The next group of principles aims at the goal of producing
forceful writing with carefully shaped word usage and style. If a writer follows
these principles, his or her writing will be much more convincing to the
reader.
A writer should never ramble when crafting an essay. He or she should always choose specific, descriptive words. Vague language weakens writing because it forces the reader to guess what the writer means instead of concentrating fully on the essay’s ideas and style.
Weak: Brown is highly educated.
Forceful: Brown has a master’s degree in business administration.
Weak: She is a great communicator.
Forceful: She speaks persuasively.
Notice that sometimes, to be more specific and concrete, a writer will have to use more words than one might with vague language. This principle is not in conflict with the general objective of concision. Being concise may mean eliminating unnecessary words. Avoiding vagueness may mean adding necessary words.
Clichés are overused expressions that may have once seemed colorful and powerful but are now dull and worn out. A reliance on clichés will suggest a writer is a lazy thinker.
Weak: Performance in a crisis is the acid test for a leader.
Forceful: Performance in a crisis is the best indicator of a leader’s abilities.
Clichés can always be replaced with more imaginative and less-overused language.
Jargon includes two categories of words that you should avoid. First is the specialized vocabulary of a group, such as that used by doctors, lawyers, or baseball coaches. Second is the overly inflated and complex language that burdens many essays. A writer will not impress anyone with big words that do not fit the tone or context of the essay, especially if the writer misuses them.
If you are not certain of a word’s meaning or appropriateness, leave it out. An appropriate word, even a simple one, will add impact to an argument.
Unnecessary: The international banks are cognizant of the new law’s significance.
Forceful: The international banks are aware of the new law’s significance.
Unnecessary: The new law would negatively impact each of the nations involved.
Forceful: The new law would hurt each of the nations involved.
(Impact is also used to mean "affect.")
The following are commonly used jargon words:
Slang terms and colloquialisms can be confusing to readers because these expressions are not universally understood. Even worse, such informal writing may give readers the impression that you are poorly educated or arrogant.
Inappropriate: He is really into gardening.
Correct: He enjoys gardening.
Inappropriate: She plays a wicked game of tennis.
Correct: She excels at tennis.
Inappropriate: Myra has got to go to Memphis for a week.
Correct: Myra must go to Memphis for a week.
Inappropriate: Joan has been doing science for eight years now.
Correct: Joan has been a scientist for eight years now.
With a little thought, you will find the right word. Using informal language is risky. Play it safe by sticking to standard usage.