example of diction in creative writing

Definition of Diction

As a literary device, diction refers to the linguistic choices made by a writer to convey an idea or point of view , or tell a story , in an effective way. The author’s selection of words or vocabulary and the artistic arrangements of these words is what constitutes the style and establishes the voice of a literary work. Therefore, analyzing the style of a work of literature is an attempt to identify and understand diction – the type and quality of individual words that comprise the vocabulary of the work. Diction is closely connected to characterization . The words associated with a literary character represent their ideals, values, and attitudes . Diction can create a representation of a character’s outer appearance and/or inner state of mind for the reader.

For example, in George Bernard Shaw ’s play Pygmalion , Professor Henry Higgins famously teaches Eliza Doolittle to speak like an upper-class “lady” as opposed to a lower-class “flower girl,” changing who she is as a person and how she is regarded by others through changing her diction:

Remember that you are a human being with a soul and the divine gift of articulate speech: that your native language is the language of Shakespeare and Milton and The Bible; and don’t sit there crooning like a bilious pigeon.

Shaw’s play explores the connection between diction and class in society, especially how the style of language, expression, and vocabulary is related to the speaker ’s perceived position of power in society. In this passage, Henry Higgins reveals his preoccupation with how a person speaks and articulates themselves as a reflection and societal measurement of who they are as a human being. This leads to Higgins taking on Eliza as a project to prove that he can transform how others perceive her in society by eliminating her use of colloquial diction and slang , and instead teaching her formal diction and articulation.

Common Types of Diction

Diction is a literary device that allows a writer to carefully choose words and vocabulary to communicate to the reader as well as establish a specific voice or writing style. Diction is used in every form of writing, from poetic and figurative language to formal and concise wording.

Here are eight common types of diction and their stylistic qualities:

• Formal : use of elevated, sophisticated, professional language. Formal diction does not feature slang or colloquialisms , but instead adheres to proper grammar and complex sentence structure.
• Informal : conversational, casual, realistic language. Informal diction is often used by writers to portray real-life communication or dialogue between realistic characters, and it is often utilized in narrative literary forms such as short fiction and novels.
• Colloquial : informal words or expressions that are typically associated with a specific region or time period. Colloquialisms are useful in portraying realistic and colorful characters.
• Slang : words or phrases originated within a particular culture or subgroup that become widespread in use.
• Pedantic : detailed, academic writing. Pedantic diction generally reflects deliberate, educated word choices with denotative intention.
• Abstract : expression of the intangible such as ideas or emotions.
• Concrete : use of words for denotative meanings. Concrete diction is specific, literal, and detailed so that it’s not open to interpretation.
• Poetic : lyrical wording related to and reflective of a poem ’s theme . Poetic diction typically includes descriptive language that is potentially set to rhythm and meter .

Examples of Common Types of Diction

Different styles of diction impact how a writer expresses an idea or message. In turn, writers utilize diction as a literary device to influence the way a reader understands or interprets the idea or message that is being expressed in a particular style. Diction is often used in a way that meet’s the reader’s expectations, such as formal diction for business writing and informal diction for casual dialogue. If the type of diction presented is not aligned with a reader’s expectations, this can be an incongruent result that may lead to misunderstanding or misinterpretation of what is being expressed.

Here are some examples of statements and phrases that represent common types of diction:

• Formal : As heretofore stated by the representative of the firm, any indication of microaggression among colleagues will not be tolerated.
• Informal : Text me when you’re ready to head home so I can pick you up.
• Colloquial : Have y’all heard that new Country Music song?
• Slang : I look tired because I was binge-watching a show on Netflix last night .
• Pedantic : It’s beneficial in an academic milieu to understand the etymology of literary terms.
• Abstract : My head was swirling as I tried to recall my husband’s words of love.
• Concrete : That book belongs in the empty space on the second shelf.
• Poetic : Let us go then, you and I, / When the evening is spread out against the sky  (from “ The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock ” by T.S. Eliot)

Difference Between Diction and Dialect

Some people can find the difference between the terms diction and dialect confusing. Diction refers to the choice of words and linguistics as well as the levels of effectiveness and clarity of those choices. In addition, diction refers to how such words are presented to readers or an audience . Dialect, as a matter of linguistics, refers to a variety of spoken language that characterizes a certain region, community , or group of people. Dialect often reflects minor differences in terms of vocabulary, pronunciation, spelling, and style of speech.

Archaic Diction

In general, it is stated that the words not in use in topical language are known as archaic words. This is also called archaism but it is mostly the use of classical or outdated words that constitute archaism. Poets often dig out such old-fashioned words to write poetry to meet the demands of rhythm or metrical pattern. For example, using steed or stallion instead of a horse is an archaic usage of the word.

Impacts of Diction on Themes

Not only in common communication of daily lives but also in literary works, diction plays an important role in setting things right. The first significant development comes in the thematic strands that a literary piece propagates. Although tone and point of view, too, contribute to thematic strands, they depend on diction in passing on those ideas. Therefore, when diction moves, changes colors and shows nuances, it impacts the thematic strands in different ways. It is clear from Hemingway’s use of diction in A Farewell to Arms and The Old Man and the Sea.

Use of Diction in Sentences

• The banality of this argument is evident from the use in untoward circumstances. (Difficult Diction)
• The general feature of this argument is clear when applied to this difficult situation. (Common Diction)
• We do not hope that they all will come and declare it an open place. (Simple Diction).
• “The boxes will come later. That takes more time.” (Conversational/Informal Diction)
• If doughty deeds my lady please / Right soon I’ll mount my steed.” (Archaic Diction).

Examples of Diction in Literature

In literature, writers carefully choose specific words and phrases depending on the outcome they wish to achieve for the reader. Diction is the literary device that refers to these linguistic word choices and their artistic arrangement by a writer. Here are some examples of diction in literature:

Example 1: Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

Then you must tell ’em dat love ain’t somethin’ lak uh grindstone dat’s de same thing everywhere and do de same thing tuh everything it touch. Love is lak de sea. It’s uh movin’ thing, but still and all, it takes its shape from de shore it meets, and it’s different with every shore.

In Hurston’s novel , Janie’s diction helps to establish the setting of rural Florida in the early 1900s. Janie’s diction is colloquial and her word choices and expression support the way she is characterized in the novel as a strong and passionate woman. In this passage, Janie’s diction reveals much about her rural background and limited education in terms of her manner of expression. However, the poetic nature of her words also indicates to the reader that Janie is introspective and capable of deep emotions. Therefore, rather than Hurston choosing to portray Janie through simple colloquial diction, she allows the protagonist to reflect a complex female character through the artistic style of her words and vocabulary.

Example 2: The School by Donald Barthelme

One day, we had a discussion in class. They asked me, where did they go? The trees , the salamander, the tropical fish, Edgar, the poppas and mommas, Matthew and Tony, where did they go? And I said, I don’t know, I don’t know. And they said, who knows? and I said, nobody knows. And they said, is death that which gives meaning to life? And I said no, life is that which gives meaning to life. Then they said, but isn’t death, considered as a fundamental datum, the means by which the taken-for-granted mundanity of the everyday may be transcended in the direction of – I said, yes, maybe. They said, we don’t like it. I said, that’s sound. They said, it’s a bloody shame! I said, it is.

In Barthelme’s short story , he utilizes a combination of formal and informal diction to convey the literary theme of the randomness and universality of death. However, in this passage, the author cleverly reverses the diction expected by the reader by assigning formal diction to the elementary students and informal diction to their teacher, Edgar. This reversal of diction and reader expectation underscores the literary theme as well that death is both ever-present yet inexplicable in its pattern of occurrence. The children’s formal wording in their assessment of death as a “fundamental datum” reinforces the absurdity of anyone attempting to explain its meaning–even a figure of authority such as an elementary school teacher. In addition, the limited and informal diction used in response by the student’s teacher reinforces the absurdity that human beings can provide “answers” when it comes to such abstractions as death and life.

The word and vocabulary choices made by Barthelme in his literary short fiction establish the story’s narrative voice and tone in an effective way. The children/students in the story are genuinely interested in learning about death and “where” the dead go. However, their teacher is incapable of providing the answers to their questions because he doesn’t have the knowledge, nor the vocabulary, to express any proper responses. This results in an emotional response on the part of the reader of frustration and helplessness in understanding the full concept of death, and therefore life as well.

Example 3: This Is Just to Say by William Carlos Williams

I have eaten the plums that were in the icebox and which you were probably saving for breakfast Forgive me they were delicious so sweet and so cold

Though Williams’s poem is composed in free verse , without formal rhyme or meter, the diction is poetic in that the poet’s choice of words is descriptive and lyrical. This careful and deliberate use of vocabulary allows the poet to emphasize the denotative and connotative meaning of each word in each line. For the reader, the diction used by Williams in the poem reinforces the theme of temptation and desire intertwined with feelings of resentment and coldness.

Example 4: A Farewell to Arms

The forest of oak trees on the mountain beyond the town was gone. The forest had been green in the summer when we had come into the town but now there were the stumps and the broken trunks and the ground torn up, and one day at the end of the fall when I was out where the oak forest had been I saw a cloud coming over the mountain. It came very fast and the sun went a dull yellow and then everything was gray and the sky was covered and the cloud came on down the mountain and suddenly we were in it and it was snow . The snow slanted across the wind, the bare ground was covered, the stumps of trees projected, there was snow on the guns and there were paths in the snow going back to the latrines behind trenches.

The minimum use of adjectives in these lines shows the use of diction by Hemingway. Although it is a descriptive paragraph, there are very few adjectives used, which show how a description could still write descriptives without adjectives to simplify the work and yet make it easy to understand. For example, the first line shows the description of deforestation.

“It’s been a bad summer,” the major said. “Are you strong now?” “Yes.” “Did you ever get the decorations?” “Yes. I got them fine. Thank you very much.” “Let’s see them.” I opened my cape so he could see the two ribbons. “Did you get the boxes with the medals?” “No. Just the papers.” “The boxes will come later. That takes more time.” “What do you want me to do?”

The writers can use description or dialogues to move the story further. Here, the use of simple diction in the conversation shows how Hemingway has transformed it into a vehicle to convey implicit meanings just using dialogues.

Synonyms of Diction

  In literary vocabulary, the word diction has a vast list of meanings. It could be used in various senses such as phraseology, phrasing, rephrasing, turn of a phrase , choice of words, wording, use of language, language, parlance, vocabulary, terms, terminology, jargon , idiolect, locution, etc.

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• © 2023 by Joseph M. Moxley - University of South Florida

Diction refers to a writer or speaker's word choice. Learn 3 methods to evaluate the appropriateness of your diction or the diction of others: Level of Formality, Level of Abstraction, and Connotation and Denotation.  

What is Diction?

• the appropriateness of words given the rhetorical situation , especially audience and topic
• It’s commonplace to categorize discourse into three measures of formality: formal , standard, informal
• the accent, pronunciation, or speech-sound quality of a speaker.

Traditionally diction solely concerns word choice ; yet many people mix discussions of diction with discussions of writing style , mechanics , citation style , syntax ,   voice ,  tone , or  persona

Diction may be referenced as Standard English or British English

Key Concepts: Edit for Diction ; Register ; Rhetorical Situation ; Persona ; Rhetorical Reasoning ; Tone ; Voice ;

Why Does Diction Matter?

Your diction has a profound influence on whether your readers will read, understand and value your message.

Diction plays a substantive role in the clarity and persuasiveness of communications. In fact, ETS (Educational Testing Services), Pearson Education, and other assessment companies use diction and sentence length as the chief linguistic markers to determine scoring.

Texts that have a varied and sophisticated vocabulary score higher than texts that repeat dull words endlessly.

It also plays a major role in establishing a  voice ,  tone , and  persona . The character’s word choice in fiction defines the character, showing readers who is the character is rather than telling.

Types of Diction

There are multiple ways to define diction , depending on perspective and point of view. Below are three commonplace perspectives:

• Level of Formality
• Level of Abstraction
• Connotation and Denotation.

1. Level of Formality

Traditionally, diction is defined as formal, standard, or informal .

Formal Diction

• vocabulary suitable for professional and college-educated audiences
• sparse use of 1st person point of view
• no use of colloquialisms, contractions, idioms, slang
• use of abstract language , jargon
• complex sentence structure & compound-complex sentence structures

Standard Diction

• texts produced at college level, from the chemistry lab to the humanities paper on cultural change
• use of 1st person point of view
• use of abstract language , jargon , figurative language
• some use of contractions, colloquialisms, contractions, idioms, slang

Informal Diction

• simple vocabulary and abbreviated, self-centered discourse
• vulgarities, colloquialisms, contractions, idioms, slang
• simple-sentence structure, comma splice , run-on sentences ,
• frequent use of sentence Fragments

2. Levels of Abstraction

Diction may be defined by the level of abstraction of the words used in a text:

Abstract Language

• Concrete, Sensory Language

Figurative Language

Denotation & connotation.

Analyzing the denotation and connotation of a word is a third way to conceptualize diction .

Words convey meaning at two levels:

• This is the meaning of the word that you’ll find in a dictionary, encyclopedia, or reference source.
• Words convey emotional and cultural resonance. Over time, as we learn new words, we associate those words with emotions and the context in which we learned them. Words, at the connotative level, can imply values, judgments, and feelings.

Words can have similar denotations and yet remarkably different connotations , as suggested by the table below.

Thus, when you have a range of words available to you, you need to consider both the denotation and connotation of those words.

Remember, as well, that emotion can filter interpretation . There’s a lot of spin on the ball when audiences are reading from an emotional as opposed to a critical perspective.

How Should I Revise and Edit My Work for Diction?

Key Concepts: Register ; Rhetorical Reasoning

A diction problem happens when you use a word in the wrong context or use a word that does not mean what you intended it to mean in that situation.

Writers, speakers, knowledge workers . . . are wise to engage in self critique of their writing. It’s particularly important for writers to consider the appropriateness of their diction .

Texts , at least alphabetical texts, are a flow of words, a waterfall. During the early stages of the composing process, you cannot stop and critique each word you say or write it without being reduced to silence. When drafting you need to think about the big picture and not fret every word or comma.

Yet at some point. you’ve got to check your diction. Not checking diction is the equivalent of going into a gun fight without bullets. You’re going to get slaughtered.

Your first step toward eliminating diction problems is to engage in rhetorical analysis and rhetorical reasoning . More specifically, you want to assess the language register appropriate for your rhetorical situation . Ultimately, register is your North Star when it comes to establishing an appropriate diction.

A key aspect of understanding register is audience awareness :

• Have I carefully considered the denotation and connotation of all of the words I’ve used?
• Have I ensured my language is inclusive and bias free ?
• Does my diction invoke the voice ,  tone , and  persona that is appropriate for the rhetorical situation being addressed?

Once you know the register , you’ll have a sense of how formal you need to be. Subsequently, you can read through your text word-by-word and question if the word is sufficiently formal or informal. When you’ve used a word that you’ve heard rather than read, you should take a moment to look it up in a dictionary. To get a sense of the connotations associated with the word–or even just for fun–you might ask someone to peer review your text as well.

If you are going to use a thesaurus on a regular basis, spend some time familiarizing yourself with the way the thesaurus works. Some online programs will show closely related words in a specific color, with words shifting colors as they move away from the original meaning. Others use different systems–learn how your chosen thesaurus works before you rely on it too heavily.

