Finding The Right Words

by Skylar Edwards

Writing can be challenging, especially when it comes to choosing the perfect word. We’ve all been there, in the middle of a sentence, with a word on the tip of our tongues. You find a placeholder, but it’s not the right one. It doesn’t correctly emulate that feeling that lies within. You find yourself wishing that you could translate yourself without any hindrance. A solution to this problem is to learn more vocabulary words. 

Expanding our lexicon is beneficial to us as writers because it allows us to have a greater understanding of our craft. Sharpening our understanding of language allows us to effectively communicate with our audience; you will be better equipped with terms to accurately express yourself and your characters. Additionally, when we are searching for a word, we will have a wider word bank to choose from. 

Learning vocabulary doesn’t have to be this big, scary thing. It doesn’t have to be all-encompassing—unless you allow it to be. You may ask yourself these questions: is this word specific to a certain genre? Am I looking for an emotion? Maybe you are just trying to describe how a character looks. There are many literary blogs, like those on Tumblr, which are created for this exact purpose. For example, I may be trying to describe how a character walks into a room. I see it in my mind, but I need some help. Therein begins the search for the perfect expression. Tumblr is a great resource for learning words that are specific to your situation. I’ll browse a blog and learn how I can accurately relay the image in my mind. For example, “he walks into the room” becomes he bounced, ambled, ran, or lurched etc. 

Sometimes, you might just need a word that sounds more appropriate. You might find yourself composing a poem that calls for polished words. You’re trying to find another word for cat, but you’re blanking. In this situation, a thesaurus would aid you. Additionally, there are sites like WordHippo that provide synonyms, antonyms, and definitions. Using these resources, you may realize that feline fits into the poem better than cat. 

In general, the best way to learn unfamiliar words is to read. Reading can include short stories, novels, poetry, or whatever your heart fancies. Find words that intrigue you, and that fit with the vibe of your writing. As you read, it’s important to keep track of unfamiliar words and words that you know but find interesting. When I read a novel and come across new words, I jot them down in a notebook with their definitions. Yet, there is much more that goes into the expansion of your literary knowledge.

Learning must be interactive, or it won’t stick. There are a multitude of apps waiting—like Quizlet—to help you study. These expressions should also be used in writing exercises. For example, do a short story, drabble, or poem using five of the words. Writing is a convenient way to commit the new terms to memory. In addition to writing, use them daily: in email, in conversation, and in text messages. The more you use, the more comfortable you will be. 

Remember that while expanding your vocabulary can affect your work tremendously, it is completely acceptable to have what may be considered a small vocabulary. Great writing does not always include what we may think of as sophisticated vocabulary. Distinctive styles require different words. Nevertheless, an expanded vocabulary can benefit you as a writer.