows nothing about mechanics. It’s vital that the lack of knowledge needs be real and believable. It also needs to be limited to the needs of the moment. So a gear-head stopping to fix a lawyer’s car might explain a air bubble in the gas line, if that was the problem, but not how an engine works in detail.

I’m learning stuff here too! I’d never heard it called that.

Here’s one that wasn’t on the list but which you might want to include:

The first stage of the writing process, which generally includes brainstorming, planning, mapping, researching, and outlining. Prewriting encompasses everything a writer does before beginning the first draft, and it accomplishes such goals as determining the intended theme, organizing plot points, and establishing characters.

https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/6-tasks-youll-love-yourself-for-checking-off-your-nano-pre-writing-list/

https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/book/outlining-your-novel/

Good one! Thanks!

SWEET. I absolutely adore prewriting. I’ve never heard it defined like this.

At first I was like “Pshaw! I know tons of writing terms! And then I started to scroll down the page and my mouth dropped open. MFC? SF? SFF? What? I need this index! What a brilliant idea, K.M.Weiland. 😀

Hah. I’m learning stuff too!

ALPHA READER

See also: BETA READER

I’ve provided a personal take on the subject here: http://www.iennivens.com/advice-for-new-writers-in-an-age-of-interactivity . Feel free to link to or borrow from my post if you find it helpful in clarifying the role.

Nice! Never heard of the alpha reader.

The glossary idea is great with lots of good info. Although I feel like a babe taking in his mother’s milk, growing and making sense of the world around him.

Gotta go, think I’ve got a poopy diaper.

Thank you for all your contributions!

I should be thanking you for all of your contributions ?

Tried my best to come up with some definitions. I hope this helps!

FIRST PERSON A point of view where the main character of a story is also the narrator. The reader “sees” through the eyes of the main character, so to speak. It uses pronouns such as “I,” and “me.” E.g., “I walked into the house.”

EXPOSITION The part of the story where background information about characters, events, setting, etc. is provided. Generally, the exposition can be found at the beginning of the story. However, other background information can be placed throughout the story as it is needed.

I’m amazed you didn’t have “writer’s block” entered. Could it be a case of… you know?

Hah. Must have been. Please feel free to add your definition!

In case you haven’t already Googled this.

Novellette A short novel that is often about romantic relationships and is usually not very serious. Word count is 7,500 to 17,500 words.

Thanks K.M. This is very cool and a lot of work. Cant’ wait to see the final version.

If you have “Scene,” you should probably also have “Sequel”:

For further study: https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/how-to-write-a-sequel-thats-better-than-the-first-book/ https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/how-to-structure-scenes/ https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/structuring-your-scenes-pt-7-three/

To finish up the acronyms:

MMC: “Main Male Character” The male lead in a romance story. Usually gets the girl in the end.

MFC: “Main Female Character” The female lead in a romance story. Usually gets the guy in the end.

MG: Middle Grade fiction, targeted to children ages 8 to 12 years old. Typically features a main character in the same age range and avoids “mature” content such as graphic violence or sexually explicit material. That’s not to say the stories are simplistic, of course.

SF: Science Fiction, aka Sci-Fi. Fiction that incorporates scientific elements such as futuristic societies, advanced technology, and alien worlds. Though usually aiming for scientific plausibility, it ranges in realism from currently understood physics and biology to highly speculative science.

SFF: Science Fiction & Fantasy. A combined genre of speculative fiction. Sci fi typically aims for scientific plausibility, while fantasy often incorporates magical systems. Stories may contain elements of both or be exclusive to one or the other, but all such stories explore fantastic worlds and scenarios.

And speaking of SFF,

Worldbuilding:

(A) The act of designing a story world, including its culture, language, technology, magic, biology, landscape, history, etc. The author does this to build a consistent backdrop for her story. It is especially important for science fiction and fantasy (and even historical novels), where the story world may be much different from the world that the readers inhabit.

(B) The art of distilling the elements of a story world, building the world within the minds of readers. This can be done through setting descriptions, exposition, dialog, or character actions and interactions. In most cases, avoid info-dumping exposition and AYKB dialog. Instead, weave in the worldbuilding as a seamless part of the story itself.

For further study: https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/are-you-asking-these-important/

GHOST WRITER

One who undertakes the physical labor of writing an article, book, or memoir for someone else, usually in secret.

One who produces written content as a third party for someone else, nominally for a fee in exchange for all credit for said written content belonging to someone else.

On another note, I will pay whatever you ask for this book when it’s done.

For now, it’s a totally free resource!

Your description for alliteration is a good one, but for newbies adding an example would be helpful too. “Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Pickled Peppers”

For Passive Voice: on FB the other day, I saw a post that said, “If you can add ‘by aliens’ at the end of the sentence, then it’s passive voice.” Example: “The light was left on in the kitchen—by aliens.” 😀 Give them an example to correct it: “James left the light on in the kitchen.” Gotta say, when I first started writing, passive voice is one that drove me nuts and nearly had me bashing my computer.

Chekhov’s Gun – This is a dramatic principle that requires every single element within a story to be necessary and irreplaceable. The term ‘Chekhov’s Gun’ was coined when Chekhov wrote a letter to A.S. Lazarev, stating that if you have a loaded gun in one scene, it must be fired in one of the subsequent scenes in order to avoid being superfluous. If you give something attention, such as the gun, it must be because it has some import later in the narrative.

Scene structure: the division of a Scene into a scene (the action that happens when a character has a goal, then conflict interferes with that goal and there is an outcome) and its sequel (the character reacting to the previous outcome, then facing a dilemma, and finally making a decision about it that will determine what the character’s goal is in the next Scene)

Plotter: a writer who prefers to write a book /after/ going through an outlining process

Pantser: a writer who prefers to write “by the seat of his/her pants,” meaning, without previous outlining

Outline: a sketch of every event that makes up the structure of a story, which is written before a first draft to edit out any structural weak spots beforehand

Archetype: a ‘type’ of character which is commonly repeated across literature: the mentor, the magician, etc.

Cliché: any situation in a story that has been used too many times in literature, and becomes cheesy to readers.

Cliffhanger: the ending of a chapter or book in a moment of high suspense and tension, used to compel readers to read on or buy the next book in an installment.

Dystopia: genre of literature that focuses on a form of organization of society in the future (typically post-apocalyptic) that is dysfunctional.

Flashback: short narration that breaks a story’s linear time sequence by showing the past.

Flashforward: short narration that breaks a story’s linear time sequence by showing the future.

LOVE INTEREST

The additional parts of a book appearing after the main body of the text (i.e. acknowledgements, historical notes, explanatory notes, end notes, an afterword, index, bibliographies, and appendixes). Also called Back Matter.

Dystopian: This describes an imagined community, society, or world, in which everything is unpleasant or undesirable. It is the opposite of utopian, and literally means ‘bad place’.

Love this! Here are my offerings.

MARY SUE (fem.) (MARTY-SUE – (male.)) – began by fan fiction writers but now in writers general vocab. A derogatory term for a character than is able to do everything, the perfect heroine, with ultimate abilities. Not always a female, but can be used to describe any character with unrealistic abilities.

HEA – Happily Ever After – Romance writers use this to describe a genre as well as a moment. “A great HEA read.” Or, “you do get your HEA.” Most often seen with Harlequin and the “cozy” genre. (I went a long time thinking this was a genre all its own!)

COZY, also known as COZIES – a mystery novel that is usually a bloodless crime, with very little violence, sex or coarse language (but not always a pure “clean-read.”) Usually the person solving the crime is an amateur and has the support/friendship of a police officer/detective/medical examiner. Readers usually identify with the main character because they are positive and socially acceptable (even their small faults).

FRONT MATTER

The material preceding the main body/text of a work: including the title pages, printing/publishing data and/or a table of contents, foreword, preface, author’s note, dedication, etc.

There can be multiple antagonists in a story, but ultimately it’s the greatest character standing in direct opposition to and blocking the protagonist achieving his story goal.

This is awesome, you guys! Keep it up. We’ll have this thing filled out in no time.

ACTIVE VOICE: The opposite of passive voice. Example: Beautiful giraffes roam the savannah. (active) As opposed to The savannah is roamed by beautiful giraffes. (passive)

BLACK MOMENT/LOW MOMENT: The part in the story at which everything looks hopeless and the situation is at its lowest point. Usually directly precedes the climax.

DENOUEMENT: The wrap up after the story is done. The wind down from the action of the climax. Sometimes not included in the full arc of the story, but tells afterward details.

DEUTERAGONIST: A secondary protagonist and the driver of a subplot. Can be a sidekick.

Great idea! I wish I’d had one of these when I started writing. 😛

You might want to include what active and passive voice actually are, rather than just opposites. With active voice, the person or thing performing the action serves as the subject of the sentence, whereas with passive voice, the subject is the person or thing being acted upon. I really like your examples, though.

Perfect! I combined both of your comments for a solid definition. Thanks!

Great! One typo, though: you wrote “(passive)” twice under Passive Voice. I’m pretty sure the second one should be “(active).” With the massive surge of input you’ve been sorting through, though, it’s an understandable mistake.

Excellent! Thanks for catching that.

In linguistics, the actor in a sentence is called the “agent,” and the passive receiver of action is called the “patient.” These are independent of “subject” and “object,” but which is which determines the voice of the verb.

Wow, 100 comments already! It’s really a testament to the effectiveness of your content and teaching style, Katie, that you can recruit so many enthusiastic contributors so quickly. And that includes those of us who normally don’t say anything but who really appreciate all that you do here. You’re probably my favorite blogger on writing, and I’ve read a lot. Thank you so much for making resources like this!

Aw, that’s very kind of you. Makes my day to hear you’re finding the site useful! And a super-huge thanks to you and everyone else whose enthusiasm for this project has been so infectious!

I know awesome isn’t it? Ah, splendid indeed. 🙂

This is really taking off. Great job guys!

Okay, I’ve been thinking about it all day and feel like my first definition for this was kind of rambly, so I’ll try again. But feel free to take it or not as it works! 😉

One standing in opposition to/thwarting the protagonist.

I like it. Simplicity is bliss!

Upmarket Fiction: A type of fiction that is an amalgamation between Commercial Fiction, something with a wide audience that fits into a typical genre, and Literary Fiction, something that doesn’t fit exactly into a standard genre classification. Upmarket Fiction can appeal to both audiences; exceptional writing that doesn’t fit into a mold yet has the potential for mass appeal.

SPECULATIVE FICTION:

1. speculative fiction. noun. 1. a broad literary genre encompassing any fiction with supernatural, fantastical, or futuristic elements.

Speculative fiction – Dictionary.com dictionary.reference.com/browse/speculative-fiction

2. Speculative fiction: is a term often attributed to Robert A. Heinlein (July 07 1907-May 08, 1988) an American novelist and science fiction writer.

Speculative fiction is a fiction genre speculating about worlds that are unlike the real world in various important ways. In these contexts, it generally overlaps one or more of the following: science fiction, fantasy fiction, horror fiction, supernatural fiction, superhero fiction, utopian and dystopian fiction, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, and alternate history. It is often used as an umbrella term for science fiction and fantasy considered as a single genre. The term is used this way in academic and ideological criticism of these genres, as well as by some readers, writers, and editors of these genres.

Further reading: a. http://www.goodreads.com/genres/speculative-fiction b. http://www.greententacles.com/articles/5/26/

URBAN FANTASY:

A subcategory of contemporary fantasy, urban fantasy is set in a contemporary city. Often co-existing with the familiar city life is a hidden, magical aspect of the city frequently including magical creatures. Charles de Lint is one of the primary authors of urban fantasy. To some extent, Mark Helprin’s A Winter’s Tale is an urban fantasy as well as Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere.

Cyberpunk explores the fusion between man and machine. A key element is the perfection of the Internet and virtual reality technology. In a cyberpunk novel, characters can experience and interact with computers in a 3D graphic environment so real that it feels like a physical landscape. The society in which cyberpunk is set tends to be heavily urban, and usually somewhat anarchic or feudal. The “father of cyberpunk” is William Gibson, author of the seminal cyberpunk novel Neuromancer. Eos authors defining this ever-evolving virtual reality include Neal Stephenson and Rudy Rucker.

EPIC FANTASY:

Sweeping in scope, epic fantasy usually concerns a battle for rulership of a country, empire or entire world. Drawing heavily upon archetypal myths and the quintessential struggle between a few good people against overwhelming forces of evil, epic fantasy is best represented by author J. R. R. Tolkien’s classic The Lord Of The Rings trilogy. Eos authors of epic fantasy include New York Times bestselling Raymond E. Feist (The Serpentwar Saga) and Adam Lee (The Dominions Of Irth). Some other popular epic fantasy authors are Robert Jordan, David Eddings, Terry Brooks.

COURT INTRIGUE:

A subcategory of epic fantasy that’s currently popular and is the fantasy equivalent of Dumas’s The Three Musketeers. Good examples of this are Robin Hobbs’s Assassin trilogy, George R. R. Martin’s A Song Of Ice And Fire trilogy, Martha Wells’s The Element Of Fire, and Avon author Dave Duncan’s upcoming The King’s Blades trilogy.

Further reading: https://www.sfsite.com/columns/amy26.htm

Line editing and proofreading:

This form of editing means going over a manuscript line by line and editing it for grammar errors as you go. It doesn’t entail any extensive rewriting, but there may be some use of color editing to liven up flat prose, and there may be some reduction of redundancies (such as repeated information). Basically, line editing and proofreading checks for the most basic of grammatical and syntax errors. This style of editing may include the use of a style guide, such as the Chicago Manual of Style.

Forgot to add further reading : LINE EDITING https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/the-importance-of-professional-editing/

Two quick questions. One stupid and the other… well, probably it is as well.

Stupid 1st: Court Intrigue is a sub-category of Epic Fantasy, how so? It gives examples through titles, which, unless you’ve read at least one… it is simply epic fantasy on a micro-cosmic level, instead of vast expanses, contained within the halls of power of a single kingdom/province/village?

2nd: I’ve been checking back pretty frequently reading through the list, familiarizing myself with the terms; and scrolling down it’s easy to confuse the glossary terms with the links from the previous term (especially between antagonist and antagonistic force . Is there anyway to make the terms standout a bit more from the previous entry? It may be just a matter of making the term font size a tad bigger to distinguish it from ‘further study’/link size… or me paying a bit more attention as I scroll… probably best option.

comment awaiting moderation… back on probation…

typo, ‘it is simply epic fantasy” should read ‘ is it…’ it’s supposed to be a question, not a statement. Thanks.

Yeah, sorry, I’m not sure why this got flagged for moderation. Anyway…

This is actually the first I’ve heard of the court intrigue sub-category for fantasy as well. I like the sound of it though!

I’ll have to take a look at the design overall and see if I can improve it. Thanks for the suggestions!

“exceeded stupid question filter settings” would be my guess

I have to apologize to you. If I’d sit on the question for an hour or two, did some thinking/looking on my own, might figure it out without troubling you in the process.

It was the first time I’d heard of it as well (court intrigue) and it was great to cross-reference with epic fantasy. If it is a microcosm of (which would make sense being cited as a sub-category) Wolf Hall would also fit that as an example. Made for some incredibly intense drama.

You know what, the formatting works. You’ve put in a ton of work already to make this available and I should sit here and comment on font size!

Again, my sincere apologies.

No, not stupid at all! Good questions both, although I think I will leave the format of the glossary as is for now.

Thank you, very gracious.

Glad about the format! … although , when you do get around to it, may I request a projected holographic rolodex interface with voice activated search… if that wouldn’t be not too much trouble.

Your wish is my command. 😉

woo-hoo, looking forward to it! ;-D

I’ll try to do some more research and find a better definition for court intrigue then I’ll be back. What I’ve found so far sounds pretty intriguing! Pun unintended.