Strategies for Revising Diction

• Look for missing words or phrases : Words that are missing, misplaced, or out of order reduce readability.A missing word or phrase can obscure meaning and cause confusion. Insert missing words or phrases to complete the intended thought.
• Look at word order after revising : Minor revision of a portion of a sentence can cause a major problem with word order. Reread each sentence after it has been revised to ensure that it still makes sense.
• Look for misplaced or dangling modifiers : If a modifier is misplaced or is modifying a subject not mentioned in the sentence, the message could be misleading or confusing to the reader. Place modifiers as close as possible to the object being modified.
• Example of SVO : The scholarly article explains theories on global warming. Subject = article ; Verb = explains ; Object = theories
• Example of OSV : Theories on global warming the scholarly article explains. (awkward)
• overgeneralization
• vague Language

Related Articles:

Concrete Language, Sensory Language

Contractions.

Vague Language

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What is Diction in Writing?

by Fija Callaghan

Have you ever noticed how different people can express the same ideas in completely different ways? Their tone of voice and the way they arrange their sentences can give a conversation an entirely different feel. This comes down to diction—the conscious or unconscious choices we all make when expressing ourselves through language.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about what diction means in writing, and how to use it effectively as a literary device in your story.

What is diction in writing?

Diction is the word choice, syntax, and sentence structure that makes up a written tone of voice. For example, formal diction uses deliberate language and proper grammar, while informal diction uses more contractions and everyday vernacular. Writers use different diction, or tones, depending on what feeling they’re trying to convey and what audience they’re trying to reach.

There are different types of diction you can use for different purposes in writing. For instance, academic writing will use different diction than a casual conversation between friends, and different characters in a story might use even more types of diction to reveal something about their personality.

Paying attention to diction can help us create realistic characters that leap off the page.

What’s the difference between diction and dialect?

When it comes to crafting compelling character voices, dialect and diction are closely intertwined. Both reflect the unique way a character speaks.

While diction refers to the words chosen in response to a particular situation, dialect refers to the unique language and grammatical rules that characterize a certain region or socioeconomic area. For example, colloquial words and phrases unique to the American south reflect the dialect of that specific region.

Dialect is a particular facet of language that normally stays consistent throughout a character’s life, unless they move to a different area and begin absorbing a different dialect. Diction, by contrast, can change from one moment to another depending on how a person is feeling, who they’re talking to, and what they’re trying to accomplish.

Why is diction important for writers?

Diction is a great tool for communicating character without too much heavy exposition. Readers are very perceptive when it comes to picking up the way a character speaks, so adjusting the diction in your dialogue can reveal important information in a subtle, nuanced way.

For example, what happens if a loving couple starts speaking to each other in more formal diction? It probably means there’s tension in their relationship. Maybe one is hiding something from the other, or they’re trying to move past a big fight.

What if a group of people start by speaking formally, and their diction becomes more casual and colloquial over time? It probably means they’re warming up to each other and letting their boundaries down.

In general, we tend to use more formal language when we’re trying to present a collected, professional image, and informal language when we’re more relaxed. By playing with the diction of your characters, you can give the reader hints about what they’re feeling and where they are in their journey.

Types of diction in creative and academic writing

Here are the different styles of diction you’ll find in all kinds of writing.

1. Formal diction

Formal diction takes a respectful and serious tone using precise, grammatically correct language without any slang or everyday vernacular. It’s designed to get a point across in an elevated and professional way. You’ll see this type of diction being used in workplace settings, schools, and marketing in which the speaker wants to portray an authoritative and knowledgeable image.

Formal diction can also suggest tension, or that the speaker isn’t very relaxed. “We expect heightened amounts of rainfall this evening” is an example of formal diction.

2. Informal diction

Informal diction is what we most commonly hear in our day-to-day lives, and how we tend to speak with close family and friends. Most contemporary novels and short stories are written this way, as well as a lot of free verse poetry. Sometimes, informal words will be used in marketing or professional settings when the speaker wants to appear more relatable. “I think it’s going to rain tonight” is an example of informal diction.

3. Colloquial diction

Colloquial diction is even more casual than informal diction, and generally not appropriate for most professional settings. Like dialect, it often reflects the nuances of a particular region. Certain contractions and word choices are indications of this type of writing style. “Y’all are gonna be washed out later” is an example of colloquial diction.

4. Slang diction

Slang diction is another informal speech pattern that uses idiomatic expressions and slang words to convey an idea. These are often tied to a particular time or group of people, and can be tricky to recognize by someone unfamiliar with that identity. Because slang changes all the time, it can quickly become dated, which is why it’s not an ideal choice for contemporary fiction. “It’s raining cats and dogs” is an example of slang diction.

5. Abstract diction

Abstract diction is used to express vague or undefinable ideas, such as emotional states. This type of language is very internal; to be effective, it relies on forging a connection with the reader who can draw on a similar feeling. “There’s something ominous about this rain” is an example of abstract diction.

6. Concrete diction

Concrete diction is the opposite of abstract diction; it expresses things exactly as they are using direct language, without an emotional lens. This type of diction is helpful when you’re explaining how to do something and want to get information across in an accessible, uncluttered way. “It will start raining tonight at 7pm” is an example of concrete diction.

7. Pedantic diction

Pedantic diction is related to the word “pedagogy,” which means “to teach.” This type of diction is used to help someone learn something new. “Did you know rain is actually highly condensed atmospheric water vapor? I bet you didn’t know you were sitting next to an environmental science major (sips craft lager) . ” is an example of pedantic diction.

While the word “pedantic” tends to have a negative connotation in everyday life, it’s a useful voice to embody in convincing academic essays, as well as creating a certain type of character in fiction writing.

8. Poetic diction

Poetic diction uses sensory imagery and poetic devices like assonance, consonance, and rhythm to create a beautiful image and sound. While this is a mainstay of the poetry genre, an awareness of poetic devices and creating poetic diction can elevate writing of any kind. Marketing campaigns often use this writing style to make their pitches more memorable. “The rain fell like stars that had loosened themselves from the night sky” is an example of poetic diction.

Examples of diction in literature

To see how these look in practice, let’s look at a few examples of different types of diction you’ll find in literary works.

Pedantic diction in “On Fairy Stories,” by J. R. R. Tolkien

The diminutive being, elf or fairy, is (I guess) in England largely a sophisticated product of literary fancy. It is perhaps not unnatural that in England, the land where the love of the delicate and fine has often reappeared in art, fancy should in this matter turn towards the dainty and diminutive, as in France it went to court and put on powder and diamonds. Yet I suspect that this flower-and-butterfly minuteness was also a product of “rationalization,” which transformed the glamour of Elfland into mere finesse, and invisibility into a fragility that could hide in a cowslip or shrink behind a blade of grass.

Fairies might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of pedagogy, but Tolkien has some Opinions on the matter… or he did back in the 1930s, when he presented this essay as a lecture at St. Andrews University. By using the pedantic voice to talk about a fantastical subject, Tolkien gives an authenticity and reliability to his work.

Formal diction in “Christopher Raven,” by Theodora Goss

She looked very much like the schoolgirl she had been, with an untidy blouse and, I could see when she gave me an enthusiastic hug, an ink stain on one cheek. Only the length of her skirt and the bun of hair at the back of her head, which threatened to come down at any moment, marked her as, not a schoolgirl any longer, but one of the teachers. I had wondered how many of the girls I knew would be coming back for Old Girls’ Day, but I knew Tollie would be here. Unlike the rest of us, she had remained at Collingswood.

In this historical short story , Theodora Goss uses formal language and literary diction to imitate the voice of Victorian-era literature. The writer’s choices enhances the mood and setting, creating a sense of cultivated propriety… which makes the strange and sensual events of the story even more powerful.

Concrete diction in “Death of the Hat,” by Billy Collins

Hats were the law. They went without saying. ou noticed a man without a hat in a crowd. You bought them from Adams or Dobbs who branded your initials in gold on the inside band. Trolleys crisscrossed the city. Steamships sailed in and out of the harbor. Men with hats gathered on the docks.

One might associate the medium of poetry with sophisticated language and flowery, imaginative words. However, you can create an even bigger emotional response by using an unexpected choice of words. In this poem , Billy Collins uses concrete diction to state a series of facts in a neutral, objective voice: these are the facts , he’s saying, this is how things were . This objectivity helps give the poem’s themes (it’s secretly a eulogy to his father, as you’ll see if you read on) even more resonance.

The right diction can give your story more impact

Diction refers to the way we can carefully choose words to fit each unique situation we find ourselves communicating in—whether it’s a thrilling novel, business documents, or everyday speech. By using the right descriptive language in the right scene or situation, you can reveal new facets of your story and engage your readers on an even deeper level.

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Diction Definition

What is diction? Here’s a quick and simple definition:

Diction is a writer's unique style of expression, especially his or her choice and arrangement of words. A writer's vocabulary, use of language to produce a specific tone or atmosphere, and ability to communicate clearly with the reader are all essential parts of diction. If a writer favors specific words or phrases and uses them throughout his or her work, those are also considered to be part of the writer's general diction, though a writer might also modify his or her diction to achieve certain effects, such as to create characters of different types and backgrounds.

Some additional key details about diction:

• Published or not, every writer—including yourself—has his or her own particular diction.
• Aristotle was the first writer in the Western tradition to discuss diction. He did so in his book, Poetics.
• Over time the term "diction" has also come to refer to pronunciation : the manner of enunciating words and sounds. This guide focuses on the literary definition of diction , which has more to do with word choice.

How to Pronounce Diction

Here's how to pronounce diction: dik -shun

A Closer Look at Diction

Diction can seem like a very broad term that includes all of a writer's style, but it's possible to break down the concept by looking at some specific examples. The poem "Shakespeare," by the 18th century English poet Matthew Arnold, is a particular good case study for investigating and understanding the key elements of diction. In this poem, Arnold pays tribute to Shakespeare by consciously adopting Shakespeare's diction in three specific ways: word choice , register , and tone . First read the poem below (paying attention to Arnold's choice and arrangement of words) and then continue on for an explanation of each aspect of Arnold's diction.

Others abide our question. Thou art free. We ask and ask—Thou smilest and art still, Out-topping knowledge. For the loftiest hill, Who to the stars uncrowns his majesty, Planting his steadfast footsteps in the sea, Making the heaven of heavens his dwelling-place, Spares but the cloudy border of his base To the foil'd searching of mortality; And thou, who didst the stars and sunbeams know, Self-school'd, self-scann'd, self-honour'd, self-secure, Didst tread on earth unguess'd at.—Better so! All pains the immortal spirit must endure, All weakness which impairs, all griefs which bow, Find their sole speech in that victorious brow.

Word Choice

The first thing to notice is that Arnold mimics Shakespeare's distinctive word choice — most notably, he uses the formal "thou" (as in "thou art" and "thou didst"), which was no longer in common use when Arnold was writing . He also describes Shakespeare's brilliance in the lofty terms typical of Shakespeare's own writing—for example, he writes that the playwright was such a transcendent visionary that he dwelt in the "heaven of heavens" and knew the "stars and sunbeams." Arnold makes another move typical of Shakespeare when he spells "foiled" as "foil'd" and "unguessed" as "unguess'd." The insertion of the apostrophe to shorten both words is called elision , and it's something that Shakespeare did frequently, particularly in order to maintain a consistent number of syllables in each line of verse.

Arnold, here, is carefully modeling his word choice after Shakespeare's to create a particular effect. In other words, by choosing and arranging his words in a particular way Arnold can make his poem seems to belong to a different era and take on the lush style of Shakespeare's prose.

Another aspect of diction that Arnold borrows from Shakespeare is his register , which means level of speech. Register refers to whether a piece of writing is formal or informal, or whether the writer is using "high," "neutral," or "low" diction . For example, if writing a cover letter for a job, you would likely use high diction: "Thank you for your consideration. It would be a privilege to contribute to the betterment of this institution." Neutral diction would sound like, "Thank you for your time. I'll look forward to hearing from you." Low diction would be, "Thanks man. Talk to you soon."

While today's readers generally think of Shakespearean register as high diction because of his elegant, archaic vocabulary and syntax, Shakespeare actually employed a whole range of different registers in each of his plays, which he varied as the plot and mood developed. In other words, Shakespeare's writing mimicked all different types of speech in order to convey the linguistic conventions of the broad cross-sections of society that existed during his time.

Arnold's imitation of Shakespeare's register, then, is complicated—to Arnold's 18th century readers, most or all of Shakespeare's writing would have seemed simply to be high diction, and thus Arnold's imitation would have come across, too, as high diction. This choice makes sense in the context that Arnold had a conservative view of the poetic tradition: he believed that poets of his day could only achieve greatness by referring back to the classics, such as Shakespeare and Homer. However, if Arnold had different ideas about poetry, he might have chosen to imitate Shakespeare's use of register by mixing the high and low diction of his own time, just as Shakespeare had done two centuries before. Were this the case, Arnold could have juxtaposed archaic, Shakespearean language with the profane, idiomatic, or ungrammatical language commonly in use in 18th century England. This would have preserved the sense of shifting registers that Shakespeare's writing gave in its own time, though using contemporary language might have made it less clear to 18th century readers that Arnold was imitating the Bard.

The tone or atmosphere of a piece of writing is also considered to be part of diction. It's important to note that tone is significantly affected by word choice and diction, so it's not always easy to tell the different elements of diction apart. However, it's crucial, when analyzing diction, to look closely at how a writer develops the tone of a book, play, or poem by making very small changes in their word choice or level of speech. The tone of Arnold's "Shakespeare" can be described as:

• Reverential/admiring. Arnold's Shakespeare "dwells in the heavens." Although he's "self-school'd" (has never had a formal education), he's "self-honor'd" and "self-secure." In other words, Shakespeare wrote according to his own artistic standards, which is notable for its contrast with Arnold, who is writing in Shakespeare's style, rather than his own. Thus, Arnold's tone is double-edged: it professes an admiration for Shakespeare, while betraying, perhaps, an insecurity about his own artistic ability and integrity.
• Wistful . Arnold's poem is written in sonnet form, and the traditional subject of a sonnet is unrequited love. Arnold's use of the sonnet to describe Shakespeare, then, emphasizes Arnold's impossible longing to connect with the Bard. This impossibility is due to Arnold's artistic limitations, but also due to how little we actually know about Shakespeare. Arnold's wistful tone thus laments the fact that he (and we) will never be able to communicate with this great literary genius.
• Triumphant. In the 9th line of the sonnet there occurs what is known as a "turn," a traditional feature of Italian sonnets that is defined as a shift in the poem's focus from problem to resolution. Arnold ends the poem by celebrating that, despite Shakespeare's remoteness in history, he is still able to express, "All pains the immortal spirit must endure/ All weakness which impairs, all griefs which bow."

In Sum: Diction is Powerful

Arnold uses diction strategically in this poem to great effect—his diction not only creates a beautiful, musical piece of writing by the standards of his time, but it also proves a point about the poetic tradition. Modeling his own diction after Shakespeare's allows Arnold to "practice what he preaches" by emulating the classics rather than forging new poetic traditions. Thus, Arnold's diction also subtly presents his opinion on the tradition of poetry as a whole.

