Eng7-Q3 Lesson 2: Part 1 -

Diction and Style

Learning Competency : 1. 2. EN7INF-III-2 Examine linguistic features as tools to achieve
organizational efficiency in informational texts:
-diction and style
-transition devices
-sentence structure and function
Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
a. Define diction and style and explain their role in informational texts.

b. Identify appropriate diction and style in sample texts.

Diction and Style
Diction
• Diction refers to the choice of words used in a text or
speech. It reflects the writer’s or speaker’s purpose,
audience, and tone.
• Diction can vary based on formality (formal, informal),
complexity (simple, complex), and specificity (general,
precise). Choosing the right words ensures clarity and
aligns with the intended message.
Formal Diction
Formal diction refers to the use of precise, clear, and professional
language that adheres to established rules of grammar and syntax. It is
characterized by a lack of slang, contractions, and colloquial
expressions. Formal diction is typically used in academic, professional,
or serious contexts where the goal is to convey ideas logically and
respectfully, ensuring clarity and authority.
Examples of Formal Diction:
•Informal: "I’m not sure about that."
•Formal: "I am uncertain about that matter."

•Informal: "We’re gonna discuss the issues tomorrow."

•Formal: "We will discuss the issues tomorrow."

•Informal: "That’s a really cool idea!"

•Formal: "That is an excellent idea."

•Informal: "I can’t believe this happened."

•Formal: "I find it difficult to believe that this occurred."
Pedantic Diction
• Pedantic diction refers to the use of overly formal,
academic, or showy language that can come across as
excessively detailed, complicated, or pretentious. It is often
characterized by an emphasis on precision, correctness, and
the use of obscure or complex terms that may be
unnecessary for the audience to understand the message.
While pedantic diction may demonstrate a writer's
knowledge or expertise, it can sometimes hinder clarity and
make the writing feel distant or difficult to engage with.
Examples of Pedantic Diction:
•"Utilize" instead of "use"
•"Please utilize this tool" vs. "Please use this tool."
•"Commence" instead of "begin"
•"The meeting will commence at 10 AM" vs. "The meeting will begin at 10 AM."
•"Terminate" instead of "end"
•"We need to terminate the project" vs. "We need to end the project."
•"Ascertain" instead of "find out"
•"I will ascertain the details" vs. "I will find out the details."
•"Examine" instead of "look at"
•"We need to examine the situation" vs. "We need to look at the situation."
Colloquial Diction
• Colloquial diction is the use of informal words or
expressions associated with a specific region or time
period.
• Now, writers use colloquial diction because it helps a
sentence sound more natural and relaxed — it also
adds personality to dialogue, making it rich and
memorable.
Examples of Colloquial Words:
1. Gonna – "I’m gonna grab some coffee." (Instead of "I am going to get some coffee.")
2. Wanna – "Do you wanna go to the mall?" (Instead of "Do you want to go to the mall?")
3. Y’all – "What are y’all doing this weekend?" (Instead of "What are you all doing this weekend?")
4. Cool – "That’s a cool idea!" (Instead of "That’s an interesting idea!")
5. Bummed – "I’m so bummed I missed the party." (Instead of "I’m disappointed I missed the party.")
6. Hang out – "Let’s hang out later." (Instead of "Let’s spend time together later.")
7. Cram – "I need to cram for my exam." (Instead of "I need to study intensively for my exam.")
8. Kiddo – "How’s it going, kiddo?" (Instead of "How are you doing, child?")
9. Chill – "Let’s just chill tonight." (Instead of "Let’s relax tonight.")
10.Mess up – "I really messed up that presentation." (Instead of "I made a significant mistake in that presentation.")

• Colloquial words are great for creating a conversational tone, but they should be used sparingly in formal writing to
maintain professionalism.
Slang Diction

• Slang words are informal, often playful or humorous

terms used primarily in casual conversations and often
specific to particular social groups, regions, or
subcultures. These words tend to evolve quickly and
can be short-lived, making them less suitable for formal
writing but useful in creating a relaxed or relatable tone.
Examples of Colloquial Words:
• Lit – "That party was lit!" (Meaning: Exciting, fun, or amazing)
• Flex – "She’s always flexing her new car." (Meaning: Showing off)
• Savage – "Did you see that savage comeback?" (Meaning: Bold, ruthless, or impressive)
• Cap – "No cap, I’m the best at this game." (Meaning: No lie, it’s true)
• Slay – "She slayed that performance." (Meaning: To perform exceptionally well)
• Ghost – "He ghosted me after our date." (Meaning: To suddenly stop communicating)
• Fam – "We’re hanging with the fam tonight." (Meaning: Close friends or family)
• Shade – "She threw some shade at him during the meeting." (Meaning: Subtle insults or disrespect)
• Lowkey – "I lowkey want to go to the concert." (Meaning: Secretly or subtly)
• YOLO – "I’m going skydiving tomorrow; YOLO!" (Meaning: You only live once, encouraging taking risks)

