What is Ableist Language? Every time you write, whether it is an email, an argument for class, or a social media post, you shape the culture around disability, for better or for worse. Your language reflects your perspectives on disability. One way that our culture marginalizes and excludes those with disabilities is by defining “normal” ...
What Does it Mean to Use the Wrong Word? English is a tricky language. Words can be easily confused for similar sounding words (homonyms). When in doubt, research the word you are using to make sure that it means what you think it means. Related Concepts: Audience; Diction; Editing; Rhetorical Analysis; Rhetorical Reasoning Examples Accede—verb—to agree or consent Ex. I ...
What is Abstract Language? Abstract language is Related Concepts Concrete, Sensory Writing; Description; Code Switching; Figurative Language; Given to New Contract; Register; Vague Language; Writer-Based Prose Style Why Does Abstract Language Matter? Abstract language empowers writers, speakers, knowledge makers . . . to Abstract language is widely employed in peer-reviewed journals and publications. It is ...
Homonyms are words that are pronounced similarly but mean different things words that are spelled the same words that are pronounced similarly. Accede—verb—to agree or consentEx: I accede to your request for help. Exceed—verb—to go over an expected limitEx: If you exceed the speed limit, you may get a speeding ticket. Accept—verb—to receiveEx: I would ...
A simile is a particular type of metaphor that compares two objects that are essentially not like one another. A simile, unlike a metaphor, introduces this comparison with the words “like” or “as.” My essay’s introduction is like the first sip of a fine wine—that is a simile; My essay’s introduction is the first sip ...
Personification is the act of giving animals, inanimate objects, and ideas human form, personality, or emotion. Though you would not want to employ personification too much in an essay (just as you also have to be careful about the frequency of your similes and metaphors—too many can make your writing tedious or pretentious), one or ...
Metaphor is a figure of speech that identifies one thing with another. Metaphors do not use “like” or “as” but equate the two terms you are comparing. Effective metaphors capture your reader’s attention, and by creating strong, clear, interesting images, help the reader better understand and remember your point. Examples: The financial crisis in America ...
What is Vague Language? Ambiguous Language? Vague Language (aka Ambiguous Language) is Examples of vague language are Vague Language may also be called Related Concepts: Concrete Language, Sensory Language; Description; Given to New Contract; Reader-Based Prose Style; Register; Writer-Based Prose Why Does Vague Language Matter? Vagueness undermines interpretation. Readers, listeners, users . . . will ...
What is Word Form? What is a wrong word form? Word Form refers to ways the form of a word in English conveys different meanings. 3 Common Word Form Examples: -s, -ing, -ed The third person singular verb in English has an -s on the end: “He sits on the bus, while I stand, and ...
What are Contractions? Contractions are two words that are joined by an apostrophe. Examples: Writers, speakers, knowledge workers . . . cannot join any two words with an apostrophe. Instead, convention dictates that only a certain number of words can be joined as contractions. Wikipedia provides an exhaustive list of English contractions. Related Concepts: Diction; ...