So what I’ve discovered is that Court Intrigue is a subgenre of Epic or high fantasy and is a relatively new thing. Wow. I never realized how many sub-genre’s of fantasy there are! The genre’s are almost as diverse as the writers themselves.

The term high fantasy (also epic fantasy) generally refers to fantasy that depicts an epic struggle between good and evil in a fantasy world, whether independent of or parallel to ours. The moral concepts in such tales take on objective status, and are not relative to the one making the judgement. ( https://www.worldswithoutend.com/resources_sub-genres.asp )

What is Court Intrigue Fantasy? Lawyers dueling in court rooms! Jury tampering! Okay, so not that kind of court. More like a royal court— think castles, thrones, and royal successions. Is Scar’s solo from The Lion King coming to mind? Absolutely! These stories have lots of layers and conflict, though not necessarily physical conflict, more behind the scenes conniving and pulling strings. These are complicated stories full of intrigue. Moreover, the characters are clever—usually on both sides of the aisle. There is a significant level of world-building in Court Intrigue stories in order to create a believable government with intricate hierarchies as well as several nations with complex relationships.

* Level of Magic

Variable. The level of magic in Court Intrigue Fantasy varies by world and is not a defining feature of the sub-genre. In some stories magic is barely present and not a factor in the storyline; in other stories magic is key to plot development and the possession of power.

High. These stories do not usually have grand ideas, but there are plenty of social implications involved in the goings-on of a palace court. The idea of power and ideas of black and white are themes commonly explored in Court Intrigue.

* Level of Grand Ideas and Social Implications

* Level of Characterization

Moderate-High. Character development can sometimes be overshadowed by world building and plot development. However, characters are significant players in Court Intrigue stories and therefore tend to pop off the page. A common characteristic in this sub-genre is the morally gray areas of people’s lives, which gives readers more realistic characters.

* Level of Plot Complexity

High. Unraveling a plot full of twists and turns is the hallmark of the Court Intrigue sub-genre.

* Level of Violence

Moderate. Conflict is a significant part of all Court Intrigue stories, but it is not always violent. There are, however, often wars or the threat of war looming on the edges of the story. Sometimes, even, conflicts are resolved through violence, but in secret.

FURTHER READING

1. Best Fantasy Books: http://bestfantasybooks.com/court-intrigue-fantasy.html

2. School Library Journal: Court Intrigue http://blogs.slj.com/adult4teen/2014/09/10/court-intrigue/

3. Popular Court Intrigue books by Good reads: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/court-intrigue

Fascinating! Thanks for digging this up for us.

Benjamin, I agree with Katie, thank you… like hitting a vein of ore.

No problem. It was fun and I learned something in the process.

Extremely short fiction. Some flash fiction markets have a limit of 53 words, while others allow up to 1000 words. Like longer fiction, flash fiction includes conflict and resolution, but some elements may be implied for the sake of brevity and left to readers’ imaginations. Due to its extreme brevity, flash fiction tends to focus on one turning point or revealing moment.

Awesome thanks!

Bread, Eggs, Milk, Squick –

– She watched though the window as the stupid man ate his precious eggs, bacon and toast. She had to muffle her mouth when he gulped down half of his juice and then vomited it out. Ha, hurt my sister do you? Tomorrow was going to be fun. She smiled, and it grew wider as she walked off to school.

1. wash the dishes. 2.Wash the laundry. 3. Bury the mailman in the backyard.

“I love D.B.Z, books and wearing peoples skin.”

I think I got it right correct me if I’m wrong.

(Forgive me my books are a little twisted.)

I’m probably being dense, but this doesn’t make sense to me. :p What are you defining?

A character is speaking a list, and the last item in the list is darker or more disturbing than the rest.

Squick means:

“Possibly a contraction of “squeamish” and “Ick!” A negative emotional response, more specifically a disturbed or disgusted one.”

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Squick

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/PlayingWith/BreadEggsMilkSquick

Thanks! I’ll have to look into that. First I’ve heard of it!

You’re welcome. 😀 I love Tv troupes. Beware, the site is addicting and you can get lost reading in there for hours.

Steampunk: A subgenre of fantasy fiction which is largely determined by its setting, which is typically an alternative-Victorian reality, laden with steam-powered technology. Corsets are optional.

Dieselpunk: A subgenre related to Steampunk, although it is driven more by the culture of the 1920s through the early 1950s. Technology is strongly influenced by diesels.

Beats: A term closely related to outlining. Basically, a description of the important action to take place in a story. May or may not be incredibly thorough, but is likely to hit the highlights of the important action of the story.

Corsets are optional? That’s so wrong. 😉

I don’t know if this matches with the ‘official’ definition.. you can ignore it if you like.

A content editor looks at big picture stuff: character arcs, plot arcs, whether the story has a consistent tone. Also may comment on POV issues and/or narrative voice. A content edit is the first edit a story should go through after the rough edges have been knocked off the first draft as your editor may suggest major changes which will waste effort polishing too much.

As an aside not necessarily for publication I’ve been know to move chapters about, suggest cutting them completely, or change the POV character in a scene. I think the hardest thing I ever suggested was changing a first person, multiPOV to third person limited.

I send a fair number of clients to your blog, this glossary is one of the reasons why.

That’s great! Thanks, Alex!

Editing concerned primarily with the structure and content of a book that starts near the beginning of the manuscript’s life. A developmental editor works to give the book focus and direction (mostly towards what is “marketable”) by helping to develop author’s ideas, and so will point out inconsistencies in aspects such as logic, voice, and audience.

Definition influenced by The Longman Guide to Technical Editing by Carolyn D. Rude (2006)

“What is a Development Editor and What Can You Expect?” by Jane Friedman (2014, Sept 8) https://janefriedman.com/developmental-editor/

Resonance: The power to evoke enduring images, memories, and emotions.

Logline: Single sentence story summary. See Premise Sentence.

For further study: 6 Reasons a Premise Sentence Strengthens Your Story

( thank you for the crucial clarification! lol… and alliteration tie-in!)

You’re welcome, I find the site helps me when I’m stuck or write my self into a corner. Most of the stuff on there is so oddball that it can get things moving again.

The standard way that editors, agents, and publishers want your manuscript formatted before you send it to them.

The cover page should be on a seperate page from the rest of the manuscript. It should include:

– name of the manuscript and author (or pen name) – approximate word count (rounded to the nearest hundred) – Your: name, address, phone number, e-mail, and website – Your agent’s details (if you have an agent)

font: Twelve point, Times New Roman, or Courier New black

margins: One-inch margins on all four sides

indent: Half-inch paragraph indentations for the first line of each and every paragraph

space: Double space; no extra line between paragraphs

align: Align left

page numbering: Number pages beginning with the actual story (don’t count or put page numbers on the title page)

scene breaks: Indicate scene breaks by inserting a blank line and centering the number sign # in the center of the line

page header: Include your last name, the manuscript’s title, and the page number in the page header of every page except for the title page. Align the header to the right

end: Center a number sign # on an otherwise blank line one double-spaced line down from the final line of text of the final chapter or epilogue at the end of the manuscript. Or write The End. (The end should be labeled so an agent or editor isn’t looking for extra pages that aren’t there.)

italics: Use italics for italicized words.

The standard document format is MS Word (.doc) If you have a newer version of MS Word, Open Office, Pages, or something else, save the document in .doc (This is usually found somewhere like, File>>Save As, “MS Word 97-2003 (.doc)” Almost everyone can read .doc files)

Finally, check the publisher or agent’s website. Some of them will have specific fonts, spacing, or other ways they want things done that might vary slightly from the general guidelines.

To see screen shots of what this looks like: http://www.marlyspearson.com/formatting_101.htm

My humble opinion (and excuse me for my clumsy English, please)

Archetype is more than a type of character. It’s, according to its etymology, an ideal of that figure or character.

Same as a Stereotype is more typical, almost a cliché.

Great idea!

Red Herring – a false clue meant to mislead the reader. It creates a false trail for the reader to follow. A red herring can be an object, a character, part of the setting or any other way the author can think of to mislead.

Foreshadowing – Building subtle information for later, hinting at what is possible or what is to come. A successful job at foreshadowing will result in the reader thinking “I should have guessed that!” when the moment comes.

Backstory – Inserting information about events or thoughts that shaped the characters or story world.

Thank you, Andrea!

RE: Dumb Mechanic

See also, “As you know, Bob” (Where a character tells another character something he already knows.) The Dumb Mechanic is slightly better writing than “As you know, Bob”, as the author has at least tried to fix the problem, but the core problem is the same.

Thanks, Aaron!

I’d like to add the term “zero draft” to list. I’ve found the concept helpful. Zero Draft The “vomit” draft, part of pre-writing. The writer “vomits” up whatever story ideas they have without concern as to structure, consistency, or sense. Used to a) explore world/worldbuild, b) explore/develop characters/character interactions c) develop and/or test plot elements d) anything the author wants. Further reading: http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2015/10/06/how-to-outline-during-national-plot-your-novel-month/ http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2011/09/14/25-ways-to-plot-plan-and-prep-your-story/ I’ve found the zero draft a useful concept as a pantser. It can be the most terrible piece of writing in history and it doesn’t matter because it’s not a “real” draft, it’s just exploratory. It helps me find my plot and get to know my characters without having to commit to anything.

Sounds like my outlining phase!

MPS Missing Parent Syndrome

The rather common occurrence, usually found in works of fiction where the protagonist is underaged, where the parents and/or guardians are somehow left out for the majority of the plot. This can be due to death (Frodo in Lord of the Rings,) or boarding school (Harry Potter,) or visitation to another world (Narnia,) or just about any other reason.

Drabble: Something you write for fun. Or practice. Or both. Both is good.

Perhaps this was previously mentioned, but I think you should add Pitch to your list and how it is similar or different from a synopsis. I am actually trying to figure this out at the moment, and so I don’t have a definition to go with it.

This is absolutely brilliant! Thank you. You are missing a definition for Plot. I suggest:

PLOT: 1. The series of escalating conflicts that tell the story of the characters progression toward the climax. 2. The writer’s evil plan (thus “plot”) to ruin someone’s life for the edification and/or amusement of others.

Those are the one’s I use. It was a nightmare to find or construct good simple definitions for Plot.

Don’t know how I missed this post before now. Off the top of my head…

McGuffin Designing Principle Story Logic Story Arc Under Conflict – Internal Conflict; External Conflict

If I think of any more, I’ll pop back over. Hope these help.

Wow! Excellent and comprehensive list! I learned from it that some concepts I knew were “a thing” (like AYKB 😀 ). I don’t know if this is within your scope; however, I do recall that as a fledgling writer, “onomatopoeia” was a word I saw often. I had no clue what it meant until I broke down and opened a dictionary.

One of my favorite words! 😀

Mine too, along with kerfuffle, flibbertigibbet and persnickety. Defenestration is right up there, too. 😀

Drabble… fiction of almost or exactly one hundred words, but not over. Flash fiction… short pieces of fiction written within a 24-48 hour period.

Drabble’s a new one to me. Thanks!

Wow, this info is really useful! some of these writing terms were actually new to me so thank you for this list! I remember when I didn’t even know what MC meant! haha

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25 Ways to Improve Your Writing Vocabulary

Building your vocabulary is one of the easiest ways to improve the power of your writing and make any writing task that much easier, as you will have several synonyms in your repertoire to pull from every time. Developing your vocabulary need not be difficult or painful. Here are 25 ways you can improve your writing vocabulary every day.

Use New Words

Use a word immediately after you learn it. Try to make a game out of using a new word as soon as you learn it. Every day, try to slip in a new word into the conversation, a journal entry, an assignment or an email to a friend. Do this as often as possible, and repeat the word to yourself.

Read Every Day

Once you’re out of school, word drills and assigned reading become things of the past. While these were tools for building your vocabulary repertoire while you were young, it doesn’t mean you should abandon reading. Try to read a well-written and edited essay, magazine article, book or news article every day. Nonfiction and technical books will quickly teach you new ways to think and speak with words you may be unfamiliar with, but any type of reading will help you along.

Learn Roots

Learn the roots of words. Most words in the English language are built from a common root, prefix, and suffix, usually with an origin in the Greek or Latin language. Once you learn a root, you’ll begin to understand more words that use the same root. For example, -duc- (Latin root word) means to lead or to make, such as in the words produce or deduce.

Use a Thesaurus

Keep a thesaurus handy. As you write, keep a thesaurus handy and use it when you find yourself using a word too often, or using a word that you know doesn’t quite convey the right meaning. This will help you better express yourself, and you’ll also learn a new word in the process.

Develop Practical Vocabulary

This means you should start by learning words that express what’s important to you for the task at hand. A good example of this is learning trade language or words you use often in a hobby or vocation. Rather than immediately turning to cliches or jargon that’s tossed around, look for clearer words to express to peers what you’re writing about.

Learn New Words Every Day

To improve your vocabulary quickly, make an effort to learn at least one new word every single day. There are plenty of ways to do this, such as a Word of the Day calendar or email list, or simply picking a word from a thesaurus or dictionary.

Look up Words You Don’t Know

How often do you come across words that are unfamiliar as you read? Don’t just gloss over them; take the time to look them up, and if you don’t have the time right then, write them down and look them up later.

Keep a Journal

Journaling won’t just help you develop your writing style, it will also help you improve your vocabulary. Try to use new or interesting words you’ve learned recently into a journal entry for the day or the week.

Identify Empty Words

You’re probably familiar with empty words in your speech (such as “uh” or “um”), but your writing probably has empty words as well. Look for these empty words in your writing that do not offer any substance to your reader and replace them with something more appropriate. The same principle applies to phrases and sentences, so make sure that you haven’t used six or seven phrases to say something that could be better communicated in one sentence filled with carefully-chosen words.

Diversify Your Reading List

If you tend to read the same sort of things day in and day out, you may not be exposing yourself to a wide enough range of vocabulary. Diversify the topics you read to include natural science, Shakespeare, contemporary literature, politics, history, philosophy or any other topics you think you may enjoy.

Do Word Puzzles

Word puzzles in the newspaper or a magazine aren’t just a fun way to fill time, they’re also perfect for boosting your working vocabulary. Crossword puzzles are a challenge that get your brain working hard to search your memory for words you do know but don’t use, and this can help you move words from your memory banks into your working set of vocabulary which will come across in your writing.

Try Word Board Games

There are plenty of word games on the market designed to improve vocabulary and language skills without being a bore. Some of these games you may have played as a child, so it’s time to break them out again and get to “work.” If you have a friend who could also use some help — or someone with a great vocabulary you think will challenge you — invite them over for a game night.

Practice New Words in Divergent Ways

It takes between 10 and 20 repetitions to make a new word a part of your vocabulary. To help the word settle into your mind and memory, write it down (both the definition and a sentence you make up using the word), use it in conversation, include it in an email or any other way you can think of.

Make up Associations

Start by saying the new word aloud, then relate it to a word you already know. A good example of this is gargantuan, which means “very large” or “gigantic.” Say a sequence aloud: small, medium, large, very large, gargantuan. Then list things you think are gargantuan.

Use Mnemonics

Mnemonic techniques are memory tricks you can use to remember new words. You may remember a word by sounding it out and thinking of a funny sentence that matches the meaning, such as turning egregious (extremely bad) into “Don’t let that smelly rotten egg reach us!”

Visualize New Words

Research shows that visualization is a great way to remember new words and their meanings. A good example of this is the word stratovolcano, which is a high, pointed mountain with a violent explosion. One way to remember this meaning is the fact that the prefix “strato” sounds like “straight-oh,” which may make you think of a straight ruler or a “straight-o-volcano,” which describes the word’s definition.

Make Your Own Vocabulary Tests

Keep a list of the new words you learn each week and incorporate into writing and conversation. At the end of each week, make yourself a quiz using the words to cement them in your memory.