Diction Examples

Diction in f. scott fitzgerald's the great gatsby:.

In The Great Gatsby , Fitzgerald masterfully changes his diction to evoke different atmospheres in describing particular settings. The following passage refers to an industrial area on the border of the prosperous community where the novel takes place:

This is a Valley of Ashes—a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens; where ashes take the forms of houses and chimneys and rising smoke and, finally, with a transcendent effort, of men who move dimly and already crumbling through the powdery air. Occasionally a line of gray cars crawls along an invisible track, gives out a ghastly creak, and comes to rest, and immediately the ash-gray men swarm up with leaden spades and stir up an impenetrable cloud, which screens their obscure operations from your sight.

Fitzgerald's choice of words like "powdery," "crumbling," "leaden," and "ash-gray" refer to the textures and materials of this industrial landscape. Compare that to his description of the Buchanan's mansion, minutes away from the Valley of Ashes, as seen through the eyes of the narrator Nick Carraway:

We walked through a high hallway into a bright rosy-colored space, fragilely bound into the house by French windows at either end. The windows were ajar and gleaming white against the fresh grass outside that seemed to grow a little way into the house. A breeze blew through the room, blew curtains in at one end and out the other like pale flags, twisting them up toward the frosted wedding-cake of the ceiling, and then rippled over the wine-colored rug, making a shadow on it as wind does on the sea. The only completely stationary object in the room was an enormous couch on which two young women were buoyed up as though upon an anchored balloon.

In contrast to the specific textures and material adjectives he uses to describe the Valley of Ashes, Fitzgerald's description of the Buchanan's home is very immaterial . There's the breeze, the "frosted" ceiling, shadows, and the women "buoyed" upon the couch. This evokes the lightness and wealth of the Buchanan mansion, in contrast to the crumbling and grimy industrial landscape next door. Simply by changing the type of adjectives he uses to characterize each place, Fitzgerald creates a dramatically different atmosphere in each. More importantly, by contrasting this airy, immaterial description of the mansion with the gritty, seedy textures of the Valley of Ashes nearby, he's able to emphasize that the Buchanans' wealth—and by extension, the American Dream—is rooted in labor that is "screened from sight."

Diction in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice:

Fiction writers use diction not only to set the scene, but also in character development. Jane Austen criticizes England's class-based society in Pride and Prejudice , using diction as a powerful tool to question the assumption that a person's class is a reflection of his or her intelligence or character. Austen therefore carefully tailors each character's diction to emphasize the ways in which he or she does or does not conform to his or her social class, and to the expectations that come along with it. This is made particularly clear through the examination of two letters included in Pride and Prejudice.

Letter from Mr. Collins

Mr. Collins is a pompous clergyman, deeply concerned with class and with impressing others. The following excerpt is from a "sympathetic" letter he writes to Mr. Bennet, whose daughter's elopement plunged the family into scandal.

I feel myself called upon, by our relationship, and my situation in life, to condole with you on the grievous affliction you are now suffering under, of which we were yesterday informed by a letter from Hertfordshire. Be assured, my dear Sir, that Mrs. Collins and myself sincerely sympathize with you...And it is the more to be lamented, because there is reason to suppose, as my dear Charlotte informs me, that this licentiousness of behavior in your daughter, has proceeded from a faulty degree of indulgence, though, at the same time, for the consolation of yourself and Mrs. Bennet, I am inclined to think that her own disposition must be naturally bad, or she could not be guilty of such an enormity, at so early an age.

Mr. Collins' uses what was considered to be high diction at the time: his writing is formal and flowery, his sentences carefully balanced and constructed. However, hidden within his formal register are insults directed at Mr. Bennet—he implies that his wife thinks Mr. Bennet did a poor job of raising his daughter, and he hints at his own social superiority. Mr. Collins, whose marriage proposal was refused by Mr. Bennet's other daughter, barely hides his sense of good luck at not being married to Elizabeth, thereby avoiding close connection to the scandal, yet his vindictive tone shows that he hasn't fully recovered from the humiliation of being refused. While his social position may be better than the Bennets', his high-class speech is anything but "classy": instead, it betrays small-mindedness and pettiness.

Letter from Jane Bennet

In contrast, Austen gives Jane Bennet informal, low diction in her letters to her sister Elizabeth, which emphasizes the sisters' closeness. This is particularly notable because of the contrast between the sisters' use of low diction in their private letters and their use of high diction for public speech. In this letter, Jane breaks the news of their sister's elopement:

Since writing the above, dearest Lizzy, something has occurred of a most unexpected and serious nature; but I am afraid of alarming you—be assured that we are all well. What I have to say relates to poor Lydia. An express came at twelve last night, just as we were all gone to bed, from Colonel Forster, to inform us that she was gone off to Scotland with one of his officers; to own the truth, with Wickham!—Imagine our surprise. To Kitty, however, it does not seem so wholly unexpected. I am very, very sorry. So imprudent a match on both sides!—But I am willing to hope the best, and that his character has been misunderstood.

Jane address Elizabeth as "Lizzy," and her choice of words is simple. Compared with Mr. Collins' more formal style, Jane's sentences are rushed, punctuated with dashes and colons. This manner of writing shows her distress at what's happened with her sister, and also the level of comfort she has with Lizzy, allowing her to show how she really feels.

Why Do Writers Use Diction?

Diction allows writers to develop characters, manipulate tone, and reference past literary works, which are all core aspects of literary writing. Perhaps more important, though, is that a writer's diction determines their ability to connect with a particular audience. Diction is not simply about manipulating language to achieve an effect; it's also about shaping language so that it is clear enough for the reader or listener to understand.

When evaluating a writer's diction, it's important to note that the way readers and listeners interpret diction is relative, and it changes over time. A type of speech considered "low" diction can become "high" diction as norms shift (think about the way contemporary readers understand Shakespeare's writing as "high" diction, when his diction was, for his own time, quite varied). Likewise, diction that was once considered to be perfectly clear can become opaque as certain words or grammatical conventions fall out of use.

One particular example of this is Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales , written in the 1300s. Because The Canterbury Tales are written in Middle English, today's readers interpret the book's style as formal. Take this example from the prologue:

And therefore, whoso list it nat yheere, Turne over the leef and chese another tale; For he shal fynde ynow, gret and smale, Of storial thing that toucheth gentilesse, And eek moralitee and hoolynesse. Blameth nat me if that ye chese amys. The Miller is a cherl, ye know wel this.

If someone were to write this way today, we might call it high diction, or we might question the choice to write such inaccessible verse. However, in Chaucer's time, most people wrote in Latin, French, or Italian. Chaucer's decision to write in Middle English, the language spoken by common people at the time, actually made the stories more accessible to a popular audience. Thus, in considering a writer's choice to use a certain type of diction, context is key.

Other Helpful Diction Resources

• The Wikipedia Page on Diction: A quick explanation of the different elements of diction.
• The Dictionary Definition of Diction: A definition and etymology of diction.
• F. Scott Fitzgerald's Diction: A Time Magazine article about the many words F. Scott Fitzgerald contributed to American english, including "t-shirt" and "daiquiri."

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Creative Writing: Poetry: Diction

• Introduction
• Lineation & Syntax
• Rhetoric & Mode
• Meter & Prosody
• Stanza & Rhyme
• Analysis, Criticism & Reference

The selection of words in a literary work. A work's diction forms one of its centrally important literary elements, as writers use words to convey action, reveal character, imply attitudes, identify themes, and suggest values. We can speak of the diction particular to a character, as in Iago's and Desdemona's very different ways of speaking in Othello. We can also refer to a poet's diction as represented over the body of his or her work, as in Donne's or Hughes's diction (Glossary of poetic terms, 2002).

Resources for Diction

Distinguishing Words offers a unique alternative to traditional vocabulary books by approaching vocabulary acquisition through the study of synonym groups rather than words lists or through Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes.By learning new vocabulary through the study of synonym groups, readers relate new words to a centrally shared meaning, learn the definition of each individual word in the group, and compare meaning between the words. This structure allows readers to distinguish between words to make critical, correct vocabulary choices whenever they speak, read, or write. Each chapter presents a list of synonymous nouns, adjectives, and verbs as new words for study. Utilizing lessons, exercises, readings, and discussion questions, Distinguishing Words gives readers the tools they need to not only sharpen their vocabularies but also to decipher shades of meaning.For those interested in developing their vocabulary skills.

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What is Diction in Writing? Examples, Definitions, and How to Create Them

D iction is the delightful dance of words that makes your writing shine . Whether it ‘s using complex language to paint a vivid picture , or choosing simple words to be direct , diction is the spice of life for any written work . When ever you’re writing an essay, a novel, or even a grocery list, you’re using diction.

The important part is matching your diction to the topic and audience, which may take some practice, but you can get there, don’t worry.

The Definition of Diction in Writing

Diction refers to the choice of words and phrases used in a piece of writing. It is the building block of any good story, essay, or poem. The right diction can make your sentences sing like a beautiful melody, while the wrong diction can leave them as dull as a rusty door hinge. The key to great diction is selecting words that convey the desired tone, mood, and meaning for your audience.

Why is diction so crucial in writing? Well, the choice of words can create different effects on the reader. It can transport them to a world of wonder, make them laugh, or even tug at their heartstrings. By using the right diction, a writer can effectively communicate their ideas, evoke emotions, and persuade the reader.

Types of Diction: Formal and Informal

Diction can be divided into two main categories: formal and informal. Formal diction is like a well-dressed gentleman attending a fancy dinner party. It uses proper grammar, elevated vocabulary, and precise syntax. It is often found in academic writing, legal documents, and other serious contexts.

On the other hand, informal diction is like a laid-back teenager hanging out at the skate park. It uses everyday language, contractions, slang, and colloquial expressions. Informal diction can be found in casual conversations, personal writing, and online communication.

Picking the perfect diction for your writing is like picking out the right outfit for a special occasion. It’s important to consider the context, audience, and purpose of your writing when selecting the most suitable diction.

Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

• Consider your audience: Think about the people who will be reading your work. Are they experts in the subject matter, or are they just casual readers? Adjust your diction to cater to their needs and understanding.
• Match the tone: The tone of your writing should align with the diction you choose. If you’re writing a formal essay, stick to formal diction. If you’re writing a lighthearted blog post, informal diction might be the way to go.
• Be consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to diction. Mixing formal and informal language can confuse your reader and dilute your message. Stick to one style throughout your piece to maintain clarity and cohesion.
• Avoid jargon and clichés: While specialized language can be helpful in certain contexts, it can also alienate readers who are unfamiliar with the terminology. Similarly, clichés can make your writing feel stale and unoriginal. Opt for clear and fresh language whenever possible.

Examples of Diction in Writing

To illustrate the power of diction, let’s take a look at a few examples. Notice how the choice of words affects the tone and meaning of each sentence.

• The esteemed professor meticulously analyzed the complex data and subsequently derived a groundbreaking conclusion.
• In the annals of history, few events have been as monumental and transformative as the invention of the printing press.
• The cool teacher took a look at the confusing numbers and figured out something totally amazing.
• When it comes to big stuff that changed the world, the printing press is right up there.

How to Improve Your Diction in Writing

Enhancing your diction skills is like planting a garden – it takes time, effort, and patience. But with a little practice and dedication, you can cultivate a rich vocabulary that will bring your writing to life. Here are some tips to help you improve your diction:

• Read widely: Expose yourself to a variety of texts, from classic literature to modern blogs. This will help you become familiar with different writing styles and expand your vocabulary.
• Practice writing: The more you write, the better your diction will become. Experiment with different styles, genres, and audiences to find your voice and refine your diction.
• Use a thesaurus: When you’re searching for the perfect word, a thesaurus can be your best friend. Just be careful not to overuse obscure or overly complex words, as this can make your writing difficult to understand.
• Seek feedback: Share your writing with others and ask for their input on your diction. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and inspire you to grow as a writer.

In conclusion, diction is the delightful dance of words that makes your writing shine. By understanding the different types of diction and learning how to choose the right words for your audience, you can create powerful, engaging, and memorable pieces. So put on your dancing shoes, grab your pen, and let the magic of diction guide you to literary success.

If you’re thirsty for more writing knowledge, head over here to  learn all 74 literary devices .

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What is Diction? Definition, Usage, and Literary Examples

Diction definition.

Diction  (DIK-shun) is word choice, or the intentional selection of vocabulary that is most effective, appropriate, or clear.Teachers and academics often use the term when examining why a writer chose a given word and how this choice affects the text’s meaning and expression. It’s for this reason that diction is often regarded as a measure of a work’s quality.

Diction , which stems from the Latin  dicere , meaning “to speak,” can also refer to the enunciation and articulation of spoken words. In this sense, it’s often refers to stage actors and orators, who must speak clearly to be understood. When a teacher prompts a student mumbling through a presentation to enunciate more clearly, they’re asking the student to sharpen their diction.

Diction is often discussed in relation to syntax, or the way words are organized in a sentence.

How Diction Is Used

Diction helps writers express ideas and concepts. This expression can be formal or informal and can evoke a range of moods, such as romantic or  didactic . Careful and considerate diction enhances the development of  setting ,  imagery , and  characterization , breathing more life into a story.

Consider these two sentences:

• “The cat sat by the empty food bowl and looked at her with a hard stare.”
• “The cat stalked over to the barren food bowl and leveled her with a baleful glare.”

The vocabulary of the first sentence is basic. While plain and simple can be the right choice sometimes, writers often want to spice up their writing with diction that’s more vivid. The bolder, more imaginative vocabulary in the second sentence helps establish a humorous  tone  and the cat’s ornery personality.

Writers also use diction to engage the reader by playing on their associations with certain words. Take this example: “The swamp stank to high heaven, but he slipped through its red clay mudbank with keen anticipation, eager to fish some crawdads out of the water.” Readers with the right  context  will recognize  stank to high heaven ,  red clay , and  crawdads  as linguistic quirks of the American South. These words signal the setting without cumbersome  exposition , develop a richer setting, and engage readers with familiar, authentic details.

Elements of Diction

No matter the effect a writer is trying to achieve with diction, there are key elements to consider.

This is essential to writing an effective sentence, and that means paying attention to a word’s literal or explicit meaning. Writers must pick the right word that matches their intent if they want to be understood. After all, writing is only effective if readers can clearly understand it.

When choosing between multiple words that mean the same thing, writers can consider the connotation—the emotions, associations, or implications—each one evokes. This relates to tone, as writers must choose a word whose emotions matches the story’s atmosphere. But simply consulting a thesaurus for synonyms can be tricky; writers must pick the word with the right connotation, not just the right definition.

For example,  thrifty  and  stingy  are synonyms, but  thrifty  has positive connotations of savviness and good judgement, while  stingy  suggests selfishness and greed. This is why Ebenezer Scrooge is described as miserly rather than simply frugal; the word  miser  better fits his temperament and relationship with money.

Finally, writers must also consider register, or a word’s formality and complexity. High registers are often used in business contexts, where professionalism is paramount. Informal communication like text messages and blog posts are often written in a lower register that uses everyday speech patterns and vocabulary. In literature, this can make writing seem more authentic or relatable.

Types of Diction

A writer’s linguistic choices directly affect how a reader understands and relates to the text. As writers can employ several types of diction to best express their ideas, the following are eight commonly used types.

