Formal and Informal Words in Creative Writing

Vocabulary flashcards focusing on diction types, definitions of writing styles, and the steps of the creative writing process based on the June 15, 2026 lecture.

Diction

The meticulous selection of words to convey a message, also known as word choice, which helps amplify setting, characters, and narrative voice.

Accuracy

The careful use of words to express meaning so the reader is not confused about the writer's idea.

Precision

The exactness of words used to express meaning, requiring familiarity with context such as age, gender, culture, and geography.

Appropriateness

The capacity of words to achieve the purpose of the text, highlight intention, and make an impression on readers.

Concreteness

The capacity of words to stimulate the reader's senses and help them experience what they are reading.

Formal Diction

The use of sophisticated, professional, and sublime language characterized by proper grammar and complex sentence structure.

Informal Diction

The use of natural, realistic, and conversational language often used to show how characters interact in real life.

Colloquial Diction

Informal language linked to a specific region and/or time period, such as British English or Canadian English.

Slang Diction

Informal language restricted to a particular context or social group, such as friends or netizens using similar apps.

Pedantic Diction

The use of highly complex or scholarly language, often used in portraying educated characters while they talk.

Poetic Diction

The use of descriptive and lyrical language used to create a mellifluous sound.

Concrete Diction

The use of words in their literal or denotative meaning.

Abstract Diction

The use of intangible words in a text to explain or express an idea or emotion.

Mini-saga

A type of fiction shorter than a drabble that must be exactly $50$ words long, excluding the title.

Imaginative writing

Also called creative writing, it is the art of creating texts to inspire and entertain, covering genres like poetry, fiction, drama, and creative nonfiction.

Academic writing

Texts created in an academic setting to inform readers, provide evidence-based analysis, and convince using valid instruments.

Professional writing

Also known as business writing, it serves as a communication tool for people within an agency or organization or for contacting outside entities.

Technical writing

A special type of expository writing aiming to help a target audience be cognizant of a concept or process related to specific fields.

Draft

The preliminary version of a text being created.

Revising

The act of making changes to a draft to check the accuracy of the content.

Proofreading

The act of carefully checking a text for inconsistencies and errors in spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and formatting.

Editing

The act of correcting writing issues such as grammar, sentence construction, and content inconsistencies.

Publishing

The ultimate goal of the writing process, involving making the text ready for public distribution.