Many students use words that look very long and complex, and most of the time they do not even know what these words mean. I come across this all the time when I am tutoring a student in writing. I am also a victim to this idea that by using big elaborate words my writing will look more scholarly. Although after reading an article by Richard Lederer, who is a well known author on books relating to language, I found out that the big words do not make a piece of writing any better. Richard Lederer’s article titled, The Case for Short Words, gave me the most useful information for improving my own writing by giving me the chance to reduce the confusion of my readers, side-step the idea that bigger words make profound writing, and allow for me to express my ideas in a clearer manner, all by writing simply.
I like to throw in elaborate and complex words into my essays just because it looks more academic, although these complex words can cause confusion for the audience. Who doesn’t want to look smart? Of course we all want to look smart, but sometimes if we use big words, they can confuse the reader. As Lederer puts it “Big words can make the way dark for those who read what you write and hear what you say”. This means that big words can make it hard for the reader to understand what you are saying, and these words will put them in the dark. There really is no need for big words as long as you can get your idea across to the reader. I am now trying to add this idea of short wording to my own writing so I will not confuse my readers.
When one wants to look academic and profound there is no need for big words. One can be just as deep with their writing as they would be with big words by using small words. There is a certain “power of small words” which is shown through such examples as Shakespeare, Winston Churchill, and Robert Frost. All of these famous people were able to let light shine on their written works of art just by using simple words. Using small words does not mean there will be no detail or lack of imagery. There are plenty of monosyllabic words in the English language according to Lederer, so there should be no trouble being able to depict descriptive and creative writing. Thus, big words are not needed to be deep because there are so many words to choose from.
By using short words I can also express the idea that I am trying to get across to my reader in an easier way. I do not have to strain to think about what intricate and multi-faceted words I have to use, but instead I can focus on my message. After all, the main reason for writing is usually to get an idea across. So, by using small words I will be able to express my ideas more clearly because my message is my focus.
From Lederer’s article I learned that the idea that writing really long words does not allow for better writing, but can really impact a piece of writing in a negative manner. Using complicated words can cause confusion for the reader. Also, using big words does not mean that a piece of writing is going to be profound. Lastly, by making use of small words ideas can be more direct and clear. The cliché that less is more definitely fits this situation. By using fewer words you and your audience gain more knowledge on the subject.
Works Cited
Lederer, Richard. “The Case for Short Words.” Exploring Language. Ed. Suzanne P. Chambers. New York: Pearson, 2010. 122-124. Print.
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