• Formal diction: This is polished, precise, and refined language with proper grammar and syntax. Formal diction typically appears in academic articles, business communication, press conferences and releases, and other texts that require sophisticated language.
• Informal diction: More casual in nature, informal diction incorporates elements of everyday speech like  colloquialisms , slang, and simplified syntax. Informal diction is often used in dialogue to make conversations seem more realistic, though it can also be used as a narration style.
• Abstract diction: This refers to the words and phrases used to describe intangible qualities, ideas, and feelings, like love, death, or beauty. Abstract language (e.g.,  beautiful ,  sad ,  freedom ,  love ) is more subjective and less specific than other forms of diction.
• Concrete diction: The opposite of abstract, concrete language uses words as they’re defined and which appeal to the five senses (e.g.,  hot ,  sweet ,  blue ,  loud ). Because concrete diction is specific, it leaves little room for subjective interpretation.
• Colloquial diction:  This is a subcategory of informal diction. Colloquialism is the use of everyday language in writing, including  idioms , profanities, regional expressions, and nonstandard grammar. This can make a story, particularly dialogue, seem truer to life.
• Slang:  This is another subcategory of informal diction. Slang words are casual terms or phrases that develop within a group or community. Slang is most common in verbal speech, though writers do incorporate it into dialogue, and narration more rarely, to reflect a character’s cultural  context  and personality.
• Jargon:  This is the terminology used in a specific profession or field of study. Medical dramas are famous for using jargon—like saying “myocardial infarction” when talking about a heart attack—because this supports both the  setting  and the character’s background as a medical professional.
• Poetic diction : This is language that distinguishes  poetry  from other writing, particularly the selection and arrangement of words in a  poem . In other forms of literature, poetic diction can refer to vocabulary that evokes a sense of romance or heightened emotion or that gives a writing a lyrical, melodious quality.

Functions of Diction

People write because they’re trying to convey a message. Word choice is essential to effectively expressing that message in a way that makes sense and engages the reader. Diction is an incredibly powerful rhetorical device because it helps develop  tone , atmosphere, and  characterization  and supports the  narrative  with vivid and authentic detail.

Diction can also serve as shorthand that signals information about a narrative without sacrificing  pace  for  exposition , since one choice word can be enough to spark an association in the reader’s mind.

Functions of Diction in Plays and Poetry

Diction features into several poetic devices, such as  alliteration ,  assonance ,  rhyme , and  onomatopoeia . Take alliteration, or the repetition of a sound in a series of words. A common example is the phrase  She sells seashells by the sea shore . Change that to  The girl sells shells by the beach , and you lose the original’s rhyme and melodic whimsy. Diction is crucial to evoking a certain effect, like rhyme,  rhythm , or emotion.

Diction in  drama  goes back to that second sense of the word, which deals with the verbal delivery of language. Pronunciation, enunciation, and articulation are essential to projecting lines so even the people at the back of a theater can understand what’s being said.

Examples of Diction in Literature

1. James Joyce,  A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man

This novel follows Stephen Dedalus as he comes of age, achieving intellectual and religious maturity. The narration style uses diction that reflects Stephen’s current stage of development. Part 1 is written in a low and informal register that reflects his young age:

Once upon a time and a very good time it was there was a moocow coming down long the road and his moocow that was coming down along the road met a nicens little boy named back tuckoo. … His father told him that story: his father looked at him through glass: he had a hairy face.

This passage’s diction creates an innocent, childlike tone. Stephen lacks the vocabulary to properly describe glasses and a beard, so the narration uses simple words like  glass  and  hairy face . Terms like  moocow  and  nicens  further signify that Stephen is at the very beginning of his journey toward intellectual awakening.

The narration becomes more precise and complex as Stephen ages, which is demonstrated by this passage from Part 5:

He drained his third cup of watery tea to the dregs and set to chewing the crusts of fried bread that were scattered near him, staring into the dark pool of the jar. The yellow dripping had been scooped out like a boghole and the pool under it brought back to his memory the dark turfcoloured water of the bath in Clongowes.

Stephen’s transition into young adulthood is complemented by an expanded vocabulary, complex syntax, and an increased level of specific detail.

2. Cormac McCarthy,  The Road

This postapocalyptic novel follows a father and son as they traverse a devastated land after a cataclysm destroyed almost all life on Earth. The narration paints a picture of this wasteland word by careful word:

When it was light enough to use the binoculars he glassed the valley below. Everything paling away into the murk. The soft ash blowing in loose swirls over the blacktop. He studied what he could see. The segments of road down there among the dead trees. Looking for anything of color. Any movement. Any trace of standing smoke. He lowered the glasses and pulled down the cotton mask from his face and wiped his nose on the back of his wrist and then glasses the country again. Then he just sat there holding the binoculars and watching the ashen daylight congeal over the land.

This passage is full of terms with dark, negative connotations, which help develop the novel’s somber  tone . Though there is sunlight, words like  murk  and  ashen  reveal that the light is muted and gray.  Congeal  is an unusual way to describe something intangible like light, but it further emphasizes that, in this world, sunlight brings no hope or optimism; it only emphasizes the clouds of gray.

3. Emily Dickinson, “ Because I could not stop for Death ”

In this  poem , the speaker describes an encounter with Death. What follows are the first two stanzas:

Because I could not stop for Death –

He kindly stopped for me –

The Carriage held but just Ourselves –

And Immortality.

We slowly drove – He knew no haste

And I had put away

My labor and my leisure too,

For His Civility –

This poem mixes abstractions like death and immortality with casual language. Basic words like  held  and  stop  contribute to the informal tone while also  personifying  Death as someone patient and courteous. The plural pronoun  we  combined with  kindly ,  no haste , and  civility  suggests friendly familiarity between the speaker and Death. Through these choices, the poem depicts Death as a dear friend rather than an unknowable thing to be feared.

Further Resources on Diction

Want to learn more about the diverse types of diction?  Check out this article , which lists and defines 27 styles of diction.

This video  provides a deeper dive into the relationship between word choice, tone, and meaning.

Related Terms

• Colloquialism
• Figurative language
• Figure of speech

Types of Diction (Examples in Writing, Grammar Rules, More)

What is diction? What are the various types of diction? And how are they different from syntax ? These are all great questions that someone may have when learning about diction. Get answers to these questions and more in this comprehensive American English guide.

What Is Diction?

Diction is the precise choice of words used to convey a message in text or speech. Each combination of words that can relay the same message represents various examples of types of diction.

The choice of a particular diction represents the intention of the writer or speaker in terms of the tone they want to employ.

Diction changes based on the relationship between the writer or speaker and the reader or listener. It also changes based on the cultural and geographical context. 

Definition of Diction

The specific articulation used in speech and writing in terms of words and phrases chosen is diction . Diction in writing and speech are different. But the intended recipient and the context affect both.

Characteristics of Good Diction

Good diction is when the style of speech or writing correctly conveys the intended meaning to the listener or reader.

It means that the words and phrases chosen are accurate and there is no misunderstanding of the meaning. It also means that the tone of delivery is ideal for the intended audience. This can be formal or informal based on the context.

Additionally, it also means that there is a deeper meaning in the choice of words, allowing the writer or speaker to convey subtextual meaning.

Good diction in speech is more directly related to clear pronunciation. But sentence structure and paragraph structure also affect good diction in writing.

What is diction in speech?

In speech, diction includes the choice of words and phrases. It also includes how you speak these words and phrases.

Altering the pronunciation of the words, the register of voice, and the enunciation of each sound will change the diction. The sum of all these components represents the tone of the speech.

The tone is particular to the context and the situation of what you say. With the exact words being used, the tone can make the distinction between formal and informal. But diction for speech can also simply mean enunciation or clarity of speech. A clear speaker who does not mumble and is properly intelligible has good diction.

While addressing the class, a teacher will say, “Please pass all the answer sheets to the front of the class.”

But if you want to tell your classmate sitting in front of you to pass your answer sheet to the teacher, you will say, “Pass this to the teacher.”

This is a more informal manner of saying almost the same thing, and it is appropriate for the context.

What is diction in writing?

Diction in writing is different from diction in speech, although it is the expression of tone. In the absence of pronunciation, the tone is conveyed by choice of words, the structure and length of the sentences, and the structure and length of the paragraphs.

By choice of words, the reader gathers more than the literal meaning of the text. They can interpret the mood of a situation, whether it is severe or light-hearted. They can also make judgments about a character by the words they choose and the manner of speech they employ.

If a character says, “The low-pressure systems seem to be merging,” you can infer that they are well-educated simply because of the use of scientific jargon.

So the writer can tell us about a character’s background without explicitly stating them.

How to form diction in writing

A good writer is adept at choosing the right diction when writing a piece. Through this simple choice, they achieve multiple goals at the same time. The purposes of using appropriate diction while writing are as follows:

Establishing the purpose

The right tone for a piece is informed by why the piece is being written. Journalists who want to report the news will use formal language with direct statements of facts.

They will minimize the use of flowery language and embellishments like metaphors unless it explains complicated or very technical concepts to a general readership.

The phrases and words they use will be less unfamiliar to the typical reader than those used in a technical report prepared by a researcher.

Creating cultural context

Diction is specific to time and region. The diction used in Victorian England was very different from the diction used in the UK today.

At the same time, the diction used in the UK differs from that used in the USA or the rest of Europe. So by using the proper diction, the writer can invoke a particular time and place in the mind of the reader, allowing them to immerse in the world created by the author entirely.

Evoke emotional response

With the proper diction, the author can create a particular emotional response in the reader. This is essential to underpin the tone of the narrative. The author might simply get the readers excited for an adventure or afraid for the protagonist’s fate at a moment of suspense by employing accurate diction.

Add personality to characters

Since diction is a surrogate for tone, using proper diction in the dialogues for characters may bring a character to life for the reader. They can imagine a living, breathing person speaking the words if the writer successfully captures the diction of a fictional character.

Are Diction and Syntax the same?

Diction is closely associated with the choice of words, whereas syntax is the arrangement of words to create meaningful grammatical sentences. While they are related, they are not the same.

The syntax is the order in which words appear to make grammatical sense and, as a result, is much more rigid.

But within the grammatical structure, diction allows for much flexibility in conveying different tones .

The words “I,” “ ate ,” and “breakfast” must be ordered as “I ate breakfast” to convey the grammatical sense.

Any other combination will be meaningless. But “I’m full” is also grammatically correct, but it signifies a more informal diction.

Diction vs. Dialect

Various dialects or regional variations of a spoken language are different. This is because they use specific words and phrases uncommon in other regions.

Besides , the pronunciation of various vowels and consonants is unique to each region.

So the differences in dialects are differences in diction.

This means people of a particular region use a particular diction that differs from people from other regions. But dialect and diction are not identical. This is because even within a single dialect, the diction can change based on the context. Formal and informal speech is different even within the same dialect.

An Australian person will greet you with “G’day mate!” while an American person might say “Mornin’!” This is a difference arising from differences in dialects.

But how a teacher greets a class (“Good morning, class!”) and how you greet your friend (“Hiya!”) are different because of the difference in implied formality between the two.

The 9 types of diction

There are many types of diction. They each have their use. You must know them well to use them properly and develop a rich writing style because each conveys subtly different moods and is helpful in different contexts.

Formal diction is used in official settings where communication has to be precise. It might sound dull, but it is a safe diction to use with those you have no personal rapport.

I humbly request that you do the needful at your earliest convenience .

Informal diction is used in casual settings where you have a personal rapport with the audience. The purpose here is not to be boring at the cost of precision. So there is room for wordplay in this diction.

There are way too many math problems for me to get to today.

Pedantic diction is typically used in technical or academic settings where very specific definitions are known by a handful of people. It can be helpful for technical writing like reports and research papers.

In other settings, people deliberately use it to convey how intelligent and well-spoken someone is.

Mimicry is ubiquitous as it has clear selective advantages in predator avoidance.

Pedestrian diction is used when the speaker does not want to sound pedantic. If you want to sound relatable and trustworthy, do not use too many academic or technical words in your speech, especially when talking to a diverse group of people.

I feel what you are saying, and I am hurting too.

Slang diction is part of informal diction. Here certain words are used with a definite meaning and context for select groups of people. This may include profanity but not necessarily so. Usually, these words are shorthands which change their meaning and implication across generations.

The band played till 4 am, and the party was lit.

This is another extension of informal diction similar to slang diction. Here the context and meaning of specific words are tied to a locality. So people say “soda” in one part of the world to mean the same thing as “pop” in another. This difference is the colloquial diction of each place.

Joey went out to get some soda.

When discussing abstract concepts, it is impossible to be extremely precise. So the diction used in such cases has room for flexible interpretation. This is known as abstract diction.

I knew something was off about the store as soon as I walked in.

When you do not want to be abstract and want to convey precise information, you use concrete diction.

There were seven people on the bus .

Poetic diction is used when you want to create aesthetically pleasing groups of words using rhythm and rhymes. The language of poetry and music is poetic diction. New words may be created in this form by contracting existing ones to suit the rhyme and rhythm.

• Open the doors
• Give up your fear
• The ice is melting
• Spring is here.

The three most common levels of diction are formal, popular, and informal. Here the dictions are only different in their levels of formality. The language you use in the office is formal. The language used by your mother is popular. The language used with your friends is informal.

Diction in speech is influenced by how words sound. So in speech, diction and enunciation are used interchangeably. But diction in writing is different from enunciation.

Phrasing, articulation, parlance, vocabulary, and delivery are some of the synonyms of diction.

We use diction to convey context beyond the literal meaning of words. This allows the writer or speaker to convey a richness of tone to the audience sub-textually.

Phraseology refers to combining words into related groups, and especially to the peculiar or distinctive manner. Usually certain technical, scientific, and professional ideas are expressed.

This is a type of phrase used to say that someone’s speech or vocal abilities is strong.

Inside this article

Fact checked: Content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. Learn more.

About the author

Dalia Y.: Dalia is an English Major and linguistics expert with an additional degree in Psychology. Dalia has featured articles on Forbes, Inc, Fast Company, Grammarly, and many more. She covers English, ESL, and all things grammar on GrammarBrain.

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Types of Diction to Use in Your Writing: 8 Examples ✍️

Discover the power of choosing your words well. Learn the common types of diction and get tips to improve your writing.

Diction isn’t just about which words sound better; it's a craft of selecting the best words tailored to your specific audience. It can mean the difference between resonating with your readers and losing them altogether.

In this guide, we’ll explore what diction is, why it's crucial for your writing, and give a few examples of different types of diction. If you’re looking to improve your writing and keep your readers wanting more, here’s what you need to know.

What is diction? 🤔

The simplest explanation of diction is the words you choose to use when writing. In other words, it’s about curating vocabulary to match your tone or voice to convey a message to a particular audience. Not everyone responds to the same type of language. Think about the words and tone you use when talking to a young child versus a friend or colleague — two different worlds, right?

Many people confuse diction and syntax. Diction relates to the choice of words you use, while syntax is the order of words and refers to grammar . To an extent, you have freedom with diction, but syntax requires specific word order (like the subject, verb, and object) for sentences to make grammatical sense.

