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When using synonyms, what steps might you take to ensure your word choice carries the correct connotation?

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3 Answers

  • Skull_pumpkin_small
    Reputation: 1610

    I assume you've read it over. If it's important to be especially clear, your next step is to have someone else read it to make sure that you're sending the message you intend. Only after your reader approves the wording do you send it out.

    This comment is based only on your word choices in your question: simple language is a lot harder to mess up than complex language.

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  • Veronica-lake-by-rosejuvenal_small
    Reputation: 480

    If you're talking about writing, just look it up in the dictionary. A good one will include usage notes and synonyms for easily-confused terms.

    I use dictionary.com a lot. Along the top tabs there's also a thesaurus. I open up a window for each when I write, and use them frequently, even for words I think I know.

    Another good online resource is visuwords. It's a bit cumbersome to use, but fascinating and really informative: http://www.visuwords.com/

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  • Img_3324_2_small
    Reputation: 1962

    1. Read
    2. Read
    3. Read

    And if you really want to get good at choosing the right word, avoid genre fiction like fantasy, sci-fi, spy novels, and most bestsellers. The vocabulary is just too small. They're appealing to kids and adults looking for an easy good time, after all. When in doubt, stick with the classics.

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