Tammy Letherer U
se definite, specific, concrete language!
The surest way to arouse and hold the reader’s attention is by being specific. The greatest writers–Homer, Dante, Shakespeare–are effective largely because they deal in particulars and report the details that matter. Their words call up pictures. For example,
A period of unfavorable weather set in. VS
It rained every day for a week.
He showed satisfaction as he took possession of his well-earned reward. VS
He grinned as he pocketed the coin.
(From Strunk and White, The Elements of Style)