To achieve good diction, here are three steps to follow:

• Use words that avoid misinterpretation and confusion. For example, "The scientist observed a significant alteration in the chemical composition of the substance." If you were to have used "big change" instead of “significant alteration,” this doesn't show the significance of what was observed. Adding "chemical composition" specifies what was observed, so there's no confusion.
• Use words that make contextual sense : When writing for a specific audience, use words they would use — for example, "He elucidated the intricacies of football to us." The terms "elucidated" and "intricacies" seem somewhat out of context. It would be better to say, "He explained how football works to us."
• Use words that are easy to understand : Unless you’re writing a scientific paper, you probably don't need to use super technical jargon, especially when explaining something to an audience that isn't knowledgeable about the topic. 

Why use diction in your writing? ☝️

Diction is all about selecting words your audience uses to make the writing more relatable and engaging for them. However, there are other reasons why you should consider the words you use:

• Create character personalities: The way you use vocabulary gives readers information about characters that are often unspoken. Characters who are rough around the edges would be more blunt and concise in their communication. An elderly scholarly professor would likely speak more formally or be more convoluted in their communication, using many elaborate words, than a typical cowboy in the Wild West. You can also suggest information about the character, such as their profession, background, and age, through their word choice. 
• Reinforce the setting: Let’s say you’re writing a novel; taking into consideration where and when it takes place is key. Different countries will use colloquial diction, which gets more diverse in each city. The word choice of characters living in London in the 1800s will vastly differ from those living in Australia in 2022. Often, readers can guess the period simply by the way characters speak.
• Match the purpose of a document: When writing documents in different styles , you'll want to use specific diction for each. For example, your words in a business proposal will differ entirely from the jargon used when writing a scientific research paper. 

8 types of diction in writing ✍️

Depending on what you’re writing and who your audience is, you’ll want to use different types of diction. Here are eight common types of language in writing to have in your toolkit.

1. Formal diction 🧑‍🏫

Formal diction uses sophisticated language, void of colloquialisms. You can also expect to find complicated sentences but a strict adherence to grammatical rules. 

For example, "The attendees of the proceeding ceremony were adorned in magnificent attire and had an air of regality surrounding their presence."

2. Informal diction 🤙

Informal diction is used during conversation or when writing narrative literature. It represents everyday speech, like how you would talk with your friends or family. 

For example, "We should hang out again sometime."

3. Colloquial diction 🗺️

Colloquial diction portrays a specific region, group of people, or time. It's very informal, and expressions typically pertain to geographical areas. 

For example, "I gotta run to the store to get some grub." 

4. Pedantic diction 🤓

Pedantic diction mirrors the meaning of pedantic: excessively concerned with minor details. However, when using pedantic vocabulary, you'd express how a character attempts to sound academic or highly intellectual through complex words and extremely descriptive sentences. 

For example, someone using pedantic diction to explain they went to the store might say, "I exited my calming accommodation to acquire a few essentials from the local nutrition provider."

5. Abstract diction 🧩

Abstract diction is excellent for describing emotions, ideas, or concepts — essentially anything that’s not tangible. It's often used in artistic or philosophical writing. 

For example, "Her happiness simply couldn't be contained to a smile, and her laugh transformed her aura into something resembling bliss."

6. Slang diction 😎

Similar to colloquial diction, slang diction is used when talking with the vocabulary of a particular group or culture, usually during a specific era or time. Slang words can be modified versions of existing words, alternate meanings of words, or new ones entirely. 

For example, "rad" is the shortened version of "radical," but instead of meaning a "significant change" or "revolutionary," it can mean very appealing or good. "Fell off," rather than meaning to fall off something, in slang terms, means for someone famous to become irrelevant. 

7. Poetic diction 💌

Poetic diction involves rhyming words and playing with phonetics to create rhythm, as the poetry-sounding name would suggest. This type of diction is often used in rap, poetry, or songwriting. Sometimes, this diction doesn't involve rhythm and instead uses descriptive language, usually to persuade readers to feel a certain way. 

For example, "There are 10 syllables in this sentence, my rhyme and flow are super relentless," or "Her hair billowed like the leaves on a tree during an autumn breeze."

8. Concrete diction 🎯

Concrete diction is for stating something factual without ambiguity or abstract language; it’s best used when talking about literal topics. It deals with anything you can perceive with your senses, or in other words, tangible things.

For example, "You won the race but could've run faster with better shoes." 

Diction examples in literature 📚

To better understand how to curate words, we've rounded up a few classic examples of diction in literature from famous authors and an explanation of their use.

• F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" : "Gatsby, who represented everything for which I have an unaffected scorn." A great example of colloquial diction in Fitzgerald's writing, this passage’s tone is more conversational and informal, showing the narrator's thoughts , an effective technique in storytelling .
• Shakespeare's "Hamlet": "To be or not to be, that is the question." A phrase known by many worldwide, it’s a fantastic example of formal diction with refined and elevated language.
• Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice": "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." This example of poetic diction gives the reader an idea of the satirical commentary about societal norms they are to expect from the novel. It uses rhythmic language — "must be in want of a wife" — and it almost sounds like rap, doesn't it?

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Hyperboles: Definition & 4 Examples for Writers 😱

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What Is Creative Writing? (Ultimate Guide + 20 Examples)

Creative writing begins with a blank page and the courage to fill it with the stories only you can tell.

I face this intimidating blank page daily–and I have for the better part of 20+ years.

In this guide, you’ll learn all the ins and outs of creative writing with tons of examples.

What Is Creative Writing (Long Description)?

Creative Writing is the art of using words to express ideas and emotions in imaginative ways. It encompasses various forms including novels, poetry, and plays, focusing on narrative craft, character development, and the use of literary tropes.

Table of Contents

Let’s expand on that definition a bit.

Creative writing is an art form that transcends traditional literature boundaries.

It includes professional, journalistic, academic, and technical writing. This type of writing emphasizes narrative craft, character development, and literary tropes. It also explores poetry and poetics traditions.

In essence, creative writing lets you express ideas and emotions uniquely and imaginatively.

It’s about the freedom to invent worlds, characters, and stories. These creations evoke a spectrum of emotions in readers.

Creative writing covers fiction, poetry, and everything in between.

It allows writers to express inner thoughts and feelings. Often, it reflects human experiences through a fabricated lens.

Types of Creative Writing

There are many types of creative writing that we need to explain.

Some of the most common types:

• Short stories
• Screenplays
• Flash fiction
• Creative Nonfiction

Short Stories (The Brief Escape)

Short stories are like narrative treasures.

They are compact but impactful, telling a full story within a limited word count. These tales often focus on a single character or a crucial moment.

Short stories are known for their brevity.

They deliver emotion and insight in a concise yet powerful package. This format is ideal for exploring diverse genres, themes, and characters. It leaves a lasting impression on readers.

Example: Emma discovers an old photo of her smiling grandmother. It’s a rarity. Through flashbacks, Emma learns about her grandmother’s wartime love story. She comes to understand her grandmother’s resilience and the value of joy.

Novels (The Long Journey)

Novels are extensive explorations of character, plot, and setting.

They span thousands of words, giving writers the space to create entire worlds. Novels can weave complex stories across various themes and timelines.

The length of a novel allows for deep narrative and character development.

Readers get an immersive experience.

Example: Across the Divide tells of two siblings separated in childhood. They grow up in different cultures. Their reunion highlights the strength of family bonds, despite distance and differences.

Poetry (The Soul’s Language)

Poetry expresses ideas and emotions through rhythm, sound, and word beauty.

It distills emotions and thoughts into verses. Poetry often uses metaphors, similes, and figurative language to reach the reader’s heart and mind.

Poetry ranges from structured forms, like sonnets, to free verse.

The latter breaks away from traditional formats for more expressive thought.

Example: Whispers of Dawn is a poem collection capturing morning’s quiet moments. “First Light” personifies dawn as a painter. It brings colors of hope and renewal to the world.

Plays (The Dramatic Dialogue)

Plays are meant for performance. They bring characters and conflicts to life through dialogue and action.

This format uniquely explores human relationships and societal issues.

Playwrights face the challenge of conveying setting, emotion, and plot through dialogue and directions.

Example: Echoes of Tomorrow is set in a dystopian future. Memories can be bought and sold. It follows siblings on a quest to retrieve their stolen memories. They learn the cost of living in a world where the past has a price.

Screenplays (Cinema’s Blueprint)

Screenplays outline narratives for films and TV shows.

They require an understanding of visual storytelling, pacing, and dialogue. Screenplays must fit film production constraints.

Example: The Last Light is a screenplay for a sci-fi film. Humanity’s survivors on a dying Earth seek a new planet. The story focuses on spacecraft Argo’s crew as they face mission challenges and internal dynamics.

Memoirs (The Personal Journey)

Memoirs provide insight into an author’s life, focusing on personal experiences and emotional journeys.

They differ from autobiographies by concentrating on specific themes or events.

Memoirs invite readers into the author’s world.

They share lessons learned and hardships overcome.

Example: Under the Mango Tree is a memoir by Maria Gomez. It shares her childhood memories in rural Colombia. The mango tree in their yard symbolizes home, growth, and nostalgia. Maria reflects on her journey to a new life in America.

Flash Fiction (The Quick Twist)

Flash fiction tells stories in under 1,000 words.

It’s about crafting compelling narratives concisely. Each word in flash fiction must count, often leading to a twist.

This format captures life’s vivid moments, delivering quick, impactful insights.

Example: The Last Message features an astronaut’s final Earth message as her spacecraft drifts away. In 500 words, it explores isolation, hope, and the desire to connect against all odds.

Creative Nonfiction (The Factual Tale)

Creative nonfiction combines factual accuracy with creative storytelling.

This genre covers real events, people, and places with a twist. It uses descriptive language and narrative arcs to make true stories engaging.

Creative nonfiction includes biographies, essays, and travelogues.

Example: Echoes of Everest follows the author’s Mount Everest climb. It mixes factual details with personal reflections and the history of past climbers. The narrative captures the climb’s beauty and challenges, offering an immersive experience.

Fantasy (The World Beyond)

Fantasy transports readers to magical and mythical worlds.

It explores themes like good vs. evil and heroism in unreal settings. Fantasy requires careful world-building to create believable yet fantastic realms.

Example: The Crystal of Azmar tells of a young girl destined to save her world from darkness. She learns she’s the last sorceress in a forgotten lineage. Her journey involves mastering powers, forming alliances, and uncovering ancient kingdom myths.

Science Fiction (The Future Imagined)

Science fiction delves into futuristic and scientific themes.

It questions the impact of advancements on society and individuals.

Science fiction ranges from speculative to hard sci-fi, focusing on plausible futures.

Example: When the Stars Whisper is set in a future where humanity communicates with distant galaxies. It centers on a scientist who finds an alien message. This discovery prompts a deep look at humanity’s universe role and interstellar communication.

Watch this great video that explores the question, “What is creative writing?” and “How to get started?”:

What Are the 5 Cs of Creative Writing?

The 5 Cs of creative writing are fundamental pillars.

They guide writers to produce compelling and impactful work. These principles—Clarity, Coherence, Conciseness, Creativity, and Consistency—help craft stories that engage and entertain.

They also resonate deeply with readers. Let’s explore each of these critical components.

Clarity makes your writing understandable and accessible.

It involves choosing the right words and constructing clear sentences. Your narrative should be easy to follow.

In creative writing, clarity means conveying complex ideas in a digestible and enjoyable way.

Coherence ensures your writing flows logically.

It’s crucial for maintaining the reader’s interest. Characters should develop believably, and plots should progress logically. This makes the narrative feel cohesive.

Conciseness

Conciseness is about expressing ideas succinctly.

It’s being economical with words and avoiding redundancy. This principle helps maintain pace and tension, engaging readers throughout the story.

Creativity is the heart of creative writing.

It allows writers to invent new worlds and create memorable characters. Creativity involves originality and imagination. It’s seeing the world in unique ways and sharing that vision.

Consistency

Consistency maintains a uniform tone, style, and voice.

It means being faithful to the world you’ve created. Characters should act true to their development. This builds trust with readers, making your story immersive and believable.

Is Creative Writing Easy?

Creative writing is both rewarding and challenging.

Crafting stories from your imagination involves more than just words on a page. It requires discipline and a deep understanding of language and narrative structure.

Exploring complex characters and themes is also key.

Refining and revising your work is crucial for developing your voice.

The ease of creative writing varies. Some find the freedom of expression liberating.

Others struggle with writer’s block or plot development challenges. However, practice and feedback make creative writing more fulfilling.

What Does a Creative Writer Do?

A creative writer weaves narratives that entertain, enlighten, and inspire.

Writers explore both the world they create and the emotions they wish to evoke. Their tasks are diverse, involving more than just writing.

Creative writers develop ideas, research, and plan their stories.

They create characters and outline plots with attention to detail. Drafting and revising their work is a significant part of their process. They strive for the 5 Cs of compelling writing.

Writers engage with the literary community, seeking feedback and participating in workshops.

They may navigate the publishing world with agents and editors.

Creative writers are storytellers, craftsmen, and artists. They bring narratives to life, enriching our lives and expanding our imaginations.

How to Get Started With Creative Writing?

Embarking on a creative writing journey can feel like standing at the edge of a vast and mysterious forest.

The path is not always clear, but the adventure is calling.

Here’s how to take your first steps into the world of creative writing:

• Find a time of day when your mind is most alert and creative.
• Create a comfortable writing space free from distractions.
• Use prompts to spark your imagination. They can be as simple as a word, a phrase, or an image.
• Try writing for 15-20 minutes on a prompt without editing yourself. Let the ideas flow freely.
• Reading is fuel for your writing. Explore various genres and styles.
• Pay attention to how your favorite authors construct their sentences, develop characters, and build their worlds.
• Don’t pressure yourself to write a novel right away. Begin with short stories or poems.
• Small projects can help you hone your skills and boost your confidence.
• Look for writing groups in your area or online. These communities offer support, feedback, and motivation.
• Participating in workshops or classes can also provide valuable insights into your writing.
• Understand that your first draft is just the beginning. Revising your work is where the real magic happens.
• Be open to feedback and willing to rework your pieces.
• Carry a notebook or digital recorder to jot down ideas, observations, and snippets of conversations.
• These notes can be gold mines for future writing projects.

Final Thoughts: What Is Creative Writing?

Creative writing is an invitation to explore the unknown, to give voice to the silenced, and to celebrate the human spirit in all its forms.

Check out these creative writing tools (that I highly recommend):

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• How To Write A Fantasy Short Story (Ultimate Guide + Examples)
• How To Write A Fantasy Romance Novel [21 Tips + Examples)

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31 Stylistic Devices for Creative Writers

Today’s guest post is by Rose Scott:

Without figurative language , writing would be plain and shallow. The more stylistic devices you know, the more unique your writing can be. If writing is your passion, you probably already know a dozen or so stylistic devices, but I’m betting there are a few on this list you’ve never heard of.

Take a look at this comprehensive list of stylistic devices and see if any might work in your current WIP (work in progress). Of course, you want to be reasonable and not go overboard with forced prose. But I’m sure you can find great places to utilize these wonderful literary techniques.

1. Adnomination

Repetition of words with the same root. The difference lies in one sound or letter. A nice euphony can be achieved by using this poetic device.

Examples: “Nobody loves no one.” (Chris Isaak). Someone, somewhere, wants something.

