Using single words for impact

Writing Tip Sometimes, the use of a single, more complex word instead of a more basic or common phrase can have an impact on the reader. It can help to make a point in a shorter way than it might be made when speaking, and it can also help to make your writing more serious and academic in style. Using a single word for impact may involve one of the following: 1 Forming a longer word using a prefix or suffix (see 52 Creating longer words) When the councillor read the minutes of the meeting, he found that his views had not been presented properly. When the councillor read the minutes of the meeting, he found that his views had been misrepresented. 2 Using one word instead of a spoken phrase Some members of the council had to make the same point again and again before it was addressed. Some members of the council had to make the same point repeatedly before it was addressed. 3 Using a precise word instead of a phrase (i.e. the ‘right’ word) A list of items for discussion at the next meeting was prepared. An agenda for the next meeting was prepared.