Make Synonym Word Lists

Do you find yourself turning to the same word again and again in your writing? Grab a piece of paper and write it at the top. Next, brainstorm or use a thesaurus to generate a list of ten to twenty new words you can use instead. You can keep these lists in a vocabulary notebook and add to them whenever you learn a new synonym.

Take a Writing Course

There are plenty of online courses as well as in-person classes you can attend to boost your writing vocabulary and learn how to use new words correctly. Try to find a self-paced course that uses assignments and quizzes to hep you increase fluency and brush up on your writing skills. Some classes are aimed at essay writing or creative writing, so you can find a class that will help you improve the style you need the most help with.

Edit Your Own Writing

After you finish writing, be your own editor and go though the piece with a fine-toothed comb to identify overused and nondescript words with something more precise or colorful. Editing is an important process for spotting writing errors, but it’s also great for improving the tone, style, and clarity of your writing. It might help to read the sentences aloud, then note any lack of precision. Search through your memory for more descriptive words, or consult a thesaurus if you need to.

As you replace words, remember that using a large number of complex words won’t necessarily clarify the meaning, and it may just make your writing more pompous. Ask yourself, “Do I know a better word to use instead?” You may replace “use” with “acquire” or “obtain,” or “do” with “perform.”

Move Words from Comprehensive to Expressive Vocabulary

You actually have two types of vocabulary: one is a much larger set of words you understand, even if only vaguely, and the other is a smaller set of words you actually use to express yourself. Moving words from your comprehensive, but passive vocabulary, to your active, expressive vocabulary is easier than you think. To do this, you’ll need to know how to define, pronounce and spell the words. Say them out loud and use them at every opportunity to move them into your active set.

Ask for Feedback

Do you think your writing could use some help? If you’re struggling with your written vocabulary, try asking someone else for help. A second set of eyes can offer a great deal of insight and spot problems you may not notice yourself, including poor word choice. Don’t be afraid to ask a friend, teacher, co-worker or someone online to review your writing for feedback on your vocabulary.

Carry a Dictionary and Thesaurus with You

How often do you find yourself with free time and nothing to do? Carry a pocket thesaurus or dictionary with you and you’ll find time to beef up your vocabulary while you’re waiting for an appointment, commuting to work or waiting for a bus. Whenever you have a few minutes to spare, read a page or two and learn a new word to add to your writing. It’s also a great idea to look up obscure words you don’t quite grasp that come to you on the fly as you go about your day. You can also use the dictionary or thesaurus to look up unfamiliar words you come across in your daily life.

Use College Preparation Tests

College prep tests that use SAT and ACT-type words are a great way to take your writing to the next level. This form of advanced study will challenge your mind and give you a new set of words to use that are practical and offer your writing the clarity it needs. You’ll also get the chance to brush up on the most important Latin and Greek roots and get a new set of words with activities to help move them into your active vocabulary set.

There are tons of non-board games that will help you improve your writing vocabulary while you have fun. Try downloading fun word games onto your phone or computer so you can get some practice while you unwind after a busy day. Some games are designed to build vocabulary skills, but there are plenty of others that will help you practice spelling, phonics, and even typing skills. There are even some designed for college students to prepare for testing and vocabulary-rich exams.

Hopefully, this list has given you an excellent place to start to build your vocabulary a bit at a time. If you think about it, there are opportunities all around you to develop this important skill, so spend time every day reading and listening to take in new words and then develop a system to incorporate these new words in your writing and speech. Before long, you’ll find your vocabulary has grown to a new level and your writing has gained the clarity you need with an ease you didn’t think possible.

Author: Jovell Alingod

(Image courtesy of Michael Coghlan )

One of the way to improve your vocabulary is to take up a vocab challenge.

Having a good vocabulary is more than knowing a large number of words. It is ability to choose words with greater precision and at the appropriate time.

Any type the word challenge to increase vocabulary is a great way to do this. I personally like to find five new words in the dictionary each day that I didn’t know the meaning to before them. I don’t always remember them all, but I do remember some and this helps me build my vocabulary.

Knowing when to use a word appropriately is far more important to knowing what a word means. It’s like all the students who study English and know the definition of the words, but can’t speak English. it’s the same thing here.

i agree with you Pratigya

well, I agree with you on that statement because most of the time my friend who is studying literature would use words that do not feel appropriate sometimes or just feel off

Linguistically there are two techniques for improving your lexical strength (vocabulary) :

Active learning and Passive learning

1. Passive learning: New words are acquired subconsciously, while doing some daily life stuff, like reading a newspaper.

Vocabulary is an abstract skill due to reasons like reading habits, family background, schooling, culture etc. The conventional methods are very generic and are made of masses. They do not allow personalised learning to an individual’s current vocabulary.

2. Active learning: Active learning methodology has become a preferred way to change the traditional teacher oriented classroom into the newer student oriented approach to learning. In active learning, acquisition of new words is done with conscious and great efforts.

Usually active vocabulary building is quite rigorous and boring due to its monotonous nature.

Thank you for this informative reply. I have never considered it in this way, but it makes a lot of sense. Active learning has always been tedious for me, but I really enjoy reading books, and this has helped improve my vocabulary greatly compared to my classmates. While I know I should spend more time actively learning new words, I feel a lot better knowing I’m subconsciously learning new ones everytime I pick up a book.

not clear meaning vocabulary

Reading is good “Passive” way of improving vocabulary, but when you are resorting to making lists, that is “Active” method. Problem with active method of learning words is that it is cumbersome and boring, and you doing retain and unless you use it in writing sentences to apply the word, very little chance is that you increase your lexical size.

I think it’s important to do both passive and active vocabulary learning. It’s true that you are going to have to figure out a way to make active learning interesting so that you can continue to do it long term, but there are ways to do that. I love getting up in the morning and looking at my new word for the day calendar in trying to figure out how I will use that new word sometime during the day. If you can find an easy way to incorporate active learning into your daily life, it can be fun.

You can improve your vocabulary by playing this different Wordgame based on the Oxford dictionary.

Hey Nicklas do you have a brother named Markus??

I’ve been trying to find good ways to improve the writing vocabulary of my students. Techniques to improve passive vocabulary are quite well established – SRS, etc. However, the jury is still out on the best strategies to improve active/writing vocabulary.

Have you found any to be effective since you left this comment? I’m looking for some good ways to improve my vocabulary and if you found some good ones, that might save me a lot of time experimenting until I found a good method. Anyone else who has had success improving their vocab is also welcome to chime in. I would love to get some good methods going.

thank you for these pics. I want to write but dont have many words.i will try to write daily and follow your tips to improve my vocabulary

I’d say, just start writing. You’ll start to learn which words you use are repetitive, and find words to replace them. It helps me to keep writing. Just because you don’t have a well defined vocabulary yet, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start writing. You learn by positioning yourself to learn, then the waters of knowledge flows.

“the waters… flows.” Waters is your subject and requires a plural verb. Waters…. flow. “of knowledge” is a prepositional phrase and does not impact the verb.

Water is uncountable and it is a universal fact that ,it flows ,hence, i think it is “water flows”.

Exactly dude

This is so important to good writing. If you aren’t improving your vocabulary on a daily basis then you aren’t improving your writing. Thanks for so great suggestions on how to keep those new words coming!

This is something that many writers neglect to their own detriment. You should always be trying to improve your writing and these are some good ideas on how you can improve your vocabulary. Too many writers forget about this, and it shows in their word choices. Don’t forget to spend time improving your craft!!

I agree with this. It’s important to always be trying to improve whatever craft you have chosen to pursue. If your craft has something to do with words for speaking, improving your vocabulary is something that you should spend time doing. But this isn’t limited to just vocabulary. You should be trying to improve other areas of your craft as well.

Yo Starcraft do you play Minecraft???

I try to learn at least one new word every day to improve my vocabulary. I like to read a lot, and I can usually find a word that I’m not familiar with while reading. I will look up this word so that I understand what it means and then try to use it in conversation during the next week. If I don’t find the word while reading, then I’ll just randomly open up my dictionary to find a word that I wasn’t familiar with before.

I think this is a great habit to get into for anyone who wants to improve their vocabulary. If you do this for a while, you begin to love learning new words, and when you love doing something like this, it’s easy to build your vocabulary each and every day.

I’m curious if anyone actively tries to improve their vocabulary each day. If so, how do you do it? I would like to learn tips and tricks on how to improve my vocabulary each day. I look forward to seeing your comments on how I can do this.

I think it’s different for everybody. What will work for one person, won’t work for the next. Chances are you’ll need to experiment quite a bit with a variety of the different suggestions above in the article to find which works best for you. I know that I learned vocabulary very different than my friend does. She does it by rote learning using flashcards. That would drive me absolutely crazy. I like to learn new vocabulary in a more natural way. But each of those ways works for each of us.

I second that! You’ll have to spend time trying different techniques, and using the ones that work well for you. There is no magical answer! There is magic in the word ‘practice’. Allow yourself time to make mistakes, so you do not quit trying. I think often, we do not allow a little wiggle room. You can do this!

This is a pretty extensive list of ways one can improve their vocabulary. I find the best way to increase my vocabulary is to make the conscious effort to use words that I would not normally use in conversation. It takes some work to do this, but a lot of people say I have the best vocabulary of any person that they know. When you begin to learn a lot of new words, you become more articulate and are able to express yourself in ways you might not have been able to do before. I encourage everyone to give it a try.

Also, It pays to converse with people who can articulate outside of your normal word range. I listen to many people speak words that are outside of my range. You’d be surprised at the information that is stored in your subconscious when its time to pull out “that one word”. Try using it even if it sounds silly, others will help you learn too.

Having a big vocabulary isn’t always good, especially if you use it to try and show off like my friend. What’s the use of using words that most people won’t understand just to make yourself feel smarter than others? It’s much better to use words everyone understands so they actually know what you’re trying to say. Don’t act like a pompous jackass.

That’s not having a large vocabulary — that’s simply being an ass. being able to come up with the specifically correct word for a certain situation is a wonderful thing to be able to do. It’s not for trying to show off, but just to be able to express yourself accurately.

Some of us just think it’s fun!! 🙂

The thing that people forget is that it takes a bit of work to improve your vocabulary. It’s better to find ways that are enjoyable like reading books or a “word a day” email than trying to study them which can be boring. If you make it a game, it will be a lot more fun.

I agree that it’s important to find a way to enjoy learning new vocabulary rather than trying to learn it from the list. This is why he did vocabulary in school. All they would do is give you a list of words that you had to memorize. Why can’t teachers figure out a way to make learning new words more enjoyable than just memorizing lists? It seems like it would be a simple thing to do and then students would enjoy English a lot more.

What’s the very best way to learn vocabulary? There are always these lists of different ways, but nobody ever tells you the very best way. I want to know the best way to learn English vocabulary.

daily read English newspaper and magazines.

I not only became better to write and pass examinations at the university but also to improve my colloquial English. In fact, many people do not know even their own language. I’m writing a dissertation and just now I realized that I needed to increase my vocabulary. Without it, a person can not consider himself competent. To write a thesis is important not only choose an interesting topic, but also competently and clearly put down it on paper. Without it your ideas, your thoughts will not be able to understand people and professor – will not be able to evaluate your work. Thesis – that’s what I need, what I have to do for my future. And so I do not regret my time and effort to find more information about thesis writing. I do not cease to learn and improve my skills for my studies, for my future.

Very well said Nancy!

How do you know if you have a good vocabulary or not? Is there a standard number of words you need to know for others to identify you as having a good vocabulary? I think if there was a number of words everyone knows they needed to know, more people would try to reach that goal. As it is now, it’s difficult to know if I have an adequate vocabulary or not.

I’ve been working on improving my vocabulary for the last two months. I found that it was difficult to begin, but once I started, it became much easier. I try to do most of my vocabulary improvement through a lot of reading, but I do make an effort to look up words that I’m not familiar with while I’m reading instead of just passing them over or trying to guess their meaning.

I also try to use new words each day. For me at least, if I use the word I’m able to retain it much better. I would say over this last two months, I’ve been able to learn between one and five words a day and I’ve added well over 100 new words to my vocabulary.

It’s a great or impressive, certainly you made an effort , But me myself I was trying to polish up my Engish for the last months and I attempted to collect and Memorized some of them, but unlucky because I have not the suitable place which I can display my Vacapularies the people of my country do not speak The English Language , Give me your recommendation .

Vocabulary : start with simple words, like house hold, transportation, communication, vegatables, fruits, trees, animals, weekdays, months, numbers.

All basic vocabulary words. It seems like, you are a beginner, dont let people break you down. We are all human, nobody is better than the next.

Sickness and death, reach us all, rich and poor.

I’ve high respect for you mr english i respect your honesty an willingness to help

Does anyone visualize words to help them improve vocabulary? I started doing this a few months ago and it’s help me improve my vocab quite a bit. I’m a visual person, though, so that may be something that applies to me more than others. If you happen to be a visual person, try visualizing new words and you may be amazed at how many you are able to learn over a short period of time.

I like to visualize as well, but I have never done it with vocabulary building. It may be what I’ve been missing. I’m going to give it a try and see if doing so helps me retain more words.

This is something that everyone should be striving to do no matter their age. I think it’s important to teach kids at a young age how interesting words are so they can find value and love within them. Being curious about words and where they came from (and finding the perfect word for what you want to say) is a type of curiosity we’d all be better having.

Why do we need to learn so many different vocabulary words in school??!!?? All I do is spend hours and hours learning new words that I’ll never use when I’m older. It seems so stupid!

Knowing a large number of words will make you much more articulate in your conversations with others. Knowing words can help out in a lot of ways in life. Those hours of learning will pay off. You need to figure out a fun and entertaining way to learn those words.

Before you work on new vocabulary, you should make sure you already understand the basics. There is nothing worse than someone using big words while the small words are being incorrectly used. A sure sign the person thinks big words are important, but has no idea how to use words in general.

I don’t think these two things are exclusive. You can work on the basics and learn new vocabulary at the same time. It isn’t an “either / or” choice. Do both.

It depends on the person who learns the language. If he is a fast learner, he will learn both the basics and big words fast.

Melvin I am also practicing to write English like native speakers.if your English is good then help in writing passage I write a passage on some topic and you will point out my errors.I am so obliged if you help me

Melvin, I too am practicing to write English like native speakers. If your English is better than mine, then would you help me improve my writing. I will write a passage on a topic and if you would point out any errors I make it would help me greatly. I am very thankful for any help you provide.

I am a native English speaker and this is how I would have written the post.

Sure why not?

I am not agree with your ideas Because those people have not english native language Those people how to increase your vocabulary They read english but not understand because english is not whose native language

Please give me some 💡

I want to improve my english vocabulary

start reading books and blogs that you like to read everyday. Consistency is the major key of success in all kind of drills.

then I don’t have time to do something else

yes you said well

you’re are right!

“you’re are right!” ?? = you are are right! Contractions are wonderful when used correctly. There IS a word represented there….

You are so right. I am 40 years old i should know better I’m so rush to high up. In my learning I have a habit of skipping over the small and rush. Myself to the big ones

This looks like a great list of resources/apps. Using a variety of these should make learning vocabulary a breeze.

I don’t understand why so many people don’t like to learn new words. They are so interesting!

I am improve my vocabulary so u tell me why can I do

I am *improving my vocabulary so u *can *advise me *what to do Maybe you should study the Grammar Formation first;before u learn new words.

Woah! That was a little bit savage

No it wasn’t that’s a very good suggestion i myself think i should take go study it.

Hi Louis Alion, “Maybe you should study the Grammar Formation first;before u learn new words” I don’t know the other think. but for me, if you know only the grammar after that you can not make the sentence because of we don’t know new words.