2. Allegory

Representation of ideas through a certain form (character, event, etc.). Allegory can convey hidden meanings through symbolic figures, actions, and imagery.

Example: Animal Farm by George Orwell is all about the Russian Revolution. And characters stand for working and upper classes, military forces, and political leaders.

3. Alliteration

The repeated sound of the first consonant in a series of words, or the repetition of the same sounds of the same kind at the beginning of words or in stressed syllables of a phrase.

Examples: A lazy lying lion. Peter picked a peck of pickled peppers. Sally sells seashells by the seashore.

4. Allusion

Reference to a myth, character, literary work, work of art, or an event.

Example: I feel like I’m going down the rabbit hole (an allusion to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll).

5. Anaphora

Word repetition at the beginnings of sentences in order to give emphasis to them.

Example: “Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania. Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado. Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.” (Martin Luther King)

Opposite: Epiphora. Word repetition at the end of sentences.

Example: “And that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” (Abraham Lincoln)

6. Antithesis

Emphasizing contrast between two things or fictional characters.

Example: “Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing; a confusion of the real with the ideal never goes unpunished.” (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)

7. Apostrophe

Directed speech to someone who is not present or to an object.

Example: “Work on, my medicine, work! Thus credulous fools are caught.” (William Shakespeare)

8. Assonance

Repetition of vowels in order to create internal rhyming.

Example: “Hear the mellow wedding bells.” (Edgar Allan Poe)

Related: Consonance. Repetition of consonants.

9. Cataphora

Mentioning of the person or object further in the discourse.

Examples: I met him yesterday, your boyfriend who was wearing the cool hat. If you want some, here’s some cheese. After he had received his orders, the soldier left the barracks.

Arranging text in such a manner that tension gradually ascends.

Example. He was a not bad listener, a good speaker and an amazing performer.

Opposite: Anticlimax. Tension descends.

11. Charactonym (or Speaking Name)

Giving fictional characters names that describe them.

Example: Scrooge, Snow White.

12. Ellipsis

Word or phrase omission.

Example: I speak lots of languages, but you only speak two (languages).

13. Euphemism

Replacing offensive or combinations of words with lighter equivalents.

Example: Visually challenged (blind); meet one’s maker (die)

Opposite: Dysphemism . Replacing a neutral word with a harsher word.

14. Epigram

Memorable and brief saying, usually satirical.

Example: “For most of history, Anonymous was a woman.” (Virginia Woolf)

15. Hyperbole

Exaggeration of the statement.

Example: If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times.

Opposite: Litotes. Understatement.

Asking a question and answering it right away.

Example: Are you going to leave now? I don’t think so.

There are three types of irony:

• Verbal (Antiphrasis) – using words to express something different from their literal meaning for ironic effect (”I’m so excited to burn the midnight oil and write my academic paper all week long”).
• Situational – result differs from the expectation (Bruce Robertson, a character of Filth, is a policeman. Nonetheless, he does drugs, resorts to violence and abuse, and so on).
• Dramatic – situation is understandable for the audience but not the fictional character/actor (audience sees that the fictional characters/actors will be killed now, though the characters don’t expect it).

Describing people/objects by enumerating their traits.

Example: Lock, stock, and barrel (gun); heart and soul (entirety)

18. Metalepsis

Referencing one thing through the means of another thing, which is related to the first one.

Example: “Stop judging people so strictly—you live in a glass house too.” (A hint at the proverb: people who live in glass houses should not throw stones.)

19. Metaphor

Comparing two different things that have some characteristics in common.

Example: “Love is clockworks and cold steel.” (U2)

20. Metonymy

Giving a thing another name that is associated with it.

Example: The heir to the crown was Richard. (the crown stands for authority)

21. Onomatopoeia

Imitating sounds in writing.

Example: oink, ticktock, tweet tweet

22. Oxymoron

Combining contradictory traits.

Example: Living dead; terribly good; real magic

23. Parallelism

Arranging a sentence in such a manner that it has parallel structure.

Example: “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I may remember. Involve me and I will learn.” (Benjamin Franklin)

Opposite: Chiasmus . An inverted parallelism.

Examples: “To stop, too fearful, and too faint to go.” (Oliver Goldsmith); “My job is not to represent Washington to you but to represent you to Washington.” (Barack Obama)

24. Parenthesis

Interrupting a sentence by inserting extra information enclosed in brackets, commas, or dashes.

Example: Our family (my mother, sister, and grandfather) had a barbeque this past weekend.

25. Personification

Attributing human characteristics to nonhumans.

Example: Practically all animals in fairy tales act like human beings. They speak and have traits that are typical of people.

A kind of wordplay. Here are a few types of puns:

• Antanaclasis – repetition of the same word or phrase, but with a different meaning (“Cats like Felix like Felix.”—“Felix” catfood slogan).
• Malapropism – usage of the incorrect word instead of the word with a similar sound (“optical delusion” instead of “optical illusion”).
• Paradox – self-contradictory fact; however, it can be partially true (“I can resist anything but temptation.”—Oscar Wilde).
• Paraprosdokian – arranging a sentence in such a manner so the last part is unexpected (You’re never too old to learn something stupid).
• Polyptoton – repetition of the words with the same root (“The things you  own  end up  owning  you.”—Chuck Palahniuk).

27. Rhetorical question

Questioning without expecting the answer.

Example: Why not? Are you kidding me?

Direct comparison.

Example: “Your heart is like an ocean, mysterious and dark.” (Bob Dylan)

29. Synecdoche

Generalization or specification based on a definite part/trait of the object.

Example: He just got new wheels. (car)

30. Tautology

Saying the same thing twice in different ways.

Example: first priority; I personally; repeat again

31. Zeugma (or Syllepsis)

Applying a word to a few other words in the sentence in order to give different meaning.

Example: Give neither counsel nor salt till you are asked for it.

Quite a huge list, right? With all these stylistic devices, your writing can potentially be so much more attractive. If you find it difficult to memorize them all, here’s what I recommend you do: make flashcards. Write a stylistic device on one side of the flashcard and its meaning on the other side, then work on memorizing a few a day. Voila! Enjoy your learning and writing.

Feature photo by Heather Wilson Smith

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12 Comments

great post! thanks Rose, for a super stellar list of dynamic devices! i’ve saved the list for future and fair-constant reference. there’s always something good on this blog! Merry Christmas everyone!!

Oh man, it’s like Christmas has come early. I love posts like this – and I’ll both share it *and* copy it to my desktop ha!

Items I didn’t know about but immediately fell in love with: adnomination, anaphora, hypophora (I hadn’t realised, but I do this all of the time, which now seems pretty annoying!), and zeugma. Thank you once again!

Glad you enjoyed this post! Have a happy Christmas!

Thanks much for you “31 Stylistic Devices … …” I was in the process of writing a transcript when I sort of stumbled across the need to correctly define a scenario.

I did a quick surf, directly asking for what I wanted, this popped up. I scanned your list and had the “Eureka!” moment. “METAPHOR!”

It’s really great of you also sharing without obligation. We do a lot of that in our realm of things.

Okay! Thanks again! Please, have a great weekend!

P.S. For you Ms. Lakin. Thanks for making this site available! Please, have a great weekend, as well!

Thanks for the kind words! Glad you are getting some benefit from the blog’s content!

Do you have a list of stylised paragraphs? Not just the main 4 (descriptive, narrative, expository, and persuasive), but other types of paragraphs that apply rhetorical ornaments and devices.

Forgot to say thank you for this lovely and informative post.

Wow this post has boost my understanding of the analysing the prose techniques in a book. Thank u very much

I greatly appreciate the time and effort you put into constructing this list. I especially enjoy how you introduced me to unfamiliar and complex stylistic devices. I will attempt to incorporate these techniques in my future writing. Synecdoche is a wonderful device that I have not heard of before, I’ll have to steal it :P. Is there any way I can contact you? I would love to have a nerdy conversation about English!

Sincerely, Jenny Wales

It was interesting when you talked about how parallelism arranges sentences so their structure is parallel to each other. I’ve been wanting to find some poetry online to help me sort through my emotions from a loved one’s death last month. Thanks for teaching me these writing devices to look out for so I can understand the poems as effectively as possible.

Hi Rose I like your terms and I am using it on my writing my thesis on stylistics.

Actually, there are 32 stylistic devices in your list, since there are two no. 17.

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5 Types of Figurative Language With Examples

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Figurative language is a cornerstone of expressive writing. Unlike literal language, which conveys information plainly and directly, figurative language introduces an imaginative spark, offering the reader new ways to view ideas and emotions.

Writers can use different types of figurative language , depending on what they want to express. Read on for examples and to learn how these techniques add depth and complexity to writing.

What Is Figurative Language?

5 types of figurative language, 5 figurative language examples, writing figurative language.

Figurative language refers to phrases or words that deviate from their conventional or literal meaning to communicate a more complicated and often more powerful message. Figurative language enriches our everyday speech and writing, transforming plain sentences into vivid expressions that resonate with listeners and readers.

Figurative language appears throughout English literature. Writers use figurative language to convey complex ideas and emotions or to make their writing more engaging. By moving beyond the literal meaning of words, authors can paint pictures in the reader's mind, evoke feelings and connect with their readers on a deeper level.

Whether through a simile's direct comparison or the extreme exaggeration of hyperbole, these words and techniques empower writers to describe the indescribable, connecting words to the vast realm of human experiences.

There are several different types of figurative language, each one useful for a different situation and purpose.

A simile is a direct comparison between two things that uses the words "like" or "as." It is a great example of how figurative language can create a vivid image for the reader.

For instance, saying "her smile was as bright as the sun" not only describes the brightness of her smile but also conveys a sense of warmth and happiness.

2. Metaphor

Metaphors make implicit comparisons between two unlike things, meaning the writer implies or suggests they are alike in a significant way without using the words "like" or "as."

For example, in the phrase "time is a thief," the writer compares time and a thief to suggest that time, like a thief, can steal life's moments. Unlike similes, which make their comparisons explicit, metaphors do so implicitly.

3. Personification

Personification involves giving human qualities to inanimate objects or nonliving things. Writers use this literary device to add emotion and lifelike human characteristics to nonhuman elements. For instance, saying "the wind howled throughout the night" attributes the human action of howling to the wind.

4. Hyperbole

Hyperbole is an intentional exaggeration used for emphasis. A common expression like "I've told you a million times" does not literally mean a million but suggests a high frequency to emphasize the speaker's frustration.

Like other figurative language types, a hyperbole can also produce a comic effect if the writer chooses to use the sentence that way.

Idioms are culturally specific expressions whose meanings cannot be deduced from the literal meanings of the words they contain.

For example, "Wall Street" is not merely a street but a metonym for the financial industry in the United States. Another idiom , "new wheels," refers to a new car, relying on the reader's cultural knowledge to grasp the implicit meaning.

These figurative language examples express ideas more vividly and creatively than literal language could.

• "Her cheeks are red like a rose." This simile compares the color of her cheeks to a rose, suggesting a vibrant red hue.
• "The world is a stage." This metaphor is a line by William Shakespeare, a master of the English language and creative expression. It suggests that life is like a play in which everyone has a part to perform.
• "The wind whispered through the trees." This personification attributes the human action of whispering to the wind. When a writer assigns human abilities to nonliving entities, it can go a long way toward affecting the mood of a scene.
• "I've been waiting forever." This hyperbole exaggerates the length of time the speaker has been waiting, suggesting a very long time to emphasize impatience or frustration.
• "Break a leg." This idiom is usually a way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance, without directly mentioning luck. However, these words could also be a threat, demonstrating how certain phrases can have different meanings depending on the speaker's intention.

To write figurative language effectively, it’s crucial to consider the context and the intended audience. Think about what emotional or sensory impact you want your text to have. Also, consider the overall tone of your writing.

It's important to use figurative language sparingly to avoid overwhelming the reader and to maintain clarity and impact where it is most effective. This can prevent your prose from becoming overloaded with decorations that may distract or confuse the reader.

Lastly, choosing the right type of figurative language is also important. This allows you to vividly convey complex ideas and emotions, making your writing more relatable and memorable for the reader. Using it well can pique a reader's interest and hold their attention.

Edgar Allan Poe, William Shakespeare, Zora Neale Hurston, and other literary giants excelled at using figurative language to evoke specific atmospheres and emotions, crafting memorable lines that resonate through the ages.

One of the best-known uses of figurative language is Shakespeare's depiction of life: "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players."

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.

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10 Types of Creative Writing (with Examples You’ll Love)

A lot falls under the term ‘creative writing’: poetry, short fiction, plays, novels, personal essays, and songs, to name just a few. By virtue of the creativity that characterizes it, creative writing is an extremely versatile art. So instead of defining what creative writing is , it may be easier to understand what it does by looking at examples that demonstrate the sheer range of styles and genres under its vast umbrella.

To that end, we’ve collected a non-exhaustive list of works across multiple formats that have inspired the writers here at Reedsy. With 20 different works to explore, we hope they will inspire you, too. 

People have been writing creatively for almost as long as we have been able to hold pens. Just think of long-form epic poems like The Odyssey or, later, the Cantar de Mio Cid — some of the earliest recorded writings of their kind. 

Poetry is also a great place to start if you want to dip your own pen into the inkwell of creative writing. It can be as short or long as you want (you don’t have to write an epic of Homeric proportions), encourages you to build your observation skills, and often speaks from a single point of view . 

Here are a few examples:

“Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley

Nothing beside remains. Round the decay Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare The lone and level sands stretch far away.

This classic poem by Romantic poet Percy Shelley (also known as Mary Shelley’s husband) is all about legacy. What do we leave behind? How will we be remembered? The great king Ozymandias built himself a massive statue, proclaiming his might, but the irony is that his statue doesn’t survive the ravages of time. By framing this poem as told to him by a “traveller from an antique land,” Shelley effectively turns this into a story. Along with the careful use of juxtaposition to create irony, this poem accomplishes a lot in just a few lines. 

“Trying to Raise the Dead” by Dorianne Laux

 A direction. An object. My love, it needs a place to rest. Say anything. I’m listening. I’m ready to believe. Even lies, I don’t care.

Poetry is cherished for its ability to evoke strong emotions from the reader using very few words which is exactly what Dorianne Laux does in “ Trying to Raise the Dead .” With vivid imagery that underscores the painful yearning of the narrator, she transports us to a private nighttime scene as the narrator sneaks away from a party to pray to someone they’ve lost. We ache for their loss and how badly they want their lost loved one to acknowledge them in some way. It’s truly a masterclass on how writing can be used to portray emotions. 

If you find yourself inspired to try out some poetry — and maybe even get it published — check out these poetry layouts that can elevate your verse!

Song Lyrics

Poetry’s closely related cousin, song lyrics are another great way to flex your creative writing muscles. You not only have to find the perfect rhyme scheme but also match it to the rhythm of the music. This can be a great challenge for an experienced poet or the musically inclined. 

