Diction Created by Barbara Mugavero Definition

Diction Page 1 of 2 Rock Valley College Writing Center
ERC 2402 815.921.3327
Diction
Created by Barbara Mugavero
Definition
Diction refers to word choice. The words you choose should suit your purpose and audience.
Application There are three common levels of diction – formal, popular, and informal. The level of diction you use should convey the correct tone (how you sound) to the reader.

Formal diction is the highest form of word choice. It is used in serious and dignified communication situations legal documents, political speeches, commencement addresses, scholarly publications, operations manuals, and most academic fields. Some characteristics include often written in the third person, tends to use long sentences and multisyllabic words, contains no slang or contractions, has a slow rhythm and an authoritative, impersonal tone.
Popular diction is a more casual form of word choice. It is used in magazines, newspapers, and personal conversations. Some characteristics include the first person (I) or the second person (you) maybe used, tends to use shorter and less varied sentences and shorter, simpler words, may use contractions. It has a more conversational and personal tone.
Informal diction
is also called colloquial language. It is the language of everyday speech. It should never be used informal or academic writing, except when it is part of a quotation or block of dialogue. It includes contractions (cant, well, slang expressions (chill out, as if, whazzup), sentence fragments, and first-person and second-person pronouns. It has a friendly, casual tone.
Examples & Strategies
1. Man, I was really bummed about having to give this demonstration speech until I decided I could show youse guys how to do origami and you wouldn’t mind learning about it.

























The above example uses Informal diction in an academic setting. The errors can be fixed by
eliminating slang expressions and a contraction, and using third rather than second person.

Writing Center Handout Page 2 of 2
Diction.docx
Correction: I was scared about having to give this demonstration speech until I remembered I know how to do origami and that college students would probably be interested in learning this ancient Japanese skill.
2. It will be of significant interest, even imperative to that segment of society which elevates cinematic personages to the level of idolization, to discover that Mr. Pitt and Ms. Jolie satiated their respective gastronomic cravings at the modish La Flambé dining emporium last evening.
The above example uses a formal level of diction in a popular publication – a magazine or
newspaper. The errors can be fixed by using simpler words and shorter sentences.
Correction:









Fans of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie will be interested to know that the couple dined at the trendy restaurant, La Flambé, last night.
3. I couldn’t believe what I was like hearing, but my bros were frontin’ me to my new chick, and you know that ain’t right Hey, Vicky, this dude’s way crazy in love with you said Lewis. Yeah, he ain’t got his own crib, but you two can get it on at my place anytime" volunteered Jinx.
The above example was an informal level of diction in the part of the essay surrounding the
block dialogue.
Correction:
I could not believe what I was hearing, but my friends were actually revealing my private feelings and personal information to my new girlfriend without my permission, and that was just not right Hey, Vickie, this dude’s way crazy in love with you said Lewis. Yeah, he ain’t got his own crib, but you two can get it on at my place anytime volunteered Jinx.