I believe that you should do the same. Practice what you preach. There is always room for improvement, always.

Grammar and Vocabulary, goes hand in hand. Communication and Vocabulary, goes hand in hand.

Dont get confused.

learn vocabulary first

Maybe they have more and better work. Duhhhh!

the power writing is power of vocabulary

for learning the basic knowledge should be complete .every new knowledge need some basic knowledge first

Yes U r right

You are absolutely right Rudra.

Such a thanks for sharing these words and good experience for me ,I saw every point .who became me bold and improve my english skills .today i had built more confidence ,and promise you . I will improve my english as soon as possible Once again Thanks

Thanks for the advice I thing I’ve got an enough idea on how I will improve my grammar and vocabulary. 🙂

When I will summerise the article may be it would be like this, # Increase vocabulary # Read news paper # Play game

Thank’s…

Thanks for writing this wonderful article, I have learned new words while reading the article.

I too learned lots of new words in your Article

It’s really helpful. keep it up!

My vocabulary is vry weak.vocabulary words are vry difficult to learn…

Then you have to study hard.

i really want to improve my vocabulary but ,i always loose concentration whenever i start reading a magazine or a newspaper

Good approach

It is a stepping stone. I am going to improve drastically

game part is not important

Thank for your marevlous explaniation

I enjoy learning new words,but I’m too lazy to do this! Hope that one day I will realize how important it is!

I think reading is quite important. It doesn’t only enrich your vocabulary. But also gives your new knowledges.

thank you for the tips

Hi It is good to know this knowledge.

Thanks, helpful tips. but I don’t understand some things due to my poor education background, wish I could get more explicited ones. But great job though

Great article!

I will give the IELTS test two month later as English isn’t my own language and I will be confused that what am l doing There are a lot of references and books and I don’t have a plan for test Please tell me what am l doing?

Like im in school, so this wasnt that useful. Thank u though about the thesaurus and stuff!

When I see a new word, I looking for a root of that and try to find it on some film and article and know the synonyms and how we can use it I myself use some applications like Word Up which is so useful for me because at the first you can see the root of word, meaning of that, synonym and also some film which help me alot. l recommend you to use it once 😊

Thank you for your valuable suggestions.

This tell how important on reading books or any materials that fully satisfy your vocabulary. And Verily important notice or learning to us, are keep reading books and love it. Specially in this new technological era where people really sucks on gadgets and any technologies . This article help me more.Thanks a lot. And keep it up!!

I want to prove my writing power and also professional email power.

I might try these!

I can say it depends on the person who is learning the language, because even though you are good at vocabulary, if you are poor in grammar your English will never be good, so if you ask me learn both of them at the same time….

Reading is life

Very helpful practical advice thanks

Hello everyone! This is a platform to learn and or improve one’s English speaking and writing abilities, so I think it would be best to help yourself as best as you can. I say this because, going through the comments, I noticed quite a handful of comments written in funny contractions. examples; ‘U’, ‘ur’, ‘re’, and the likes of which literally do not exist anywhere but the “Social media world”. No offense to anyone, but I think his will be a step toward improvement. Thank you!

This simple description sounds to be quite useful. I will try using these tips for my students.

Amazing ideas for a beginner

Best ways to improve self and others in speaking and writing , making choices of words to communicate in dynamic and vibrant manners.

I do appreciate the way you explained, how to improve Vocabulary! In fact, I was not at all comfortable with English Language but some how I managed to start communicating in English, as it was basic need to go ahead with my career. I am still facing issues in writing as my vocabulary is not that good. I will keep trying to get it improved everyday by adopting the ways you explained. Thank You!

I love to learn English how to read, speak and write Vocabularies

I think new words can be practicing by speaking and writing daily on going situation in world . Otherwise native environment in common atmosphere will never be much helpful to learn English quickly . Secondly seeker must have to think in English. Thirdly student must have to write his or her basic routine in English . That what he was doing in entire day on his diary

It is very essential or Vital to follow for the instruction and I will apply and abide by it in order to polish up my English Language.

my son, in junior high, asked his English teacher, “do you know another word for thesaurus? “

Don’t think that only big words is very important and useful but some small words is also there who can improve your vocabulary though there are small words

I get that but don’t big words make our vocabulary grow?

thanks that was very good example

It’s time to break the limits to become limitless and bending the reality.

Thanks very helpful

Very good indeed to have this opportunity to read the 25 way of improvement

I just almost glass over the word itself. Then I use google to find its meaning

It really nice. I’m perfect sure it will help me through the help of God. Thanks

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12 Thrilling Ways of Expanding Vocabulary for Writers ✏️

Table of Contents

Vocabulary is really important for writers, just like a paintbrush is for artists. Having a wide range of words helps writers create detailed and profound pieces. Writers can use it to express complex ideas, create strong emotions, and tell captivating stories. Developing a strong vocabulary is crucial for all writers. It brings many benefits and is worth pursuing. In fact, an expanding vocabulary is essential for the success of all authors.

Vocabulary Instruction Through Critical Thinking with Beth Lawrence

What is Vocabulary?

Vocabulary is essential for writers, like a paintbrush for artists. Having a wide range of words helps writers create detailed and meaningful pieces. It empowers writers to express complex ideas, evoke potent emotions, and build vivid, engaging narratives. Having a strong vocabulary is really important for all writers. It’s worthwhile to spend time expanding it because it brings many benefits. In fact, an expanding vocabulary is essential for the success of all authors.

A vocabulary represents a person’s repertoire of words. Every word in a vocabulary is like a unique tool in a toolbox, each with a specific function and purpose.

A person with a larger vocabulary can express complex thoughts and emotions better. Writers need a wide range of words, just like artists have many colors to paint with.

Writers rely on their words to create sentences that share ideas and spark readers’ imagination. A writer can use a wide range of words to make their writing more powerful and emotional.

Erin McKean: Go ahead, make up new words!

Why is Vocabulary Important for Writers?

For a writer, vocabulary is like a color palette that they use to create their stories. It is a tool that aids them in vividly portraying their thoughts, ideas, and stories to the readers. Having a wide range of words helps writers to pick more precise words for their writing. This makes their work more interesting, descriptive, and convincing.

A good vocabulary helps writers express their ideas and emotions clearly and with detail. They can use the right words to express complex ideas, create clear pictures, and evoke strong feelings. They can create sentences that are correct in grammar and meaningful in a rhythmic way. Moreover, a rich vocabulary sets writers apart. It distinguishes their work, defines their style, and establishes their voice. It is a mark of their prowess, a testament to their skill and creativity. A strong vocabulary is not just a tool, but an important part of a writer’s identity.

A vocabulary represents a person’s repertoire of words. Every word in a vocabulary is like a unique tool in a toolbox, each with a specific function and purpose. The wider a person’s vocabulary, the more capable they are of expressing complex thoughts and emotions accurately and effectively. Writers need a wide range of words, like an artist’s palette, to create colorful and vivid descriptions.

Writers need a good vocabulary to write sentences that express ideas and make the reader imagine things. A writer can make their writing more powerful by using a wide range of words that have a strong impact.

Why is Expanding Vocabulary Important for Writers?

Expanding your vocabulary is like an artist getting more colors to paint with. It gives you new ways to express yourself. Writers benefit from having a wide range of words to choose from. This helps them express their thoughts with precision and creativity.

An expanded vocabulary facilitates greater clarity in writing. A writer can express complex ideas better with a wider range of words. This makes their writing easier to understand and more interesting. They can use it to express details, notice small differences, and depict the complexities of human life more accurately.

Furthermore, expanding vocabulary enhances a writer’s adaptability. It equips them to write for different audiences, genres, and contexts. A writer can improve their communication by using the right words for the subject, audience, and purpose. Having a good vocabulary helps with this.

12 Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary

Expanding your vocabulary doesn’t happen overnight. However, it’s a goal that’s absolutely achievable with a bit of effort and the right strategies. Here are 12 effective ways to enhance your vocabulary:

• Read Widely and Regularly : Reading exposes you to a broad array of words and phrases. The more you read, the more words you’ll naturally incorporate into your vocabulary.
• Use a Thesaurus : A thesaurus is an excellent tool for discovering synonyms. It can help you replace overused words with more intriguing alternatives.
• Learn a Word a Day : Make it a goal to learn a new word every day. There are several apps and websites that can help you with this.
• Play Word Games : Games like Scrabble or crossword puzzles can significantly improve your vocabulary in a fun and engaging way.
• Engage in Conversations : Join discussions, forums, or social groups where people use a diverse range of vocabulary.
• Practice Writing : Writing regularly will help reinforce your new words and integrate them into your vocabulary.
• Learn About Word Roots : Understanding the roots of words, as well as prefixes and suffixes, can help you deduce the meanings of unfamiliar words.
• Use Flashcards : They are a classic memorization tool and are especially useful for learning new words.
• Start a Vocabulary Notebook : Keep a note of new words, their meanings, and examples of usage.
• Read the Dictionary : Make it a habit to read a page of the dictionary every day.
• Practice Active Reading : Don’t skim over unfamiliar words while reading. Look them up and try to understand their context.
• Engage with Literature : Classic literature often uses a rich vocabulary and complex sentence structures, offering an excellent source of new words.

With dedication and persistence, these strategies will surely boost your vocabulary in no time.

Vocabulary is Especially Important for Ghostwriters

In ghostwriting , having a big vocabulary is not just helpful, it’s necessary. Ghostwriters write in different voices for their clients, so they need to have a wide vocabulary. High school students need to learn many words to understand what their clients are trying to convey.

A ghostwriter’s vocabulary changes to match their clients’ tone, style, and words. Whether writing for a CEO, a rockstar, or a politician, they should convincingly adopt their voice. High school students can improve their writing by using a wide range of words. This helps them create authentic and true pieces in the client’s voice.

Ghostwriters work on many different projects, each with its own special words. A wide range of words helps people read different types of writing, like scientific papers or novels, because they need to understand different writing styles. It equips them to handle the linguistic challenges of their multifarious assignments.

The Dictionary is a Writer’s Best Friend

A writer loves a dictionary . It’s a source of inspiration, knowledge, and guidance in self-expression. It’s a vital tool for writers to improve their skills, learn new words, and enhance their writing.

Dictionaries provide a lot of information about words – what they mean, how they are used, and how to say them. They are very helpful for writers. They help you choose the right words and use them correctly. By regularly consulting a dictionary, writers can avoid common mistakes, enhancing the quality and accuracy of their writing.

Furthermore, dictionaries are an excellent resource for expanding vocabulary. Writers learn new words, synonyms, antonyms, and phrases to expand their language skills. When you read a dictionary, it’s like going on an exciting adventure. Every page introduces you to new words to learn, explore, and use in your writing.

The Rainbow of Vocabulary: Discover the Spectrum of Words Across Contexts

Language is like a prism that helps us see the world. The words we use are like different colors in this prism. The words used can change based on the situation, like religion, where you live, your job, and more. Each aspect of life has its own specific words and phrases that create a colorful language.

Take, for instance, the domain of religion. Religious texts, practices, and discussions have many specific terms that an outsider might not know. Not every person knows the specific words used in different religions or professions. For example, if you’re not a Christian, you might not know terms like “Epiphany,” “Eucharist,” or “Pentecost.” Just like if you’re not Lawyers use words like “torts,” “writs,” and “affidavits,” while doctors use terms such as “angioplasty,” “hematoma,” and “endoscopy.”

Geographical location or locale also significantly influences vocabulary. Different regions use language in unique ways, with their own terms, idioms, and slang. Even recreational activities and hobbies come with their lexicon. Each activity, like “checkmate” in chess or “gutter ball” in bowling, brings new words to learn.

Profession-Specific Vocabularies: The Language of Specialized Fields

Every profession has its own special language. This language includes specific words and phrases that only insiders understand. It helps them communicate better. The language used in this field can be difficult for outsiders to understand.

Consider the world of law, for example. If you’re not familiar with terms like “habeas corpus,” “amicus curiae,” or “pro bono,” they might seem like a foreign language. For a lawyer, these terms are what they use every day in their profession. Using acronyms not only helps professionals communicate more accurately and efficiently within their field, but also boosts their credibility.

In the realm of medicine, doctors and healthcare professionals communicate using medical terms, which are often rooted in Latin or Greek. They use fancy terms like “myocardial infarction” instead of saying heart attack, or “cerebrovascular accident” instead of stroke. Knowing and using these medical terms correctly can be crucial for your life.

Just like chefs know words such as “julienne” and “mise en place,” and engineers understand “tensile strength” and “load-bearing capacity,” there are important terms in academia like “peer review,” “citation index,” and “impact factor.” These terms form the backbone of conversations and written communication within these fields.

Therefore, it is crucial to understand that different professions have their own vocabularies. Expanding vocabulary in a specific area can greatly improve how you communicate for work. Furthermore, it can boost their credibility by showing that they know a lot about the subject. If you want to explore a new genre or improve your communication skills, start by learning more words related to your profession.

Locale-Specific Vocabulary: A Journey Through Regional Linguistic Landscapes

Language reflects the culture, history, and unique aspects of a place. Vocabulary plays a crucial role in defining this linguistic identity. Different regions within the same language have their own unique vocabulary, which can vary from language to language as well. This vocabulary unique to the area gives us an interesting glimpse into the life and culture of a place.

Consider American English and British English, for instance. While both regions speak the same language, differences in vocabulary are abundant. In the UK, people live in flats and use lifts to reach their floor. On the other hand, in the US, they live in apartments and take elevators. Just like the British have biscuits with tea, Americans enjoy cookies with coffee.

Within the United States itself, regional vocabulary differences are apparent. People from different regions have different names for a sandwich. In the Northeast, it’s called a “sub,” in the Midwest it’s called a “hoagie,” and in the South it’s called a “po’boy.”

If you move to Australia, you’ll come across a lot of different words and slang in their version of English. An Australian could invite you to a “barbie” (barbecue). If you are thirsty, they may offer you a “coldie” (cold beer).

In India, known for its many languages, English words vary between states. Someone might say “prepone,” which is an Indian English term used to mean the opposite of “postpone.”

Therefore, understanding the local vocabulary is not just about fitting in, but also about gaining a deeper appreciation for the culture, history, and way of life of a place. If you’re a writer, and your story is set in a specific place, learning and using the local words can make your characters feel more real and relatable. (Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level: 7.9) Embrace diverse languages. Take your readers on a journey through different places with your words!

The Writer’s Palette: Harnessing the Power of Diverse Vocabulary in Fiction and Non-Fiction

How can writers use different vocabularies to improve their writing? The approach varies for fiction and non-fiction, but the key is selecting the right words to add depth, authenticity, and color to your writing.

Fiction: Imbuing Characters and Settings with Life

Using specific words related to a profession, place, or context in your fiction can make your story more real and interesting. This technique isn’t just about using fancy words in your writing. It’s about creating a world that feels real to the reader and draws them in.

In Michael Crichton’s novel “Jurassic Park,” the character Dr. Alan Grant is a paleontologist. In his conversations and thoughts, he uses scientific words and ideas. Crichton skillfully uses jargon to show Grant’s professional credibility, without overwhelming the reader. Grant’s language shows he is a scientist, which makes him more believable.

Additionally, using locale-specific vocabulary can transport readers to your story’s setting. Let’s take Tim Winton’s novel “Cloudstreet” as an example. The book is set in Australia. Winton expertly uses Australian English words and local dialect to describe the setting in a vibrant way. Phrases such as “fair dinkum” and “mate” are commonly used in Australia. They provide a glimpse of the local language and bring the Australian characters and setting to life.

Non-Fiction: Clarity, Credibility, and Audience Engagement

In non-fiction, choosing the right words is important. It helps you express your ideas clearly, gain credibility, and keep your audience interested. Choose words that match your topic, so complex ideas are explained clearly and well.

