Avoiding Overly General Language
Specific words and images make your writing more interesting to read. Whenever possible, avoid overly general words in your writing; instead, try to replace general language with particular nouns, verbs, and modifiers that convey details and that bring your words to life. Add words that provide color, texture, sound, and even smell to your writing.
General: My new puppy is cute.
Specific: My new puppy is a ball of white fuzz with the biggest black eyes I have ever seen.
Practice Exercise 5
Revise the following sentences by replacing the overly general words with more precise and attractive language. Write the new sentences on your own sheet of paper.
- Reilly got into her car and drove off.
- I would like to travel to outer space because it would be amazing.
- Jane came home after a bad day at the office.
- The dog walked up the street.
- The coal miners were tired after a long day.
- The tropical fish are pretty.
- I sweat a lot after running.