Slang can add personality to speech or writing, but its use in professional or academic contexts is generally
avoided since it can diminish clarity and formality.
Abstract Diction
• Abstract diction refers to the use of words that express
ideas, concepts, or qualities that are not tangible or
concrete. These words represent things that cannot be
directly perceived by the senses and often involve
complex or philosophical ideas. Abstract diction is
often used to convey emotions, values, or broader
concepts that require deeper thought or interpretation.
Examples of Abstract Diction:
•Freedom – "The fight for freedom has been a central theme in the nation's history."
•Love – "She felt an overwhelming sense of love when holding her child."
•Justice – "The law is meant to uphold justice in society."
•Courage – "His courage in the face of adversity inspired everyone around him."
•Truth – "She sought the truth behind the mysterious events."
•Happiness – "True happiness lies in inner peace."
•Beauty – "The beauty of nature never ceases to amaze me."
•Wisdom – "He was known for his wisdom and ability to give sound advice."
•Honor – "It was an honor to serve the country."
•Hope – "Hope is what kept them going during the hard times."
Concrete Diction
• Concrete diction refers to the use of specific, tangible
words that describe things that can be directly
perceived by the senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, and
smell). These words are clear, precise, and easy to
visualize, making them more accessible and relatable
to readers. Concrete diction grounds abstract concepts
in reality, often providing vivid imagery and detail.
Examples of Concrete Diction:
•Chair – "She sat in the old wooden chair by the window."
•Dog – "The dog barked loudly as it ran across the yard."
•Apple – "He bit into the crisp, red apple."
•Car – "The car engine roared to life as they drove down the highway."
•Rain – "The rain poured down in sheets, drenching everyone outside."
•Mountain – "The mountain peak was covered in snow."
•Table – "The table was cluttered with papers and coffee mugs."
•Book – "The book’s pages were yellowed with age."
•Shirt – "He wore a faded blue shirt with a hole in the sleeve."
•Flower – "The garden was filled with vibrant, blooming flowers."
Poetic Diction
• Poetic diction refers to the choice of words used in
poetry that often deviates from everyday language to
create a more elevated, artistic, or emotional tone. Poetic
diction includes the use of figurative language, archaic
terms, specific rhythm, rhyme, and other stylistic
elements to evoke beauty, meaning, and a deeper
emotional response. It’s often more condensed and
layered with multiple meanings than ordinary speech.
Examples of Poetic Diction:
• "The moonlight dances on the quiet sea"
• Ordinary diction: "The moon reflects on the calm sea."
• Poetic diction: The use of "dances" adds a sense of movement
and grace to the imagery.
• "The golden sun kissed the earth’s weary brow"
• Ordinary diction: "The sun rose and warmed the earth."
• Poetic diction: "Golden" and "kissed" enhance the image with
warmth, tenderness, and personification.
Style
• Style in writing refers to the distinct way in which a writer expresses their
thoughts, shaped by their choices in language, tone, sentence structure, and
overall approach to conveying ideas. Style is unique to each writer, and it
contributes to the personality and voice of the text. It influences how the
audience perceives the writer and the content, and it can vary depending on
the purpose, audience, and context.
Key Elements of Style:
• Tone: The writer’s attitude toward the subject or audience, which
can be formal, informal, serious, humorous, sarcastic, etc.

Example:
A formal tone might be used in a business letter, while a
humorous tone could be found in a comedy script.
Key Elements of Style:
• Word Choice (Diction): The specific words a writer selects, which
can influence the clarity, formality, and emotional impact of the
writing.

Example:
Using simple, direct words for clarity versus complex,
sophisticated language for a more intellectual tone.
Key Elements of Style:
• Sentence Structure: The arrangement of words in a sentence,
which can affect the readability and flow of the text.

Example:
Short, direct sentences create a brisk pace, while longer,
complex sentences can add sophistication and detail.
Key Elements of Style:
•Pacing: The speed at which the narrative or argument unfolds. Fast-paced
writing may use shorter sentences and direct language, while slow-paced
writing often involves more descriptive language and longer sentences.

•Figurative Language: The use of metaphors, similes, personification, and

other figurative elements that add depth, creativity, or emotional resonance to
the writing.

Example:
"The clouds were cotton balls in the sky" (simile) or "The wind
whispered through the trees" (personification).
Key Elements of Style:

• Point of View: The perspective from which the story is told—first

person, second person, or third person—and how it shapes the
style.
Example:
First-person narrative ("I felt the wind against my skin") offers a
personal, intimate style, while third-person narrative can be more
objective or expansive.
Key Elements of Style:
• Voice: The unique personality that comes through in the
writing, shaped by the combination of tone, word choice,
and syntax.

• Example:
A writer with a distinct voice might use a conversational
tone and personal anecdotes, making the writing feel more
approachable.
A writer’s style is often a reflection of
their personal identity or the persona
they wish to project through their
writing, and it plays a crucial role in
how their message is received.