Suppose you are writing a law book. Legal jargon is essential to explaining concepts with precision. John Grisham, a former lawyer, uses legal terms like “post-conviction relief” and “capital murder charge” in his non-fiction book “The Innocent Man.” This helps readers understand how the American legal system works. Grisham’s use of legal terms makes his account more credible and helps readers understand the legal world better.

Similarly, if your work is a travelogue, incorporating locale-specific terms can elevate the reader’s experience. In William Dalrymple’s “City of Djinns: A Year in Delhi,” he skillfully uses Hindi and Urdu words to make his travel story in India more realistic. By integrating local language, he offers readers a more immersive and authentic exploration of Delhi, thereby fostering a deep connection between his readers and his text. Choosing appropriate words is important for any type of writing, whether it’s for a business report or a religious commentary. Using the right vocabulary can help your content connect with your intended audience.

The Art of Inventing Vocabulary: From Middle Earth to Outer Space

In the vast realm of literature and entertainment, the creation of entirely new vocabulary is not just a fascinating aspect but a powerful tool to build immersive universes. When done right, invented vocabulary can elevate a piece of work from ordinary to extraordinary, knitting together unique cultures, races, and realms that resonate deeply with readers and viewers. The following examples provide a glimpse into this remarkable process.

J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” is arguably the most successful work in the history of invented vocabulary. Tolkien, a philologist by profession, created languages such as Quenya and Sindarin for his characters. Words like “mithril,” a precious metal in Middle-earth, and “Ent,” a race of beings, are now recognizable to millions of fantasy lovers worldwide.

Terry Brooks’ “The Sword of Shannara” also incorporates an invented vocabulary that aids in the world-building process. He uses unique terms such as “Ellcrys,” a magical tree, and “Allanon,” a Druid, which imbue the narrative with an added layer of mystique and fascination.

In the science fiction genre, Gene Roddenberry’s “Star Trek” is an iconic example. The Klingon language, created by Marc Okrand, is a fully realized constructed language with its own grammar and vocabulary, such as “Qapla’,” a Klingon term for success or good luck. This language creation not only added depth to the alien race of Klingons but also expanded the “Star Trek” universe in a way that was engaging for viewers.

George Lucas’ “Star Wars” has an equally compelling approach. In the Star Wars universe, unique terms like “Wookiee,” a species of intelligent bipeds, and “Jedi,” a monastic spiritual organization, have gained recognition worldwide. The invented vocabulary has been so influential that “May the Force be with you,” a greeting among the Jedi, has entered into popular lexicon.

Other works of fiction have followed suit. In Frank Herbert’s “Dune,” we encounter terms like “Bene Gesserit,” a secretive and powerful sisterhood, and “Kwisatz Haderach,” a prophesied super-being. George R.R. Martin’s “Game of Thrones” series introduces us to “Dothraki” and “Valyrian,” languages complete with their own grammar and vocabulary.

In J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series , the invented vocabulary adds a magical touch. From spells like “Expelliarmus” and “Expecto Patronum” to creatures like “Dementors” and “Boggarts,” the use of unique terms enhances the magical ambiance.

Inventing vocabulary is not restricted to literature. In video games, “The Elder Scrolls” series by Bethesda Softworks introduced “Dovahzul,” a language of dragons, complete with its own script.

In summary, inventing vocabulary is a powerful technique for world-building in fiction. Whether it’s a fantasy novel, a science fiction TV series, or a video game, the creation of unique language can deeply enrich the audience’s experience, transporting them to new and exciting universes that linger long in their imaginations.

Check out the following resources to help you with your vocabulary:

• Merriam-Webster’s Vocabulary Quiz – To test and improve your vocabulary knowledge.
• Oxford English Dictionary – The most reputable and comprehensive record of the English language.
• Cambridge English Write & Improve – A tool for practicing and improving English writing skills.
• The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language – A detailed and updated source for English language definitions.
• TED-Ed’s lesson on “The benefits of a bilingual brain” – A reputable source that explains the cognitive benefits of learning more than one language, including an expanded vocabulary.

In conclusion, vocabulary is the lifeblood of writing, and its importance cannot be overstated. It is the tool that enables writers to craft pieces that are clear, engaging, and impactful. Expanding vocabulary is a pursuit that brings numerous benefits – it enhances clarity, boosts creativity, and amplifies the writer’s voice.

For ghostwriters, a comprehensive vocabulary is especially vital. It equips them to emulate their clients’ voices effectively, ensuring the authenticity of their work. Finally, dictionaries serve as invaluable aids in a writer’s quest to broaden their vocabulary. They are constant companions and guides, assisting writers in their ongoing journey of linguistic discovery and self-expression.

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14 thoughts on “ 12 Thrilling Ways of Expanding Vocabulary for Writers ✏️ ”

Having a great vocabulary especially when you are a writer is very important to for you to express and share what do you want to say.

English is my second language, and I definitely need to expand my vocabulary. I`m trying to watch more videos and read books in English. I hope it will pay off soon.

Reading this was like getting a friendly tap on the shoulder to level up my word game! Great insights and tips, thanks for sharing!

I also think it is of extreme importance to upgrade your vocabulary as a writer. If there is something readers react bad too it’s bad choice of words or spelling mistakes

This is a good reminder to work on more interesting vocabulary, and to push myself to do better. I am good with vocabulary words, but I have to say I don’t work to use a lot of harder vocabulary in my writing.

This us a superb write up and you provide so many useful hints and tips. These help broaden the mind and word usage for sure x

Great post! I love all your tips on how we can expand our vocabulary. This is very helpful and a great way to help enhance anyone’s communication skills. Love the playing word suggestions!

Writing needs practice too and that’s why I have a new blog to expand my vocabulary (hopefully) thanks a lot for your tips and guides and I think they are very useful.

These are such great tips! I think expanding one’s vocabulary is excellent for everyone, but of course, it’s particularly important for us writers. The more words we have in our arsenal, the better. 🙂

Yes! It’s always a good idea to learn new words and in my own experience, reading has been a great resource for that. Not only do I keep my brain active but I do come across words that I have never heard before. Another thing I love to do is to use a thesaurus. This is helpful in expanding vocabulary!

Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com

Great article! I feel as though my vocabulary has suffered since I finished college – lose it if you don’t use it! I appreciate the tips you provide on how I can improve my vocabulary (especially at my age!).

Expanding one’s vocabulary is indeed a valuable skill, and your article provides some practical and effective strategies for doing just that. I appreciate how you emphasize the importance of reading widely and actively engaging with new words through activities like journaling and playing word games. Your tips on using context clues and word roots to decipher unfamiliar words are particularly helpful for learners at any level. Overall, your insights offer readers a clear roadmap for enhancing their vocabulary and, ultimately, their communication skills. Thanks for sharing these valuable techniques!

Reading all the time and actively trying to understand words are both so HUGE when it comes to expanding your vocabulary. I remember when I was a young reader. I kept my book in my hand and a dictionary beside me so I could understand any unfamiliar words.

I love the great insights on why vocabulary is important for writers and how writers can go about expanding their vocabulary. I should really work on my vocabulary. I particularly appreciate the tips on reading widely, playing word games, and engaging in conversations to improve vocabulary.

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• 40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays

To be truly brilliant, an essay needs to utilise the right language. You could make a great point, but if it’s not intelligently articulated, you almost needn’t have bothered.

Developing the language skills to build an argument and to write persuasively is crucial if you’re to write outstanding essays every time. In this article, we’re going to equip you with the words and phrases you need to write a top-notch essay, along with examples of how to utilise them.

It’s by no means an exhaustive list, and there will often be other ways of using the words and phrases we describe that we won’t have room to include, but there should be more than enough below to help you make an instant improvement to your essay-writing skills.

If you’re interested in developing your language and persuasive skills, Oxford Royale offers summer courses at its Oxford Summer School , Cambridge Summer School , London Summer School , San Francisco Summer School and Yale Summer School . You can study courses to learn english , prepare for careers in law , medicine , business , engineering and leadership.

General explaining

Let’s start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.

1. In order to

Usage: “In order to” can be used to introduce an explanation for the purpose of an argument. Example: “In order to understand X, we need first to understand Y.”

2. In other words

Usage: Use “in other words” when you want to express something in a different way (more simply), to make it easier to understand, or to emphasise or expand on a point. Example: “Frogs are amphibians. In other words, they live on the land and in the water.”

3. To put it another way

Usage: This phrase is another way of saying “in other words”, and can be used in particularly complex points, when you feel that an alternative way of wording a problem may help the reader achieve a better understanding of its significance. Example: “Plants rely on photosynthesis. To put it another way, they will die without the sun.”

4. That is to say

Usage: “That is” and “that is to say” can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: “Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.”

5. To that end

Usage: Use “to that end” or “to this end” in a similar way to “in order to” or “so”. Example: “Zoologists have long sought to understand how animals communicate with each other. To that end, a new study has been launched that looks at elephant sounds and their possible meanings.”

Adding additional information to support a point

Students often make the mistake of using synonyms of “and” each time they want to add further information in support of a point they’re making, or to build an argument . Here are some cleverer ways of doing this.

6. Moreover

Usage: Employ “moreover” at the start of a sentence to add extra information in support of a point you’re making. Example: “Moreover, the results of a recent piece of research provide compelling evidence in support of…”

7. Furthermore

Usage:This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add extra information. Example: “Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that…”

8. What’s more

Usage: This is used in the same way as “moreover” and “furthermore”. Example: “What’s more, this isn’t the only evidence that supports this hypothesis.”

9. Likewise

Usage: Use “likewise” when you want to talk about something that agrees with what you’ve just mentioned. Example: “Scholar A believes X. Likewise, Scholar B argues compellingly in favour of this point of view.”

10. Similarly

Usage: Use “similarly” in the same way as “likewise”. Example: “Audiences at the time reacted with shock to Beethoven’s new work, because it was very different to what they were used to. Similarly, we have a tendency to react with surprise to the unfamiliar.”

11. Another key thing to remember

Usage: Use the phrase “another key point to remember” or “another key fact to remember” to introduce additional facts without using the word “also”. Example: “As a Romantic, Blake was a proponent of a closer relationship between humans and nature. Another key point to remember is that Blake was writing during the Industrial Revolution, which had a major impact on the world around him.”

12. As well as

Usage: Use “as well as” instead of “also” or “and”. Example: “Scholar A argued that this was due to X, as well as Y.”

13. Not only… but also

Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often something that’s in some way more surprising or unexpected than the first piece of information. Example: “Not only did Edmund Hillary have the honour of being the first to reach the summit of Everest, but he was also appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.”

14. Coupled with

Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time. Example: “Coupled with the literary evidence, the statistics paint a compelling view of…”

15. Firstly, secondly, thirdly…

Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly one after the other. Example: “There are many points in support of this view. Firstly, X. Secondly, Y. And thirdly, Z.

16. Not to mention/to say nothing of

Usage: “Not to mention” and “to say nothing of” can be used to add extra information with a bit of emphasis. Example: “The war caused unprecedented suffering to millions of people, not to mention its impact on the country’s economy.”

Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast

When you’re developing an argument, you will often need to present contrasting or opposing opinions or evidence – “it could show this, but it could also show this”, or “X says this, but Y disagrees”. This section covers words you can use instead of the “but” in these examples, to make your writing sound more intelligent and interesting.

17. However

Usage: Use “however” to introduce a point that disagrees with what you’ve just said. Example: “Scholar A thinks this. However, Scholar B reached a different conclusion.”

18. On the other hand

Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation of the same piece of evidence, a different piece of evidence that suggests something else, or an opposing opinion. Example: “The historical evidence appears to suggest a clear-cut situation. On the other hand, the archaeological evidence presents a somewhat less straightforward picture of what happened that day.”

19. Having said that

Usage: Used in a similar manner to “on the other hand” or “but”. Example: “The historians are unanimous in telling us X, an agreement that suggests that this version of events must be an accurate account. Having said that, the archaeology tells a different story.”

20. By contrast/in comparison

Usage: Use “by contrast” or “in comparison” when you’re comparing and contrasting pieces of evidence. Example: “Scholar A’s opinion, then, is based on insufficient evidence. By contrast, Scholar B’s opinion seems more plausible.”

21. Then again

Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion. Example: “Writer A asserts that this was the reason for what happened. Then again, it’s possible that he was being paid to say this.”

22. That said

Usage: This is used in the same way as “then again”. Example: “The evidence ostensibly appears to point to this conclusion. That said, much of the evidence is unreliable at best.”

Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea. Example: “Much of scholarship has focused on this evidence. Yet not everyone agrees that this is the most important aspect of the situation.”

Adding a proviso or acknowledging reservations

Sometimes, you may need to acknowledge a shortfalling in a piece of evidence, or add a proviso. Here are some ways of doing so.

24. Despite this

Usage: Use “despite this” or “in spite of this” when you want to outline a point that stands regardless of a shortfalling in the evidence. Example: “The sample size was small, but the results were important despite this.”

25. With this in mind

Usage: Use this when you want your reader to consider a point in the knowledge of something else. Example: “We’ve seen that the methods used in the 19th century study did not always live up to the rigorous standards expected in scientific research today, which makes it difficult to draw definite conclusions. With this in mind, let’s look at a more recent study to see how the results compare.”

26. Provided that

Usage: This means “on condition that”. You can also say “providing that” or just “providing” to mean the same thing. Example: “We may use this as evidence to support our argument, provided that we bear in mind the limitations of the methods used to obtain it.”

27. In view of/in light of

Usage: These phrases are used when something has shed light on something else. Example: “In light of the evidence from the 2013 study, we have a better understanding of…”

28. Nonetheless

Usage: This is similar to “despite this”. Example: “The study had its limitations, but it was nonetheless groundbreaking for its day.”

29. Nevertheless

Usage: This is the same as “nonetheless”. Example: “The study was flawed, but it was important nevertheless.”

30. Notwithstanding

Usage: This is another way of saying “nonetheless”. Example: “Notwithstanding the limitations of the methodology used, it was an important study in the development of how we view the workings of the human mind.”

Giving examples

Good essays always back up points with examples, but it’s going to get boring if you use the expression “for example” every time. Here are a couple of other ways of saying the same thing.

31. For instance

Example: “Some birds migrate to avoid harsher winter climates. Swallows, for instance, leave the UK in early winter and fly south…”

32. To give an illustration

Example: “To give an illustration of what I mean, let’s look at the case of…”

Signifying importance

When you want to demonstrate that a point is particularly important, there are several ways of highlighting it as such.

33. Significantly

Usage: Used to introduce a point that is loaded with meaning that might not be immediately apparent. Example: “Significantly, Tacitus omits to tell us the kind of gossip prevalent in Suetonius’ accounts of the same period.”

34. Notably

Usage: This can be used to mean “significantly” (as above), and it can also be used interchangeably with “in particular” (the example below demonstrates the first of these ways of using it). Example: “Actual figures are notably absent from Scholar A’s analysis.”

35. Importantly

Usage: Use “importantly” interchangeably with “significantly”. Example: “Importantly, Scholar A was being employed by X when he wrote this work, and was presumably therefore under pressure to portray the situation more favourably than he perhaps might otherwise have done.”

Summarising

You’ve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isn’t over yet. You need to end by wrapping up everything you’ve talked about, showing that you’ve considered the arguments on both sides and reached the most likely conclusion. Here are some words and phrases to help you.

36. In conclusion

Usage: Typically used to introduce the concluding paragraph or sentence of an essay, summarising what you’ve discussed in a broad overview. Example: “In conclusion, the evidence points almost exclusively to Argument A.”

37. Above all

Usage: Used to signify what you believe to be the most significant point, and the main takeaway from the essay. Example: “Above all, it seems pertinent to remember that…”

38. Persuasive

Usage: This is a useful word to use when summarising which argument you find most convincing. Example: “Scholar A’s point – that Constanze Mozart was motivated by financial gain – seems to me to be the most persuasive argument for her actions following Mozart’s death.”