To see how music can add something extra to your poetry, check out these two examples:

“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen

 You say I took the name in vain I don't even know the name But if I did, well, really, what's it to ya? There's a blaze of light in every word It doesn't matter which you heard The holy or the broken Hallelujah 

Metaphors are commonplace in almost every kind of creative writing, but will often take center stage in shorter works like poetry and songs. At the slightest mention, they invite the listener to bring their emotional or cultural experience to the piece, allowing the writer to express more with fewer words while also giving it a deeper meaning. If a whole song is couched in metaphor, you might even be able to find multiple meanings to it, like in Leonard Cohen’s “ Hallelujah .” While Cohen’s Biblical references create a song that, on the surface, seems like it’s about a struggle with religion, the ambiguity of the lyrics has allowed it to be seen as a song about a complicated romantic relationship. 

“I Will Follow You into the Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie

 ​​If Heaven and Hell decide that they both are satisfied Illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs If there's no one beside you when your soul embarks Then I'll follow you into the dark

You can think of song lyrics as poetry set to music. They manage to do many of the same things their literary counterparts do — including tugging on your heartstrings. Death Cab for Cutie’s incredibly popular indie rock ballad is about the singer’s deep devotion to his lover. While some might find the song a bit too dark and macabre, its melancholy tune and poignant lyrics remind us that love can endure beyond death.

Plays and Screenplays

From the short form of poetry, we move into the world of drama — also known as the play. This form is as old as the poem, stretching back to the works of ancient Greek playwrights like Sophocles, who adapted the myths of their day into dramatic form. The stage play (and the more modern screenplay) gives the words on the page a literal human voice, bringing life to a story and its characters entirely through dialogue. 

Interested to see what that looks like? Take a look at these examples:

All My Sons by Arthur Miller

“I know you're no worse than most men but I thought you were better. I never saw you as a man. I saw you as my father.” 

Arthur Miller acts as a bridge between the classic and the new, creating 20th century tragedies that take place in living rooms and backyard instead of royal courts, so we had to include his breakout hit on this list. Set in the backyard of an all-American family in the summer of 1946, this tragedy manages to communicate family tensions in an unimaginable scale, building up to an intense climax reminiscent of classical drama. 

💡 Read more about Arthur Miller and classical influences in our breakdown of Freytag’s pyramid . 

“Everything is Fine” by Michael Schur ( The Good Place )

“Well, then this system sucks. What...one in a million gets to live in paradise and everyone else is tortured for eternity? Come on! I mean, I wasn't freaking Gandhi, but I was okay. I was a medium person. I should get to spend eternity in a medium place! Like Cincinnati. Everyone who wasn't perfect but wasn't terrible should get to spend eternity in Cincinnati.” 

A screenplay, especially a TV pilot, is like a mini-play, but with the extra job of convincing an audience that they want to watch a hundred more episodes of the show. Blending moral philosophy with comedy, The Good Place is a fun hang-out show set in the afterlife that asks some big questions about what it means to be good. 

It follows Eleanor Shellstrop, an incredibly imperfect woman from Arizona who wakes up in ‘The Good Place’ and realizes that there’s been a cosmic mixup. Determined not to lose her place in paradise, she recruits her “soulmate,” a former ethics professor, to teach her philosophy with the hope that she can learn to be a good person and keep up her charade of being an upstanding citizen. The pilot does a superb job of setting up the stakes, the story, and the characters, while smuggling in deep philosophical ideas.

Personal essays

Our first foray into nonfiction on this list is the personal essay. As its name suggests, these stories are in some way autobiographical — concerned with the author’s life and experiences. But don’t be fooled by the realistic component. These essays can take any shape or form, from comics to diary entries to recipes and anything else you can imagine. Typically zeroing in on a single issue, they allow you to explore your life and prove that the personal can be universal.

Here are a couple of fantastic examples:

“On Selling Your First Novel After 11 Years” by Min Jin Lee (Literary Hub)

There was so much to learn and practice, but I began to see the prose in verse and the verse in prose. Patterns surfaced in poems, stories, and plays. There was music in sentences and paragraphs. I could hear the silences in a sentence. All this schooling was like getting x-ray vision and animal-like hearing. 

This deeply honest personal essay by Pachinko author Min Jin Lee is an account of her eleven-year struggle to publish her first novel . Like all good writing, it is intensely focused on personal emotional details. While grounded in the specifics of the author's personal journey, it embodies an experience that is absolutely universal: that of difficulty and adversity met by eventual success. 

“A Cyclist on the English Landscape” by Roff Smith (New York Times)

These images, though, aren’t meant to be about me. They’re meant to represent a cyclist on the landscape, anybody — you, perhaps. 

Roff Smith’s gorgeous photo essay for the NYT is a testament to the power of creatively combining visuals with text. Here, photographs of Smith atop a bike are far from simply ornamental. They’re integral to the ruminative mood of the essay, as essential as the writing. Though Smith places his work at the crosscurrents of various aesthetic influences (such as the painter Edward Hopper), what stands out the most in this taciturn, thoughtful piece of writing is his use of the second person to address the reader directly. Suddenly, the writer steps out of the body of the essay and makes eye contact with the reader. The reader is now part of the story as a second character, finally entering the picture.

Short Fiction

The short story is the happy medium of fiction writing. These bite-sized narratives can be devoured in a single sitting and still leave you reeling. Sometimes viewed as a stepping stone to novel writing, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Short story writing is an art all its own. The limited length means every word counts and there’s no better way to see that than with these two examples:

“An MFA Story” by Paul Dalla Rosa (Electric Literature)

At Starbucks, I remembered a reading Zhen had given, a reading organized by the program’s faculty. I had not wanted to go but did. In the bar, he read, "I wrote this in a Starbucks in Shanghai. On the bank of the Huangpu." It wasn’t an aside or introduction. It was two lines of the poem. I was in a Starbucks and I wasn’t writing any poems. I wasn’t writing anything. 

This short story is a delightfully metafictional tale about the struggles of being a writer in New York. From paying the bills to facing criticism in a writing workshop and envying more productive writers, Paul Dalla Rosa’s story is a clever satire of the tribulations involved in the writing profession, and all the contradictions embodied by systemic creativity (as famously laid out in Mark McGurl’s The Program Era ). What’s more, this story is an excellent example of something that often happens in creative writing: a writer casting light on the private thoughts or moments of doubt we don’t admit to or openly talk about. 

“Flowering Walrus” by Scott Skinner (Reedsy)

I tell him they’d been there a month at least, and he looks concerned. He has my tongue on a tissue paper and is gripping its sides with his pointer and thumb. My tongue has never spent much time outside of my mouth, and I imagine it as a walrus basking in the rays of the dental light. My walrus is not well. 

A winner of Reedsy’s weekly Prompts writing contest, ‘ Flowering Walrus ’ is a story that balances the trivial and the serious well. In the pauses between its excellent, natural dialogue , the story manages to scatter the fear and sadness of bad medical news, as the protagonist hides his worries from his wife and daughter. Rich in subtext, these silences grow and resonate with the readers.

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Perhaps the thing that first comes to mind when talking about creative writing, novels are a form of fiction that many people know and love but writers sometimes find intimidating. The good news is that novels are nothing but one word put after another, like any other piece of writing, but expanded and put into a flowing narrative. Piece of cake, right?

To get an idea of the format’s breadth of scope, take a look at these two (very different) satirical novels: 

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

I wished I was back in the convenience store where I was valued as a working member of staff and things weren’t as complicated as this. Once we donned our uniforms, we were all equals regardless of gender, age, or nationality — all simply store workers. 

Keiko, a thirty-six-year-old convenience store employee, finds comfort and happiness in the strict, uneventful routine of the shop’s daily operations. A funny, satirical, but simultaneously unnerving examination of the social structures we take for granted, Sayaka Murata’s Convenience Store Woman is deeply original and lingers with the reader long after they’ve put it down.

Erasure by Percival Everett

The hard, gritty truth of the matter is that I hardly ever think about race. Those times when I did think about it a lot I did so because of my guilt for not thinking about it.  

Erasure is a truly accomplished satire of the publishing industry’s tendency to essentialize African American authors and their writing. Everett’s protagonist is a writer whose work doesn’t fit with what publishers expect from him — work that describes the “African American experience” — so he writes a parody novel about life in the ghetto. The publishers go crazy for it and, to the protagonist’s horror, it becomes the next big thing. This sophisticated novel is both ironic and tender, leaving its readers with much food for thought.

Creative Nonfiction

Creative nonfiction is pretty broad: it applies to anything that does not claim to be fictional (although the rise of autofiction has definitely blurred the boundaries between fiction and nonfiction). It encompasses everything from personal essays and memoirs to humor writing, and they range in length from blog posts to full-length books. The defining characteristic of this massive genre is that it takes the world or the author’s experience and turns it into a narrative that a reader can follow along with.

Here, we want to focus on novel-length works that dig deep into their respective topics. While very different, these two examples truly show the breadth and depth of possibility of creative nonfiction:

Men We Reaped by Jesmyn Ward

Men’s bodies litter my family history. The pain of the women they left behind pulls them from the beyond, makes them appear as ghosts. In death, they transcend the circumstances of this place that I love and hate all at once and become supernatural. 

Writer Jesmyn Ward recounts the deaths of five men from her rural Mississippi community in as many years. In her award-winning memoir , she delves into the lives of the friends and family she lost and tries to find some sense among the tragedy. Working backwards across five years, she questions why this had to happen over and over again, and slowly unveils the long history of racism and poverty that rules rural Black communities. Moving and emotionally raw, Men We Reaped is an indictment of a cruel system and the story of a woman's grief and rage as she tries to navigate it.

Cork Dork by Bianca Bosker

He believed that wine could reshape someone’s life. That’s why he preferred buying bottles to splurging on sweaters. Sweaters were things. Bottles of wine, said Morgan, “are ways that my humanity will be changed.” 

In this work of immersive journalism , Bianca Bosker leaves behind her life as a tech journalist to explore the world of wine. Becoming a “cork dork” takes her everywhere from New York’s most refined restaurants to science labs while she learns what it takes to be a sommelier and a true wine obsessive. This funny and entertaining trip through the past and present of wine-making and tasting is sure to leave you better informed and wishing you, too, could leave your life behind for one devoted to wine. 

Illustrated Narratives (Comics, graphic novels)

Once relegated to the “funny pages”, the past forty years of comics history have proven it to be a serious medium. Comics have transformed from the early days of Jack Kirby’s superheroes into a medium where almost every genre is represented. Humorous one-shots in the Sunday papers stand alongside illustrated memoirs, horror, fantasy, and just about anything else you can imagine. This type of visual storytelling lets the writer and artist get creative with perspective, tone, and so much more. For two very different, though equally entertaining, examples, check these out:

Calvin & Hobbes by Bill Watterson

"Life is like topography, Hobbes. There are summits of happiness and success, flat stretches of boring routine and valleys of frustration and failure." 

This beloved comic strip follows Calvin, a rambunctious six-year-old boy, and his stuffed tiger/imaginary friend, Hobbes. They get into all kinds of hijinks at school and at home, and muse on the world in the way only a six-year-old and an anthropomorphic tiger can. As laugh-out-loud funny as it is, Calvin & Hobbes ’ popularity persists as much for its whimsy as its use of humor to comment on life, childhood, adulthood, and everything in between. 

From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell 

"I shall tell you where we are. We're in the most extreme and utter region of the human mind. A dim, subconscious underworld. A radiant abyss where men meet themselves. Hell, Netley. We're in Hell." 

Comics aren't just the realm of superheroes and one-joke strips, as Alan Moore proves in this serialized graphic novel released between 1989 and 1998. A meticulously researched alternative history of Victorian London’s Ripper killings, this macabre story pulls no punches. Fact and fiction blend into a world where the Royal Family is involved in a dark conspiracy and Freemasons lurk on the sidelines. It’s a surreal mad-cap adventure that’s unsettling in the best way possible. 

Video Games and RPGs

Probably the least expected entry on this list, we thought that video games and RPGs also deserved a mention — and some well-earned recognition for the intricate storytelling that goes into creating them. 

Essentially gamified adventure stories, without attention to plot, characters, and a narrative arc, these games would lose a lot of their charm, so let’s look at two examples where the creative writing really shines through: 

80 Days by inkle studios

"It was a triumph of invention over nature, and will almost certainly disappear into the dust once more in the next fifty years." 

Named Time Magazine ’s game of the year in 2014, this narrative adventure is based on Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne. The player is cast as the novel’s narrator, Passpartout, and tasked with circumnavigating the globe in service of their employer, Phileas Fogg. Set in an alternate steampunk Victorian era, the game uses its globe-trotting to comment on the colonialist fantasies inherent in the original novel and its time period. On a storytelling level, the choose-your-own-adventure style means no two players’ journeys will be the same. This innovative approach to a classic novel shows the potential of video games as a storytelling medium, truly making the player part of the story. 

What Remains of Edith Finch by Giant Sparrow

"If we lived forever, maybe we'd have time to understand things. But as it is, I think the best we can do is try to open our eyes, and appreciate how strange and brief all of this is." 

This video game casts the player as 17-year-old Edith Finch. Returning to her family’s home on an island in the Pacific northwest, Edith explores the vast house and tries to figure out why she’s the only one of her family left alive. The story of each family member is revealed as you make your way through the house, slowly unpacking the tragic fate of the Finches. Eerie and immersive, this first-person exploration game uses the medium to tell a series of truly unique tales. 

Fun and breezy on the surface, humor is often recognized as one of the trickiest forms of creative writing. After all, while you can see the artistic value in a piece of prose that you don’t necessarily enjoy, if a joke isn’t funny, you could say that it’s objectively failed.

With that said, it’s far from an impossible task, and many have succeeded in bringing smiles to their readers’ faces through their writing. Here are two examples:

‘How You Hope Your Extended Family Will React When You Explain Your Job to Them’ by Mike Lacher (McSweeney’s Internet Tendency)

“Is it true you don’t have desks?” your grandmother will ask. You will nod again and crack open a can of Country Time Lemonade. “My stars,” she will say, “it must be so wonderful to not have a traditional office and instead share a bistro-esque coworking space.” 

Satire and parody make up a whole subgenre of creative writing, and websites like McSweeney’s Internet Tendency and The Onion consistently hit the mark with their parodies of magazine publishing and news media. This particular example finds humor in the divide between traditional family expectations and contemporary, ‘trendy’ work cultures. Playing on the inherent silliness of today’s tech-forward middle-class jobs, this witty piece imagines a scenario where the writer’s family fully understands what they do — and are enthralled to hear more. “‘Now is it true,’ your uncle will whisper, ‘that you’ve got a potential investment from one of the founders of I Can Haz Cheezburger?’”

‘Not a Foodie’ by Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell (Electric Literature)

I’m not a foodie, I never have been, and I know, in my heart, I never will be. 

Highlighting what she sees as an unbearable social obsession with food , in this comic Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell takes a hilarious stand against the importance of food. From the writer’s courageous thesis (“I think there are more exciting things to talk about, and focus on in life, than what’s for dinner”) to the amusing appearance of family members and the narrator’s partner, ‘Not a Foodie’ demonstrates that even a seemingly mundane pet peeve can be approached creatively — and even reveal something profound about life.

We hope this list inspires you with your own writing. If there’s one thing you take away from this post, let it be that there is no limit to what you can write about or how you can write about it. 

In the next part of this guide, we'll drill down into the fascinating world of creative nonfiction.

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11 Creative Writing Techniques

Learn how to add pizzazz to any type of writing.

The articles below show you how to use creative writing tools in fiction or non-fiction. Each article features a series of examples so it becomes easier to apply the technique.

