Appropriate Language - Literature

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Abstract words –

words that do not refer to tangible, specific items

Colloquialisms –

non-standard or non-grammatical use of language in everyday speech

Concrete words –

words that name something that can be seen, touched, heard, or otherwise experienced through the senses

Connotation –

the implied or understood meaning of a word

Conventional word order –

subject – verb – object along with any modifying words adjacent to the words modified

Denotation –

the dictionary definition of a word

Diction –

the way words are written or spoken such an formal or informal

Formal diction –

the use of words following rules of grammar and Standard English

General words –

non-specific words

Informal diction –

the use words with slang, colloquialisms, and non-Standard English

Inverted sequence –

an order of words that is not conventional

Poetic language –

focused use of language which is not bound by Standard English to create an image or arouse a particular emotion

Poetic license –

use of non-standard grammar and other conventions of punctuation of literal use of language

Sarcasm –

saying the opposite of what is meant to express anger or criticism

Slang –

non-standard use of language

Specific words –

words that specify something such as large, round, blue

Standard English –

the form of English which follows rules of grammar without slang or colloquialism

Style –

the composite of ways a speaker or writer uses language to create a communication

Tone –

the attitude of the speaker or narrator such as in an angry or cheerful tone