39. Compelling

Usage: Use in the same way as “persuasive” above. Example: “The most compelling argument is presented by Scholar A.”

40. All things considered

Usage: This means “taking everything into account”. Example: “All things considered, it seems reasonable to assume that…”

How many of these words and phrases will you get into your next essay? And are any of your favourite essay terms missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below, or get in touch here to find out more about courses that can help you with your essays.

At Oxford Royale Academy, we offer a number of  summer school courses for young people who are keen to improve their essay writing skills. Click here to apply for one of our courses today, including law , business , medicine  and engineering .

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A Guide to Building Rich Vocabulary: Effective Strategies

Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a student, or someone who wants to improve communication skills, enhancing your word bank is crucial. In this article, I’ll share some effective strategies to help you develop a robust vocabulary. I aim to simplify the process and ensure that these methods can be easily implemented, regardless of your learning style.

Building a rich vocabulary involves immersive reading across diverse genres, active listening, utilizing vocabulary-focused applications, maintaining a dedicated journal for newly learned words, practicing through writing, and engaging in vocabulary-centric communities and workshops.

If you are searching for an effective English language vocabulary builder, try Word Power Made Easy: The Complete Handbook for Building a Superior Vocabulary (Amazon Link) . This time-tested classic has helped millions achieve mastery of English and improve their communication skills in business, the classroom, and in life.

Now, look at some comprehensive insights, examples, and actionable steps to bolster your linguistic journey. Embark on this exploration to truly harness the power of words.

Table of Contents

Articulation of thoughts, expressing nuanced emotions, building persuasive arguments, standing out in professional settings, understanding literature, engaging in diverse conversations, cognitive flexibility, boosting confidence, why is genre diversification crucial for vocabulary expansion, benefits of active reading and note-taking:, why are podcasts and audiobooks pivotal for vocabulary growth, the myriad benefits of conversing with native speakers include:, why embrace vocabulary apps and games here’s a rundown:, the power of a vocabulary journal – unraveled:, why should you consider starting a blog or diary, the allure of writing workshops for vocabulary enhancement:, the benefits of joining book clubs for vocabulary enthusiasts:, why vocabulary workshops are a must-attend:, in conclusion, the importance of rich vocabulary.

Language, in its essence, is the fabric that weaves together our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It’s what allows us to reach out to others, share, learn, and grow. Central to this intricate tapestry of communication is vocabulary.

While many view vocabulary as just words, for those delving deeper into the English language, it’s evident that vocabulary is more than that; it’s the palette of colors we use to paint our thoughts. Before diving into the core of this topic, let’s understand the overarching importance of a rich vocabulary.

1. Bridge to Effective Communication

Communication is the lifeline of human connection. But what elevates simple communication to effective communication? The answer lies in the depth and breadth of our vocabulary. A diverse set of words doesn’t merely allow us to talk; it ensures we’re understood in the exact shade of meaning we intend.

Imagine having a thought but not the right word to express it. It’s akin to knowing what you want to paint but not having the right color. A rich vocabulary offers a broader spectrum of ‘colors’ to articulate your thoughts effectively.

“Happy” and “elated” might seem similar, but there’s a depth in “elated” that “happy” doesn’t capture. Expanding your vocabulary lets you grasp the subtle nuances between emotions and express them with more finesse.

2. Academic and Professional Enhancement

As we step into the realms of academia and the professional world, the expectations surrounding our linguistic prowess rise. Here, vocabulary isn’t just about knowing words—it’s about wielding them to showcase our expertise, depth of understanding, and ability to persuade or inform with clarity.

In academia or debates, the precision of your language can make your argument more persuasive. For example, instead of saying “a lot of examples,” you could use “a plethora of examples,” which sounds more scholarly.

In job interviews or meetings, articulating your points with varied vocabulary can showcase your expertise and knowledge. Instead of stating, “I did a good job,” saying “I executed the task proficiently” leaves a stronger impression.

3. Enhancing Cultural Appreciation

Language is a mirror reflecting the culture it arises from. It carries with it the history, values, and narratives of a people. When we seek to understand and embrace a diverse vocabulary, we’re not just learning words; we’re delving into the heart of cultures, understanding their essence and nuances.

Classic literature from Shakespeare to contemporary authors is richer when you understand the varied vocabulary they employ. It allows a deeper appreciation of the text.

When you understand and use varied vocabulary, you can engage in more diverse discussions about art, history, and global affairs, broadening your cultural horizons.

4. Personal Growth and Cognitive Benefits

We often regard vocabulary as an external asset—words we use to communicate with others. However, its true influence runs much deeper, shaping our cognitive processes, self-perception, and the very way we perceive the world around us. Every new word we learn is a step towards a more enriched personal and cognitive experience.

Research suggests that individuals with a richer vocabulary can think more flexibly and creatively. Encountering and understanding different words can open your mind to different ways of thinking.

When you can express yourself clearly and effectively, it boosts your confidence in both social and professional scenarios.

Vocabulary is not just a list of words to memorize; it’s a tool for personal and professional growth, a medium to connect with diverse cultures, and the essence of effective communication. Embracing the journey to enrich your vocabulary is essentially embracing a journey to a richer understanding of the world around you.

Strategies to Build a Strong Vocabulary

Building a rich vocabulary is like constructing a mansion. Each word is a brick, and the strategies you use lay the foundation, build the walls, and design the interiors. But how do we gather these bricks and ensure we’re building a structure that stands tall and proud?

It’s through adopting methods tailored to our learning style, consistent practice, and a curiosity-driven approach. Here, I’ll unfold some effective strategies that cater to diverse learning styles, ensuring everyone finds a path that resonates with them.

#1 Immerse Yourself in Reading

Reading is a transformative experience that transcends the mere act of decoding letters on a page. It catapults you into different worlds, times, and mindsets. But beyond its power to entertain and enlighten, reading is a master tool for vocabulary enhancement. Each sentence, each paragraph, and each chapter can be seen as a rich mine of words waiting to be discovered. But how do we maximize our lexical gains from this exercise? Let’s delve into some refined strategies.

Choose a Mix of Genres

Venturing into different genres of literature is like touring the world, experiencing diverse cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. Like every region of the world, each genre has its own dialect, tone, and lexicon.

• Exposure to Unique Themes: Every genre, be it sci-fi, historical fiction, or romance, revolves around its distinct themes. These themes are often accompanied by terminologies and vocabulary specific to them. For instance, a legal thriller might introduce you to courtroom jargon, while a fantasy might acquaint you with words pertaining to mythical creatures and magical realms.
• Adapting to Different Writing Styles: Writers across different genres have their unique voice and style. A poetic composition might expose you to metaphoric language and archaic words, whereas a contemporary novel could introduce slang and colloquial phrases. Exposing yourself to these varied styles builds adaptability in understanding and using diverse vocabulary.
• Maintaining Enthusiasm: Diversifying genres keeps the reading experience fresh and invigorating. This enthusiasm often translates to a heightened curiosity to learn and retain new words.

Reading passively and reading actively are two sides of the literacy coin. While both are enjoyable, the latter has a significant edge when it comes to vocabulary building.

• Reinforced Memory: When you come across a new word and take a moment to jot it down, you’re engaging multiple senses. Writing involves kinesthetic memory, enhancing retention.
• Contextual Understanding: The surrounding sentences or paragraphs often provide context clues about a word’s meaning. When jotting down the word, note down the sentence in which it was used. This not only aids in understanding the word but also in using it appropriately in the future.
• Review and Revision: Having a dedicated space, whether a physical notebook or a digital tool, to review unfamiliar words is invaluable. Regular revision ensures these words find a permanent place in your memory.

To read is to embark on countless voyages, and with the right strategies, each voyage promises a treasure trove of vocabulary riches. It’s all about setting the course right and having a map (or notebook) in hand.

#2 Engage in Active Listening

In our pursuit to enhance vocabulary, we often underestimate the potency of listening. But just as reading allows us to process and understand new words visually, listening introduces us to the auditory essence of vocabulary.

It’s an immersive experience that provides nuance, emotion, and intonation to the words we encounter. This form of learning is instinctive and fundamental, reminiscent of how we initially acquired language as infants. Let’s delve into the depths of active listening and its multifaceted avenues.

Podcasts and Audiobooks

In an era characterized by digitization, podcasts and audiobooks have emerged as modern sanctuaries for language learners. They’re the libraries of the digital age, offering rich content at the touch of a button.

• Diverse Range of Topics: From investigative journalism and romantic fiction to scientific explorations and philosophical discourses, there’s a podcast or audiobook on virtually any topic. This range means a plethora of vocabulary waiting to be discovered.
• Natural Flow and Pronunciation: Audiobooks and podcasts offer the added benefit of familiarizing listeners with the correct pronunciation. They present language as it’s naturally spoken, complete with pauses, intonations, and emotions.
• Flexible Learning: One of the greatest advantages is their portability. Whether you’re commuting, exercising, or cooking, you can seamlessly integrate vocabulary learning into your daily routines.

Conversations with Native Speakers

Engaging with those for whom the language is native provides an unfiltered, genuine experience of the language in its most authentic form.

• Real-time Vocabulary Expansion: In spontaneous conversations, there’s no script. This unpredictability means you’ll constantly encounter fresh phrases, idioms, and expressions.
• Cultural Enrichment: Language isn’t just about words. It’s deeply intertwined with culture, traditions, and history. Native speakers, often subconsciously, bring these cultural layers into conversations, enhancing not just your vocabulary but also your understanding of the language’s cultural backdrop.
• Instant Feedback: There’s immediate feedback when you’re actively participating in a conversation. Misunderstood a word? Used a phrase incorrectly? Your conversational partner can instantly correct or clarify, ensuring immediate learning.

In essence, active listening isn’t just a passive intake of words; it’s an engaging dance with language. It requires attention, participation, and, most importantly, an eagerness to immerse oneself in the symphony of words. Whether it’s the recorded voice of a podcast host or the vibrant chatter of a native speaker, every listening moment is a step closer to vocabulary richness.

#3 Utilize Vocabulary Apps and Games

The digital revolution has touched every aspect of our lives, including the way we learn and internalize new information. With smartphones becoming ubiquitous, our pockets now house powerful learning tools that can be accessed at any time. Among the myriad applications available, vocabulary-building apps and games have emerged as frontrunners for those desiring linguistic growth. They seamlessly blend education with entertainment, making vocabulary expansion not just a task, but a delightful pursuit.

• Interactive Learning: Traditional learning often involves rote memorization, which can get monotonous. Apps and games, however, are designed to be interactive. They provide instant feedback, rewards, and progression, keeping users engaged and motivated.
• Adaptable Levels: Most apps come with varying levels of difficulty, catering to everyone from beginners to advanced learners. This adaptability ensures that you’re always operating at the right challenge level, neither feeling overwhelmed nor under-stimulated.
• Repetition and Recall: One of the cornerstones of memory is repetition. Vocabulary apps often utilize the principle of spaced repetition. By revisiting words at specific intervals, the app ensures that the word doesn’t just remain in your fleeting memory but gets embedded deeply, ready for recall at any moment.
• Portability and Flexibility: Whether you’re waiting in line, commuting, or just relaxing, these apps are accessible at your fingertips. This means you can convert any spare moment into a vocabulary-enhancing opportunity.
• Engaging Game Mechanics: Games, by nature, are competitive. Vocabulary games often pit you against time, scores, or even other players. This competitive element drives you to push your boundaries, ensuring continuous and progressive learning.

Incorporating vocabulary apps and games into your learning routine is a nod to modernity and efficiency. It acknowledges that learning doesn’t have to be laborious; it can be fun, dynamic, and fit seamlessly into your daily life. So, next time you reach for your smartphone, consider diving into an app or game that elevates your vocabulary prowess. In this digital age, every swipe or tap has the potential to introduce you to a new word.

To elevate your vocabulary in just 30 days, I recommend to my students an informative, fun, and accessible guide to utilizing powerful language. Millions of individuals have enhanced their academics, job skills, and confidence by dedicating just fifteen minutes daily to the exercises and tests of 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary (Amazon Link) , a top-selling. It offers step-by-step methods to bolster language prowess, discover compelling words, and daily vocabulary enhancement with pronunciation guidance.

#4 Maintain a Vocabulary Journal

From the musings of diarists to the prolific notes of researchers, the act of jotting down thoughts has long been revered for its capacity to crystallize ideas and reinforce memory. Extending this to vocabulary building, a vocabulary journal emerges as an invaluable ally. It’s not just a space to record unfamiliar words; it’s a personalized canvas where every word is a testament to your journey of linguistic growth.

• Personalized Lexical Repository: Every individual’s reading and listening experiences are unique, leading to the discovery of different sets of words. A vocabulary journal is tailored to your experiences, ensuring that it’s always relevant.
• Active Engagement: The act of writing by hand engages the brain differently than mere reading. When you jot down a word, along with its meaning, pronunciation, and usage, you create a multi-sensory memory, significantly enhancing retention.
• Contextual Usage: Writing not only the word and its meaning but also constructing your own sentences with it helps in understanding its practical application. Over time, this exercise ensures that you don’t just know the word, but you also know how to use it aptly in diverse contexts.
• Consistent Revision: A journal acts as a structured revision tool. Setting aside dedicated time daily to revisit new entries helps in reinforcement. Moreover, periodically returning to older entries ensures that words are not forgotten but moved from short-term memory to long-term recall.
• A Tangible Progress Tracker: As days turn to weeks and weeks to months, your vocabulary journal becomes a tangible record of your progress. Flipping through its pages, you witness your journey – from the first unfamiliar word to the latest, from uncertainty to mastery.

To maintain a vocabulary journal is to adopt an old-school yet immensely effective method in the digital age. It’s a commitment, a ritual, and a continuous rendezvous with language. As you plant each word-seed in this journal-garden and nurture it with attention and care, you’ll soon see it bloom in your conversations, writings, and thoughts. So, equip yourself with a notebook, embrace the joy of discovery, and embark on this enriching lexical adventure.

#5 Practice Through Writing

While absorbing new vocabulary is crucial, the true test of linguistic proficiency lies in its application. Writing serves as a bridge between passive vocabulary acquisition and active vocabulary utilization. It’s akin to a potter shaping clay—each word, each phrase molded with intent, each sentence a testament to one’s understanding and mastery.

Start a Blog or Diary

In the vast digital landscape, blogs have emerged as personal sanctuaries. For vocabulary enthusiasts, they serve dual purposes—a platform for self-expression and a tool for vocabulary application.

• Personal Canvas: Every blog post or diary entry is a blank canvas. It’s an opportunity to weave new vocabulary into stories, reflections, and insights. Over time, this practice transitions newly learned words from ‘known’ to ‘naturally used’.
• Commitment to Regularity: The consistency that a blog or diary demands inherently promotes regular writing. This rhythmic practice reinforces memory and ensures the seamless integration of new vocabulary into your lexicon.
• Progress Documentation: As months roll by, revisiting older posts or entries showcases your linguistic journey. The growth, the refinement, and the expanding vocabulary are laid bare, providing both motivation and a sense of accomplishment.

Engage in Writing Workshops

Beyond the solitary confines of personal writing lies the interactive realm of workshops. These are crucibles of creativity, where feedback, collaboration, and exploration reign supreme.

• Constructive Feedback: Workshops are bustling with seasoned writers and enthusiastic learners. Submitting your work opens doors for feedback, allowing you to understand the effectiveness of your vocabulary usage.
• Peer Learning: Reviewing peers’ work offers a dual advantage. You get exposed to their vocabulary choices, and by analyzing their writing, you inadvertently refine your own understanding and usage of words.
• Creative Challenge: Workshops often come with prompts or themes. These act as catalysts, nudging you to explore unfamiliar territories of thought and language. In doing so, you’re compelled to utilize a broader spectrum of vocabulary, pushing your linguistic boundaries.