List of creative writing techniques

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Personification

Show don’t tell

Repetition in writing

Contrast in writing

The rule of three in writing

Parallelism

1. Metaphors

Learn how to use metaphors and get inspired by these examples …

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Metaphor examples >>

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Simile examples >>

3. Analogies

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Get inspired by these imagery examples …

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5. Personification

Learn how to use personification to make your writing sparkle …

Personification examples >>

6. Show don’t tell

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Show don’t tell examples >>

7. Repetition in writing

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8. Contrast in writing

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9. The rule of 3 in writing

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11. Switch the point of view (POV)

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Writing Tips Oasis - A website dedicated to helping writers to write and publish books.

21 Top Examples of Creative Writing

By Rofida Khairalla

Let’s be practical: anyone can be a writer.

Sure, practicing the skill and perfecting the art takes a certain modicum of natural interest in the profession.

But the thing that so many people can often overlook is that being a “writer” isn’t defined by how much you write.

So many times we can get hung up on trying to write a bestselling novel or groundbreaking book that we can forget that there are so many other types of writing out there.

Take a step back for a moment and think about it this way:

Whether you have a blog, a social media page, or spend all day texting that special someone, there’s probably an inner literary genius inside you waiting to burst out on the page.

Maybe you don’t have the time or the patience to write a novel, and that’s okay. There are plenty of different types of writing out there and you can most likely find one category, or several, that allow you to get your thoughts on paper in a way that works for you.

If you’re curious to know more, or are just interested in trying out a new writing genre, we’ve made it easier for you by compiling a list of the top 21 examples of creative writing.

1. Novel Writing

A novel is probably the most popular example of creative writing out there. When you think “creative writing” an image of Stephen King typing madly at his computer is probably the first thing that pops into your head. And that’s okay. Given that novels have been a popular form of entertainment for centuries, it’s not surprising.  Typically what distinguishes a novel from other forms of writing is that novels are usually works of fiction that are longer in length and follow a set of characters and plot structure.

2. Short Stories

When it comes to examples of imaginative writing, not unlike its longer counterpart, the novel, short stories also follow a set plot and typically feature one character or a selection of characters. However, the thing to keep in mind about short stories is that they typically resolve in fewer than 50 pages.

3. Flash Fiction

If you’re up for a real challenge, try your hand at some flash fiction . This type is similar to a short story or novel in the sense that it follows some form of a plot. However, flash fiction usually resolves within a few hundred words or less. There are a few kinds of flash fiction that exist: the six word story, the 50 word story, and the hundred word story. Additionally, flash fiction also has another faction known as sudden fiction, which usually tells a full story in about 750 words.

As an example of imaginative writing, the incredible thing about poetry is that there are so many kinds. From narrative to lyrical and even language poetry there’s so many different ways you can express yourself through a poem. You might be especially interested in pursuing poetry if you enjoy word play or experimenting with the musicality behind words.

Although rap is somewhat of a subcategory of poetry, it’s one of the few forms of poetry that can often get over looked in academic classes. However, it’s probably one of the more contemporary types of poetry available while still sticking to many of the classical rules (or tools) of poetry, including rhyme. Also, it’s one of the areas where the best writers are really produced. The reason for that is because rap forces writers to think on their feet in a way that many other genres don’t.

Playwriting is another great writing style to experiment with, especially if you enjoy the idea of seeing your work come to life. Typically, playwriting involves developing a script that both clearly sets the setting, plot, and characters while also minimizing the amount of description used. One of the key elements of a play is that it’s a collaboration of minds, even though they often don’t work together at the same time. Yet the final product, the performance, is always the end result of work done by the playwright as well as the director, actors and even set designers.

7. Scripts (T.V./Movies)

Like traditional plays, movie or T.V. scripts are often the result of collaboration between a team of people including the cast and crew. However, the big difference is that when you’re writing a T.V. or movie script , you’re often working together with the director and the actors as part of the production team.

Not a fiction writer? No problem! You probably have a unique story worth sharing: it’s called your life. Here’s the deal when it comes to memoirs: the biggest thing to remember is that not everything in your life is considered readership-worthy. In fact, most things probably aren’t. But, most likely, there is a unique angle or perspective that you can take when examining your life.

For example, if you have a really distinctive family history and you’re looking into exploring it, that could be a great subject for a memoir. Maybe you have a really interesting job that exposes you to lots of different people and events on a regular basis; you could write a book about your experiences in that field. The key to writing a good memoir is knowing what angle to take on any subject.

9. Non-Fiction Narratives

Of course, a memoir is just a subsection of a category known as the non-fiction narrative. But not all non-fiction narratives are memoirs. Take for example author Tim Hernandez, who wrote the book Mañana means Heaven . Hernandez writes in a style that is inherently descriptive and interesting, despite the fact that the book’s narrative is mostly based on research and interviews.

10. Songs/Lyrics

Another sector of poetry, songs and lyrics are also a great place where you can express your thoughts and emotions not only through words, but also through music. Whether you’re writing a love ballad or a hymn, there are lots of reasons to enjoy working in this genre. While a lot of this genre is relatively unrestrictive in terms of what you can create, it’s a really good idea to get familiar with the basics of song writing. Especially in an era where so much of the music we hear is impacted by technology, the more you know about the art of song writing, the freer you will be to experiment.

11. Speeches

Speech writing is another great way to express yourself and also reach a wider audience. The thing about speeches is that they are both a form of oral and written text, so the key to writing a really good speech is to take into consideration your phrasing, word choice and syntax. More importantly, the way a speech is delivered can really make or break its success. Practice strong enunciation, confident body language and invoking a clear voice.

12. Greeting Cards

You might hear a lot about greeting cards when people talk about how to make easy money as a writer. But the truth is, being a greeting card writer is anything but easy. You have to be able to keep the greeting card expressions short, catchy and, in a lot of cases, funny. However, if you’ve got the chops to try your hand at a few greeting cards, practice writing limericks and other forms of short poetry. More importantly, read lots of greeting cards to get an idea of how the best writers go about creating the really fun cards that you enjoy purchasing.

It used to be that blogs were the place where teenagers could go to express their teenage angst. But nowadays, blogs are also a great place to be if you’re a writer. There are an unlimited amount of topics you can successfully blog on that will garner attention from audiences. You can use your blog as a forum to share your writing or even reflect on current events, the stock market—really anything! The possibilities are endless, but the key is finding a subject and sticking to it. For example, if you decide to start a blog dedicated to rock music, stick to rock music. Avoid long tangents about politics or other unrelated subjects.

14. Feature Journalism

Feature Journalism is a great place to start if you want to get your feet wet if you’re interested in reporting. Why? Because there are a lot more creative aspects to feature journalism compared to news journalism. Feature stories typically allow you more flexibility with the kinds of details you put into the article, as well as more room for creativity in your lede.

15. Column Writing

If you like the idea of journalism but feel you could never be a journalist in light of your strong opinions, column writing is another avenue you can take. The thing about columns is that they’re typically based in ideas and opinions rather than fact. Yet, because columnists are considered experts in their respective fields, their opinion tends to hold more sway with readers.

As part of the non-fiction narrative family, the personal essay, or even the academic essay, has plenty of elements that are creative. Whether you’re writing about personal experiences or a science project, there are lots of opportunities you have to be creative and hook your reader. Even the most mundane reports have the opportunity to become interesting if you know how to present your topic. As with a lot of non-fiction writing, the secret to writing a good essay is all about your framing. When you begin writing, think about explaining the issue in the most engaging way possible. Just because your writing should cut to the chase doesn’t mean that it should be bland, boring or bogged down in technical jargon. Use anecdotes, clear and concise language, and even humor to express your findings.

17. Twitter Stories

With only 140 characters, how can you tell a story? Well, when you use Twitter, that’s exactly what you’re doing. However, a new phenomenon that’s currently taking over the site is a type of flash fiction called Twitterature, where writers tell a full story or write a poem in 140 characters or less.

18. Comic Strips

If you have a knack for writing and drawing, then you might be especially interested in working on a comic strip. Comic strips are harder project to tackle because they require a lot of preplanning before you start writing. Before you begin drafting you need to know the plot and have a strong outline for how the graphics will look.

19. Collaboration

This is typically a writing exercise that writers do with other writers to expand on their creativity. Essentially the way the exercise works is that one writer will start a story and another will finish it. You might be especially familiar with this kind of work if you’ve ever read the work of an author that was completed AFTER their death. However, collaboration is just another way you can bounce ideas off another person. You can also collaborate with other writers for world building , character development and even general brainstorming.

20. Novella

An example of creative writing, a novella is essentially the love child of a short story and a novel. Although the novella does feature a plot, the plot is typically less complicated compared to that of a novel. Usually novellas are about 50 pages.

21. Genre Writing

Another type of writing that fiction writers can do is genre writing. If you think of popular writers like Stephen King, Nora Roberts and James Patterson, then you’re probably familiar with genre writing. Essentially, genre writing is when a writer explores different stories in one particular genre, like romance, fantasy, or mystery. There’s a huge market out there for genre fiction, which makes it definitely worth pursuing if you a have preference for a particular kind of literature.

The important thing to keep in mind as a writer is that experimentation is never a bad idea. If you’re genuinely curious about one or more items on this list, give it a go! Some of the best literary works were created by accident.

What did you think of our list of 21 creative writing examples? Do you have experience in any of these types of creative writing? Do you know of any other creative writing examples? Please tell us more in the comments box below!

21 Top Examples of Creative Writing is an article from Writing Tips Oasis . Copyright © 2014-2017 Writing Tips Oasis All Rights Reserved

As a graduate from the University of Arizona in English and Creative Writing, Rofida Khairalla’s love for classical literature and post-modern fiction extends beyond the realm of books. She has provided her services independently as a freelance writer, and wrote on the news desk for the student-run newspaper, The Daily Wildcat. As an aspiring children’s book author, she’s refined her craft amongst the grand saguaros of the Southwest, and enjoys playing with her German Shepherd on the slopes of Mount Lemmon.

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WPS AICA: An effective writing companion

Hello everyone, I'm a WPS Office expert. Today, I'm delighted to introduce you to an outstanding tool - WPS AICA (Artificial Intelligence Content Assistant)! It's a powerful assistant that understands your commands and generates text based on different contexts. Whether you need academic writing, business copywriting, or personal creative writing, WPS AICA can provide you with an efficient and high-quality writing experience! Let me show you the true power of WPS AIGC!

What can WPS AIGC do?

Language understanding and generation : WPS AICG integrates mainstream AI language models. It accurately understands your input natural language and generates high-quality text or paragraphs accordingly.

Creative generation : It can provide various styles, themes, and emotional creative content to help you gain more inspiration.

Contextual understanding : It can connect information and expand content based on context logic. For example, when dealing with long articles, it can establish reasonable connections between different paragraphs, maintaining the unity and integrity of the article.

Article rewriting and improve : AICG can help you rewrite existing articles, improve, adjust article length, etc. It improves the quality and appeal of the article.

Where is WPS AIGC suitable for use?

Advertising copywriting : Want your ad copy to be more persuasive and appealing? AIGC can bring you unexpected results! Whether it's product promotion, sales activities, or brand promotion, it can generate dozens of options in seconds, and you just need to select the most suitable one.

Social media content creation : Content is crucial on social media! AIGC can generate diverse social media content, including posts, comments, event introductions, etc., boosting your social media activity and user interaction!

SEO-optimized articles : Want your website to rank better and gain more exposure on search engines? AIGC is your reliable assistant! It can generate articles that meet SEO requirements, attract more traffic, and enhance your website's visibility and exposure, pushing your website to the top of search engine results!

Product descriptions and instructions : Product descriptions and instructions are essential on e-commerce platforms or physical stores! AIGC can help businesses write accurate, vivid product descriptions and instructions, showcasing product features and advantages, attracting customers, and boosting product sales!

Of course! Although AIGC cannot directly replace human creativity and thinking ability, it can indeed be a powerful assistant for writers. It can quickly generate text in different styles, helping you brainstorm from scratch and saving a lot of time and energy.

How to use WPS AIGC to generate text?

Log in to your WPS account.

Open the document, and there are three ways to activate the AI writing assistant:

Click the WPS AI button in the upper right corner.

Type @AI in the document.

Click Start Writing with WPS AI.

The system provides 15 common writing scenarios, such as brainstorming, press releases, social media posts, job descriptions, etc. We offer enough writing scenarios, and if you have other personalized writing needs, you can also directly enter your desired commands!

Select "accept" to insert the text content into the document.

Make manual adjustments to some details.

For example, As a newcomer to the HR profession who needs to write a job advertisement for an AI Product Manager position. Before this, I wasn't clear about the experience and responsibilities required for a product manager. Maybe I would spend a lot of time searching and writing, but now WPS AICG helped me finish the work in just a few seconds.

How to use WPS AIGC to rewrite text?

WPS AIGC not only helps draft articles but also helps you improve existing text. Whether you need to shorten or expand content, change tone or emotion, AI Writer can quickly adjust your writing to achieve your desired goals.

How to operate?

Select a paragraph in the document.

Click WPS AI in the minibar.

Choose the function you need in the menu.

If satisfied, you can insert the generated text into the desired location, such as before or after the paragraph, or replace or copy the generated text.

It can help you quickly summarize and refine long texts, generating concise and clear summaries. It can also organize and summarize meeting discussions, generating meeting minutes or summary reports.

Change layout:

You can easily rewrite text into a list or table format . For example, this news article has a large amount of text that is not easy for people to understand quickly. You can convert it into a table format for summarization, which is more conducive to conveying information.

Make longer & Shorter:

Through the "Shorten and Lengthen" function, you can adjust the way text is expressed, making it shorter or longer while maintaining the original meaning.

Continue writing:

Expanding existing text, it can intelligently generate related content based on context analysis, maintaining the coherence and fluency of the article.

Improve writing:

It can optimize language, improve style, and control the tone and emotion of the text, elevating your writing to the next level.

Why choose WPS AICG?

Nowadays, there are many mature AI tools, why choose us?

Ease of use and convenience : WPS AIGC is integrated into the WPS Office suite, so you don't need to learn new interfaces and operating methods separately. You can directly use AI functions in a familiar working environment.

Specialized customization : WPS AIGC is professionally customized and optimized for office scenarios. It can generate documents, reports, resumes, etc., more accurately, providing more professional and practical solutions for office needs.

Copyright and privacy protection : WPS AIGC focuses on user data privacy and intellectual property protection. Through strict data processing and privacy protection measures, it ensures that user-generated content will not be abused or infringe on others' copyrights, providing users with more secure and reliable services.

More AI tools : Besides text generation, WPS Office also has other AI functions, enhancing your office experience comprehensively!

AI Spell Check : Corrects your spelling and grammar errors promptly while providing editing suggestions based on different scenarios, improving your writing skills.

ChatPDF : Engage in conversations with PDF documents, quickly summarizing the content into understandable paragraphs, facilitating your reading and comprehension in a short time.

Parallel Translate : Provides the ability to translate files, documents, reports, etc., allowing cross-cultural communication and collaboration.

Overall, although WPS AIGC cannot completely replace human writing capabilities, it can significantly improve your writing efficiency. You can even entertain yourself while writing, freeing up your brain for other tasks!

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