Terms to Know

  • Formal Diction: Definition: “use of sophisticated language, without slang or colloquialisms, sticks to grammatical rules and syntax” Examples: in professional texts, business documents, legal papers, “I will get that done right away.”, peruse Rhetorical Effect: give a sense of seriousness, power, or for artistic effect

  • Middle Diction: Definition: “diction that is neutral - that isn’t formal or informal and can be used in a variety of settings” Examples: essays, newspaper articles, explain, “It is an overlooked fact that children - from middle school from through high school - get an hour less sleep each night than they did thirty years ago.” Rhetorical Effect: give a sense average talk or tone, evoke specific emotions

  • Abstract Diction: Definition: “qualities shared by many people or things: newness, width, size, shape, value, joy, anger” Cannot be perceived by observation; need to infer; intangible concept Examples: beautiful, sad, freedom, love Rhetorical Effect: used to describe something beyond imagination; speaks on an idea

  • Concrete Diction: Definition: “Particular things or quantities that can be perceived by your senses: appearance, sound, smell, texture, taste” Specific diction Examples: magenta, smooth, penny sized, cold, bitter, pungent, crackle, muddy Rhetorical Effect: engage the reader’s imagination and senses

  • Colloquial Diction: Definition: “language that is informal in diction or style of expression” Used when speaking informally Examples: contractions, awfully (very), movie (film), mad (angry), sure (certainly) Rhetorical Effect: used to portray direct and intimate converstation