Writing is more than just an exercise; it’s an experience, a ritual, a dance of words on paper or screen. Whether it’s the intimate reflections in a diary, the explorative narratives of a blog, or the collaborative vigor of workshops, every written word is a step towards vocabulary mastery. Embrace the art of writing, and watch your vocabulary flourish and thrive.

#6 Connect with Vocabulary Communities

While personal, linguistic journeys gain depth and dimension when undertaken as a collective experience. Surrounding oneself with like-minded vocabulary enthusiasts can be enriching and motivating. Just as a solitary ember can’t match the warmth of a collective fire, individual efforts in vocabulary building, when paired with community interactions, can result in a more holistic learning experience.

Join Book Clubs

Book clubs are more than just communal reading sessions; they’re intellectual melting pots. Here, every discussion, every debate, every shared insight becomes a lesson in language.

• Diverse Perspectives: Each member brings a unique perspective to the table. Their choice of words, their way of expressing thoughts can introduce you to a myriad of new vocabulary.
• Active Vocabulary Usage: Engaging in discussions lets you use your newly learned vocabulary in real-time, thus solidifying your grasp over them.
• Books as Vocabulary Wellsprings: Recommendations from club members can lead you to books that you might have otherwise overlooked—each being a reservoir of new words.

Attend Vocabulary Workshops

Structured, interactive, and led by experts—vocabulary workshops are a nexus of theory and practice. These sessions are meticulously crafted to broaden your linguistic horizons.

• Expert Guidance: These workshops often have linguists or seasoned language teachers at the helm, ensuring that the knowledge imparted is both authentic and impactful.
• Hands-on Activities: These workshops employ varied techniques to engrain new words into the participants’ lexicon from vocabulary games to group discussions.
• Networking: Interacting with fellow attendees can be enlightening. Their vocabulary journey, techniques, and recommendations can offer fresh insights and strategies for your own path.

While individual efforts lay the foundation, community interactions add layers of depth to your vocabulary-building endeavor. They say, “It takes a village,” and this couldn’t be truer in the realm of language acquisition. Engage, interact, learn, and watch as your vocabulary expands in both depth and breadth.

Building a formidable vocabulary is a continuous journey, not a destination. It’s an expedition where every word learned is a discovery, every phrase mastered a milestone. Embrace these strategies with an open heart and let the magic of words transform your linguistic landscapes.

A rich vocabulary is more than just an assemblage of words; it’s a reflection of one’s intellectual curiosity, cultural exposure, and commitment to lifelong learning. This guide, with its multifaceted strategies, aims to empower readers, ensuring that vocabulary-building becomes an engaging, productive, and transformative experience.

As you traverse this journey, remember that every new word is a key to a universe of ideas, emotions, and narratives. Stay consistent, stay curious, and let the magic of language unravel its treasures for you.

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Niaj A A Khan

Niaj A A Khan is an ESL Instructor with over 8 years of experience in teaching & developing resources at different universities and institutes. Mr. Khan is also a passionate writer working on his first book, "Learn English at Ease."

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Writing Prompts with Word Banks: Enhance Vocabulary Skills

My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.

What Are Writing Prompts with Word Banks?

Why are writing prompts with word banks effective for enhancing vocabulary skills, how to create writing prompts with word banks, tips for using writing prompts with word banks to improve vocabulary skills, engaging activities to implement writing prompts with word banks in the classroom, benefits of using writing prompts with word banks for vocabulary development, examples of writing prompts with word banks to enhance vocabulary skills, frequently asked questions, insights and conclusions.

Writing Prompts with Word Banks are an excellent tool for unleashing your creativity and overcoming writer’s block. These prompts provide you with a list of words or phrases that can serve as inspiration for your writing. Whether you’re a seasoned writer looking for some fresh ideas or a beginner trying to develop your skills, word bank prompts can be a valuable resource.

One of the advantages of using writing prompts with word banks is that they help jumpstart your imagination. The list of words provided gives you a starting point and encourages you to think outside the box. It allows you to explore different themes, settings, or characters that you may not have considered otherwise. Moreover, these prompts can be used for various forms of writing, including storytelling, poetry, or even non-fiction pieces. With each word serving as a potential stepping stone, they pave the way for unique and engaging compositions.

Using writing prompts with word banks also enhances your vocabulary and language skills. As you incorporate the provided words into your writing, you’ll be challenged to find creative ways to integrate them seamlessly. This exercise not only expands your word choice but also improves your ability to express ideas and perspectives. It allows you to experiment with different sentence structures and develop your unique writing style. Additionally, if you’re interested in overcoming writer’s block, using word banks can help you break through the barriers that prevent your ideas from flowing freely.

In conclusion, writing prompts with word banks are an effective technique to boost your creativity and overcome writing obstacles. They provide you with a starting point and expand your vocabulary, ultimately aiding in the development of your writing skills. So why not give it a try? Harness the power of word banks to unlock your full creative potential and embark on a journey of captivating storytelling.

Writing prompts with word banks can be a valuable tool for improving vocabulary skills in an engaging and interactive way. These prompts provide learners with a selection of words related to the topic at hand, giving them a starting point and building blocks for their writing. Here are a few reasons why writing prompts with word banks are effective for enhancing vocabulary skills:

• Expands Vocabulary: By using a word bank, learners are exposed to a variety of words related to the topic. This exposure helps them learn new words and expand their vocabulary in a meaningful context. It allows them to explore different synonyms, adjectives, and descriptive language that they may not have otherwise considered.
• Encourages Word Choice: Writing prompts with word banks promote strategic word choice. Instead of relying on generic or repetitive words, learners are encouraged to carefully select words from the bank that best fit their expression. This process challenges them to think critically about the connotations and meanings of words, ultimately enhancing their vocabulary skills.

In summary, using writing prompts with word banks is an effective strategy for enriching vocabulary skills. It not only introduces learners to new words but also prompts them to think creatively and thoughtfully about word selection. Incorporating word banks into writing exercises can make learning vocabulary an interactive and enjoyable experience, leading to improved language usage and fluency.

Creating writing prompts with word banks is an effective way to inspire creativity and challenge your writing skills. Word banks provide a list of words or phrases that can serve as a starting point for writing. They can help break through writer’s block and spark new ideas. Here are some tips on how to create writing prompts using word banks.

1. Choose a theme: Start by selecting a theme or topic for your writing prompt. It could be anything from “adventure” to “romance” or even “mystery.” Having a theme in mind will guide the selection of words for your word bank and give direction to the writing prompt.

Using writing prompts with word banks can be a fun and effective way to enhance your vocabulary skills. Not only do these creative exercises expand your word knowledge, but they also help improve your writing fluency and expression. Here are some helpful tips to make the most out of this technique:

• Explore a Variety of Prompts: Look for writing prompts that cover different themes, genres, and formats. This diversity will not only keep you engaged but also introduce you to new vocabulary relevant to various topics. By exposing yourself to a wide range of prompts, you are more likely to encounter unfamiliar words and expand your vocabulary bank.
• Utilize the Word Bank Strategically: Once you have chosen a writing prompt, carefully review the accompanying word bank. Highlight any words that you are unfamiliar with or want to incorporate into your writing. These words can serve as building blocks for your composition, injecting fresh vocabulary into your work. Don’t forget to consult a dictionary or thesaurus to ensure you fully grasp the meaning and usage of these words.
• Practice Contextual Usage: When incorporating words from the word bank into your writing, strive for natural and seamless integration. Aim to use the words in appropriate contexts and structures, enhancing the overall coherence and impact of your composition. Additionally, challenge yourself to experiment with different word forms (e.g., noun, verb, adjective) to further reinforce your understanding and mastery of vocabulary.

By following these tips, you can make your writing prompt activities even more engaging and beneficial. Remember to seek out a variety of prompts, strategically utilize the word bank, and practice contextual usage. With consistent practice, your vocabulary skills will undoubtedly improve, helping you become a more articulate and confident writer.

Writing prompts can be a great way to spark creativity and encourage students to express themselves in the classroom. One effective strategy to make writing prompts even more engaging is by incorporating word banks. A word bank is a curated list of related words or phrases that can assist students in expanding their vocabulary and generating ideas for their writing. Here are some exciting activities you can implement in your classroom to make the most of writing prompts with word banks:

• Word Association Game: Begin by displaying a word bank related to the writing prompt on the board. Have students take turns saying a word or phrase that they associate with each word in the bank. Encourage them to explain their associations and how they connect to the prompt. This activity promotes critical thinking and helps generate a pool of ideas.
• Collaborative Storytelling: Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a different writing prompt and a corresponding word bank. Each student takes turns contributing a sentence to build a collective story using the words from the bank. Encourage creativity and imagination, allowing students to navigate the story however they desire. This collaborative approach fosters teamwork and allows students to explore different perspectives.

When working with writing prompts and word banks, it’s essential to create a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts. Encourage students to utilize the word banks as a springboard for their ideas rather than viewing them as constraints. By incorporating these engaging activities into your classroom, you can create a dynamic and interactive writing experience that empowers students to explore their imagination and develop their writing skills.

Writing prompts combined with word banks provide excellent opportunities for learners to enhance their vocabulary development. By incorporating both elements into writing exercises, students can experience a wide range of benefits that contribute to their overall language proficiency:

• Enhanced Word Acquisition: Writing prompts with word banks expose students to new and challenging vocabulary. These prompts encourage learners to explore and incorporate these words into their writing, expanding their lexical repertoire.
• Improved Contextual Understanding: Word banks provide relevant and related words that assist students in grasping the context of a writing prompt. This contextual understanding allows learners to effectively use the provided vocabulary, enhancing their comprehension and communication skills.
• Expanded Creativity: Writing prompts spark creativity and originality. When supplemented with word banks, these prompts offer students a variety of options to choose from, stimulating their imagination and encouraging unique and imaginative written responses.

Moreover, using word banks with writing prompts promotes:

• Increased Confidence: Writing prompts with word banks offer learners guidance and support, reducing apprehension and boosting confidence. Students gain reassurance knowing that they have the necessary vocabulary at their disposal when constructing their writing pieces.
• Enhanced Organization and Coherence: Word banks facilitate the organization of thoughts. Students can effectively structure their writing by utilizing the provided words, resulting in well-organized and coherent compositions.
• Development of Writing Skills: Regular practice with writing prompts and word banks encourages the development of vital writing skills such as grammar, syntax, and sentence construction. Students learn to apply these language elements in meaningful contexts, refining their written communication abilities.

Looking for creative ways to enhance your vocabulary skills? Well, we’ve got you covered with these fantastic writing prompts accompanied by word banks! These word banks will provide you with a wide range of vocabulary options to enrich your writing while encouraging you to think outside the box. Challenge yourself to incorporate as many of these words into your compositions as possible, and watch your language skills soar!

1. Descriptive Writing: Describe a bustling marketplace at dusk. Incorporate words such as labyrinthine, effervescent, cacophony, aroma, and myriad to paint a vivid picture of the scene.

2. Narrative Writing: Write a short story about a memorable adventure in a mystical forest. Use words like enigmatic, ethereal, emerald, enchanter, and whimsical to bring your readers into this enchanting world with you.

3. Argumentative Writing: Argue for or against the use of social media among teenagers. Utilize vocabulary such as pernicious, detrimental, ubiquitous, engrossing, and propensity to effectively convey your perspective and strengthen your arguments.

Don’t stop here! Explore even more prompts with word banks online or create your own to continue expanding your vocabulary skills. The more you practice, the more confident and articulate you’ll become in expressing your thoughts and ideas.

Remember: It’s not just about using fancy words, but about using the right words to convey your message clearly and effectively. Happy writing and may your vocabulary flourish!

Q: What are writing prompts with word banks? A: Writing prompts with word banks are tools used to help enhance vocabulary skills. These prompts provide a selection of words or phrases that writers can incorporate into their writing, inspiring creativity and expanding their vocabulary.

Q: How do writing prompts with word banks work? A: When using writing prompts with word banks, writers are given a list of words related to a specific topic or theme. They are then challenged to create a story, poem, or any form of written expression that includes as many of the provided words as possible. This exercise encourages the writer to explore new vocabulary and find creative ways to incorporate the words into their writing.

Q: Why are writing prompts with word banks effective in enhancing vocabulary skills? A: Writing prompts with word banks allow writers to engage with words they may not frequently use, thereby expanding their vocabulary. By actively seeking ways to incorporate these words into their writing, they become more familiar with their meanings, synonyms, and various contexts in which the words can be used. This practice hones their vocabulary skills and encourages them to be more expressive in their writing.

Q: How can writing prompts with word banks benefit language learners? A: Writing prompts with word banks can significantly benefit language learners, as they provide an opportunity to practice using new vocabulary words in a meaningful context. Employing these prompts challenges learners to think critically, research word meanings, and experiment with different sentence structures. Additionally, the prompts often cover a range of topics, facilitating exposure to a wider vocabulary and aiding in the development of language proficiency.

Q: Are writing prompts with word banks suitable for all age groups? A: Yes, writing prompts with word banks can be adapted to different age groups and proficiency levels. For younger learners, simplified word banks with commonly used words can be employed to foster vocabulary development. Those at an intermediate or advanced level can benefit from prompts with more complex or specialized vocabulary. Ultimately, the prompts can be adjusted according to the needs and abilities of the learners.

Q: Can writing prompts with word banks be used in classroom settings? A: Absolutely! Writing prompts with word banks can be employed effectively in both traditional and online classroom environments. Teachers can incorporate these prompts into their lesson plans to encourage students to explore new vocabulary, enhance their writing skills, and promote creativity. Moreover, these prompts can be an engaging group activity, allowing for collaboration and peer feedback.

Q: How often should one practice writing with word banks? A: The frequency of practicing writing with word banks can vary depending on individual goals and preferences. It is recommended to incorporate such exercises regularly to maximize the vocabulary-enhancing benefits. Consistent practice, even if only a few times a week, can lead to significant improvements in vocabulary skills over time.

Q: Are there any online resources available for writing prompts with word banks? A: Yes, there are several online resources that provide writing prompts with word banks. Websites, blogs, and educational platforms offer a wide range of topics and themes to suit various interests and proficiency levels. These readily available resources provide a convenient way for writers of any age or background to access these prompts and improve their vocabulary skills.

Q: Can writing prompts with word banks be used beyond vocabulary enhancement? A: Absolutely! While the primary benefit of these prompts is enhancing vocabulary skills, they also stimulate creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities . Incorporating word banks in writing exercises encourages writers to think outside the box, explore new ideas, and develop more engaging narratives. Moreover, using word banks can serve as a great warm-up exercise before starting to write, helping writers overcome writer’s block and kickstart their imagination.

In conclusion, incorporating word banks into writing prompts is a highly effective method to enhance vocabulary skills, expanding creativity and expression in writing.

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How to Improve Your Vocabulary for Writing & Speaking Success

Language is a powerful tool, and the better you are at wielding it the better your results will be. If you want to engage your audience and pique their interest, you need to develop exceptional written communication skills. A big part of improving your writing skills is simply learning how to improve your vocabulary .

Below, we’ll take a comprehensive look at why improving your vocabulary matter, and we’ll review a variety of methods that you can use to quickly grow your vocabulary.

Why Learn Vocabulary?

When you’re working as a writer, words are the only tool that you have available to help you communicate a personality, an emotion, or an idea.

Therefore, the more words you know and can use, the more likely it is that you will be able to find the perfect way to string together your thoughts into a message that will get the job done.

Having a large vocabulary allows you to say the same thing in a variety of different ways.

This means that you will be able to rewrite ideas from resources that you find without plagiarizing the original source.

