Simple Words and Better Words

 

The poster today is from a set of Verb Flash Cards used by primary grade teachers. The child sees the action and the written word next to it. See it often enough, and it is bound to sink in. The words, of course, are simple ones. They're words we continue to use as we move through grade school, high school, and beyond. Simple words that work for us.

There is nothing wrong with these words, but for writers, there are other choices. Why should we choose other words? To enhance and enrich our writing. To make it attractive to our readers. To get out of a rut. 

The first thing we might do is check our thesaurus for alternative choices. 

1. RUN:  race, rush, spurt, sprint, dash, bound, gallop, trot, scamper, whisk, dart
2. WALK:  hike, stroll, step, promenade, saunter, parade, pace, perambulation
3. SMILE:  beam, grin, smirk, look happy, look amused, look delighted 

I only selected some of the many words listed with the three words we're looking at today. There are myriad choices for each one. Writers should work on using alternatives to simple words. 

One instance where it is needed is when you use a word like 'run' more than once in the same paragraph. Use run once, if you like, but in the other places substitute another word meaning the same thing. Doing so will make your paragraph far more interesting. 

If you're writing for first and second-grade children, those simple words work well and are helpful to them through recognition. Even then, I would toss in another word meaning the same to see if they 'get it.' It's the beginning of expanding their vocabulary. 

If writing for adults, you should work at using different words for the very simple ones whenever and wherever you can. The longer you do this, the more natural it becomes. Those alternative words will simply slip out without a thought. 

When you proofread and edit your drafts, look for places to change simple words to better ones. It's very easy to skim right over those simple ones like run, walk, smile.