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5 Writing Tips: Keeping a trenchant verbal edge

Posted by Michael Trent on May 4th, 2011 in Writing Tips | 2 comments

When you are not writing or during your down time, it is a good idea to keep your mind sharp through exercise. Personally, I play Wordscraper on FB, I have another friend, a reporter who solves crossword puzzles in his free time. Try these activities in your off time to maintain or build your verbal skills.

1. Play word games, puzzles, and other type verbal games

As I noted above, I am an avid Wordscraper player. The game has introduced new words to my vocabulary. Playing word games may help you too.

2. Buy and study GRE\SAT practice cards

Gearing up for graduate school, I bought a GRE book and GRE cards for testing. Even though I ultimately did not use the cards for the test (I applied to a school without a GRE), I studied quite a few words, improving my vocabulary. With sets from 500 to a 1000 words, you’ll have plenty of words to study, and add to your vocabulary.

3. Study the dictionary

Sounds crazy? The legendary Jay-Z studied the dictionary when he was a child to create his rapid, flowing style of rap. Learning different etymologies can be interesting, and it will improve your understanding of different words. Go to a used bookstore and buy an old dictionary. Sometimes these dictionaries offer different meanings and words that you might not find on the internet or in current dictionaries. With numerous Internet dictionaries available, you can sign up for Word-for-the Day and other services.

4. Make a list of words

When writing, there are times you’ll run into a snag. You try word after word, but nothing works. Help yourself out, and build a list. Create a list of your favorite verbs, nouns, or adjectives. Make a list of words you don’t know or a list of words you hate. You can also create lists of phrases, quotes, idioms, etc. These lists are great resources for writers and others when creating work.

5. Read

As basic as it sounds, yes, reading is the sure-fire way to enhance your vocabulary. Read authors who incorporate a variety of words in their writings like a Jack London or a Phillip Roth. Read technical journals, literary and art magazines, and critical film magazines like Film Comment.

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