You’ll also be able to better customize your message to specific audiences.

Of course, having a mastery of the English language will also improve the quality of your writing as well, and help you establish a sense of professionalism and expertise.

Is one of your dreams to learn how to write a book ?

Writing a book that is free of grammar and spelling errors will increase your chances of actually getting it published. By the way, this free guide to publishing books  will show you a lot more ways to improve your odds with a publisher.

In summary, if you intend to use written material to share a message or communicate with the masses, in any way, expanding your vocabulary is an excellent way to make it easier for you and for your readers.

Expand Vocabulary No Matter What Level

You may already have an impressive vocabulary or you may be starting out with only a basic set of words that you are able to pull from when you’re writing.

The good news is that no matter where you are starting out, the process for improving your vocabulary even further remains the same.

How to Expand Your Vocabulary as a Writer

Expanding your written vocabulary is, fortunately, much easier than expanding your speaking vocabulary.

The reason for this is that writing offers two big advantages that speaking does not: time to think and a backspace key, however this time to think, something introduces people to writer’s block .

When you’re writing, you’ll have all the time you need to search your mind (or a thesaurus) for the exact word that you need.

You’ll also have the ability to delete a word or a sentence and start over if need be.

Nevertheless, the goal is to eliminate the need for these things as much as possible.

Consulting a dictionary or a thesaurus every few minutes may be fine starting out, but it’s going to make for a slow, painstaking writing process.

You’ll be much better served by having a deep vocabulary that you can draw from at-will in your writing so that the words flow quickly and effortlessly from your mind to the keyboard.

Vocabulary Strategies

If you’re ready to start improving your vocabulary, there are a variety of strategies that you can employ. It’s important to note, though, that all of these strategies take time and effort.

Mastering the English language overnight is no more possible than it is to master any other skill overnight.

With that said, these strategies are still designed to help you improve your vocabulary skills as quickly and as effectively as possible.

Without further ado, let’s dive into some of the strategies you can use to expand your vocabulary.

How can I Learn Vocabulary Words?

Some effective strategies for learning new vocabulary words that you can put to use in your writing include:

1. Read…a lot

Reading everything you can get your hands on is one of the most passive and most effective ways to boost your vocabulary.

When you read, you’ll see new words put into use by writers who are likely to have a diverse vocabulary and you can add these words to your own vocabulary as you come across them.

The best part about reading to improve your vocabulary is that it doesn’t matter what it is that you read; whether it’s a how-to guide on the internet, a romance novel, or anything in-between, the simple act of digesting written material will drastically improve your vocabulary over time.

2. Keep a Thesaurus and a Dictionary Nearby

Dictionaries and thesauruses are the two most effective vocabulary-expanding tools that you have available, and you can use each of them in a slightly different way.

Whenever you come across a word that you don’t understand, look it up in a dictionary and take the time to commit the word and its definition to memory.

Meanwhile, you can look up words that you already know in a thesaurus at any time to find other words that mean the same thing.

Commit a few of those words to memory and you’ll have the ability to say the same thing in a number of different, more eloquent ways.

3. Make Flashcards

There’s a good reason why flashcards are a favorite memorization tool for students everywhere, and that reason is that they work well.

Start by putting together a few dozen flash cards filled with words that you don’t yet have committed to your vocabulary, and frequently add new flashcards to your collection.

If you run through these flashcards just once a day you will be well on your way to expanding your vocabulary.

4. Describe Your Surroundings

Whenever you’re sitting in traffic, relaxing at home, waiting in line at the coffee shop, or otherwise not preoccupied, try a mental exercise where you describe your surroundings in your head.

Do you know the name of everything in your setting?

What words would you use to describe the people around you?

Ask yourself questions such as this and paint a mental picture of the world around you using the most descriptive language that you can.

Exercises such as this will help you put the new words you use into practice in order to better commit them to your memory.

5. Listen to Music

In the same way that reading grows your vocabulary, listening can grow your vocabulary as well.

Listening to music is one good option, especially if you are listening to artists that are creative with their verses and rhymes.

However, listening to podcasts, audiobooks, and more can also improve your vocabulary over time as well.

6. Commit to Learning One New Word Every Day

Learning just one new word a day isn’t a particularly challenging goal, yet it is one that can make a dramatic difference in your vocabulary.

Each day, choose a new word to memorize and try to use that word as often as you can throughout the day.

Daily Vocabulary Words

Learning just one new word every day is a highly effective way to incrementally expand your vocabulary over time.

To use this method, you can pick a word at random from the dictionary or you can use one of many daily vocabulary word programs that will send a new word to your inbox each day.

Dictionary.com and other online dictionaries also feature a new word each day on the homepage of their website that you can check out.

However, you choose your daily word, though, take the time to memorize the word and try to use it as much as possible in conversation or in your mind throughout the day.

If you give your daily word enough focus, you should be able to make it a permanent part of your vocabulary after just 24 hours.

Learn a New Word a Day

Learning a new word a day is such an effective strategy thanks to the fact that it requires only a minimal amount of commitment and effort yet still allows you to add a new word to your vocabulary each and every day.

If there’s only one vocabulary-building strategy that you choose to implement, it should be this one.

Vocabulary List

An effective addition to your strategy of learning a new word a day that you might want to consider is keeping a list of the words that you choose to learn along with their definitions.

If you keep a list such as this, you’ll be able to review it from time to time in order to further commit your daily vocabulary words to memory and ensure that you don’t forget them as time goes by.

Your list will also serve as a visual example of how much your vocabulary has expanded, which can be a big motivator to keep up your progress.

Vocabulary Practice

Learning new words alone isn’t enough to truly improve your vocabulary; in order to make the words you memorize a functional part of your vocabulary that you can use in your writing, you also need to put the words you memorize into practice.

In the next section, we’ll look at some activities and exercises that you can use in order to practice using the words that you learn.

Vocabulary Activities to Help You Grow

There are plenty of effective activities that you can use to put the words you learn into practice as well as learn new vocabulary words in the process.

These activities include things such as:

1. Vocabulary Games

There is a wide range of online games designed to help you improve your vocabulary.

These games can serve as a fun and entertaining way to learn new words and put the words that you already know into practice.

Many online dictionaries such as Dictionary.com offer free vocabulary games, and a quick Google search for vocabulary games will turn up even more options.

2. Vocabulary Test

Vocabulary tests allow you to test your current vocabulary and receive a score at the end of the test that lets you know what level you are on. In addition to improving your vocabulary by exposing you to new words, these tests also allow you to gauge your progress so that you will know if and by how much your vocabulary is improving.

As with vocabulary games, a wide range of vocabulary tests can be found with a quick Google search .

3. Vocabulary Quiz

Vocabulary quizzes are similar to vocabulary tests, but are typically shorter and may not provide a very detailed analysis of your vocabulary level once the quiz is complete.

Nevertheless, vocabulary quizzes are still a great way to practice your vocabulary and measure your results.

4. Vocabulary Worksheets

Vocabulary worksheets come in a wide range of formats.

Some can be completed online while others can be printed off and completed by hand, and the exact goal and instructions for the worksheet vary from worksheet to worksheet.

Whatever format you choose, though, vocabulary worksheets are a great way to practice your vocabulary skills.

What is the Best Way to Learn Vocabulary?

There is no single best way to learn vocabulary, and the most beneficial approach will come from implementing a number of different practices and strategies.

Hopefully, this guide has given you plenty of vocabulary-building methods for you to consider implementing.

If you choose a handful of these methods and commit to them each day, you can rest assured that your vocabulary will improve over time, helping you write more effective content for your business.

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Bank of ambitious vocabulary for creative writing

Subject: English

Age range: 11-14

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Last updated

8 August 2023

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Just a bank of ambitious vocabulary for creative writing.

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English Language Paper 1 Question 5 and Paper 2 Question 5

A wide range of resources aimed at helping students improve their writing responses for Question 5 of Paper 1 and Paper 2.

Building ambitious vocabulary

A range of worksheets and activities aimed at building ambitious vocabulary for different purposes.

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Some terrific vocabulary here - going straight up on my ambitious vocab board, and being updated weekly with target vocab! Thanks!

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170 cool, unique, and beautiful English words to spark a little joy

Karolina Assi

Have you ever experienced serendipity? Do you have a nemesis? Are you a flibbertigibbet? Unless you know what these words mean, you won’t know the answer to these questions!

And if you don’t know what these words mean - don’t worry! It’s estimated that there are 171,146 words in use in the English language, plus around 47,156 obsolete words. That’s a lot of words! No wonder you don’t know all of them, especially if you’re not a native speaker.

However, if you’re as passionate about learning languages as we are (and if you’re reading our blog, then you must be), you know how fun it can be to learn new words in a foreign language. Having a vast vocabulary can not only help you express yourself better, but it’ll also make you sound more eloquent.

So, in this list, we’ve gathered over 170 unique, cool, and beautiful English words that you will love.

Beautiful English words and their meanings

While it’s often said that French and Spanish are the most romantic and beautiful languages, English also has its fair share of beautiful words. You may already know a couple, such as solitude , euphoria , or labyrinth .

If you want to expand your vocabulary with beautifully-sounding words, below you’ll find a list of what we believe to be the most beautiful English words, accompanied by their meanings.

Beautiful English words

While the beauty of a word is subjective and may differ for each of us, many English words are undeniably mellifluous (yes, that’s one of them). This list is the quintessence of the most beautiful English words.

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Beautiful English phrases, sayings, and idioms

Beautiful words lead to beautiful phrases and expressions. English is full of literal and metaphorical expressions that inspire us, bring us joy, or make us wonder about the meaning of life.

Below is a list of some of the most beautiful English phrases, sayings, and expressions.

Cool English words that will make you chuckle

The English language is full of strange, funny words. Some of them are so odd that you can’t help but wonder how they became part of the language! Others sound so funny that they’ll certainly make you chuckle. Love a bit of gibberish? You might enjoy being flabbergasted when you discover the longest words in English here !

Popular slang words in English you need to know

If you’re an internet person who scrolls through Instagram and watches TikTok, you might have seen some words you thought you knew used in a completely different context. While some vocabulary may seem like some sort of a Gen Z code to you, it’s actually quite fun to play around with once you understand it.

With this list of the most popular slang words in English, you’ll be fluent in the TikTok lingo in no time. You can also find 321 more fun American slang expressions here .

And even more unique English words…

Did you know that English has a word for throwing someone out of the window? You’ll be surprised to find out that there are lots of English words that even native speakers aren’t always aware of!

From clinomania to petrichor , you’re about to discover a whole new world of unique words in English that you had no idea existed.

Feeling effervescent?

Learning English words can leave you feeling light-headed!  But there’s no need to be lackadaisical or woebegone about it. Everyone can learn new beautiful words in English with a bit of practice, even if it’s a lot of gobbledygook.

We hope that this list of the weirdest, funniest, and most beautiful English words will turn you into a true logophile with an ineffable epeolatry.

Keep up the free English vocabulary fun here.

Expand your knowledge of English

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4 creative writing prompts to improve vocabulary learning

Vocabulary is essential to a child’s development as it helps them describe the world around them and provides unlimited access to new information and adventures. Teaching vocabulary can be a frustrating task, but it doesn’t have to be. As always, learning is easier when it’s fun! 

The following four creative writing prompts are designed to improve your students’ vocabulary and communication skills.

Writing Prompt #1: Word Wall

Developing new vocabulary involves more than just looking up words in a dictionary and learning them off by heart. Creating a word wall with your students can be a fun classroom activity and can offer an opportunity to improve your students’ communication skills. Here is how to do it: 1) Simply handwrite a list of words in large letters on a wall where students can see them every day. 2) Get your students to add their definitions and practice using these words in sentences. To take the project even further, encourage your students to go on a “word hunt” for new words they are unfamiliar with in their daily lives and add them to the wall.

Project idea: Start your word wall project at the beginning of the new term and keep adding to it until the end of term comes near. Once the term is nearly over, get your students to choose 5 to 10 of their favourite words from the wall and incorporate them into a creative writing prompt like a poem or a short story. Publish all your students’ ideas in one, beautifully-bound classbook . 

Writing Prompt #2: Make Mind Maps

Connecting words to meanings and creating associations is a fun and effective way to increase your students’ vocabulary. Why encourage your class to use their newly learned words to describe their lives at home?

Here are some examples of sentences highlighting the use of new vocabulary.

The English project Ms O’Connor assigned is a culmination of everything we have learned this semester. Thank goodness we get to work with a partner!

My dog, Harry, doesn’t enjoy most of his food, but he has an insatiable appetite for ham. 

Project idea: After your students have written down their associations with their newly learned words, encourage them to draw pictures representing these words and their meanings. What does a dog with an insatiable appetite for ham look like? Once every student has finished both their sentences and pictures, make their day and publish their writing prompts in a professionally-bound classbook . 

Writing Prompt #3: Create RAFTs

If you really want your students to think outside the box, assign them certain roles they need to take as part of their writing prompt in the form of “ RAFTs ”. To do so, assign your students 1) a point of view from which to write, 2) an audience to write to, 3) a format and 4) a topic. Within the writing activity, ask them to use a certain amount of vocabulary they have learned. For example, a RAFT could look like this:

Role: Famous soccer player

Audience: Your fans

Format: Thank you letter

Topic: Being grateful for the outstanding support received in the last match that led to your team winning the world cup 

Project idea: Create several options that your students can take on and allow them to choose the one they like best. Encourage them to write their letters and highlight the vocabulary they have learned in it. To top it off, ask your students to draw a picture to accompany their letter and publish all your students’ stories in a fun, professionally-bound classbook . 

Writing Prompt #4: Use Word Poems

Encourage your students to create a “diamante” poem, by writing the vocabulary word on the first line and a synonym on the very last line. The lines in between should have various types of context clues and connections of this word such as adjectives, verbs, or nouns. In order to come up with these connections, students will need to get creative and explore synonyms, deepening their vocabularies and associations with the words. 

         diamond

         shiny, sparkling

       glittery, valuable, decorative

        Bright, iridescent

          jewel

Project idea: Get each student to choose a word from a compiled list of words and ask them to brainstorm all connected words that come to their mind. After they finish, ask them to create a diamante poem of that word with all connected adjectives, words, and nouns they deem most relevant. Combine the projects with drawings and clipart of your students’ work and publish it as a fun, professionally-bound classbook ! 

Publish your own professionally-bound classbook!

With these fun writing activities, expanding students’ vocabulary need not be a boring chore, but rather a brand-new adventure that helps your students master key vocabulary in a world of their own. 

Create an exciting event for your students by publishing their stories and new vocabulary as a classbook that your students can always refer back to. Get started today by ordering our easy-to-use classbook publishing kit ! 

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FREE Poetry Worksheet Bundle! Perfect for National Poetry Month.

140+ Spring Words for Writing, Vocab, and More (Free Printable)

Use these word lists to spring into the season.

Springtime is buzzing with vocabulary. Use our list of spring words to make a word wall, inspire spring-themed writing , or share with students for spring vocabulary and spelling activities. The words in these lists are all about new beginnings, baby animals, and being outdoors. If students want to research life cycles, record their observations, or pen a poem about a breezy spring day, we’ve got you covered. Grab the printable containing all these words to share with students.

Just fill out the form on this page to grab a free printable with all these words to share with your students!

Spring Activity Words

Spring clothing words.

• windbreaker

Warm Weather Words

• thunderstorm

Spring Descriptive Words

• bright  
• flourishing
• fresh  
• sun-drenched
• thriving  

Garden and Nature Words

Flower words.

• forget-me-not

Spring Animal Words

• newt  

Get Your Free Printable!

Print copies of this spring word list and hand them out to students to use for writing assignments, vocabulary practice, and more! Click the button below to share your email address and get instant access to the list.

Also check out our collection of spring poems for kids and spring bulletin boards !

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