Writing and Editing Word Choice and Vocabulary

Question 1

What is the difference between a 'denotation' and a 'connotation'?

Accepted Answer

Denotation is the literal dictionary meaning; connotation is the emotional or cultural association of a word.

Answer

They are synonyms.

Answer

Denotation refers to slang; connotation to formal language.

Answer

Denotation is what a word sounds like; connotation is what it looks like.

Question 2

Which word is most precise in a formal writing context: 'said,' 'stated,' 'mumbled,' or 'communicated'?

Accepted Answer

stated

Answer

said

Answer

mumbled

Answer

communicated

Question 3

What does it mean to use a word 'euphemistically'?

Accepted Answer

To substitute a mild or indirect expression for one that might seem harsh or blunt

Answer

To use a word for its sound rather than its meaning

Answer

To use a word in its literal, denotative sense only

Answer

To coin a new word to describe a concept

Question 4

Which sentence uses 'affect' and 'effect' correctly?

Accepted Answer

The edits will affect the tone of the piece.

Answer

The edits will effect the tone of the piece.

Answer

The affect of the edits was noticeable.

Answer

The edits had an affect on the tone.

Question 5

What is a malapropism?

Accepted Answer

Using a word that sounds similar to the intended word but has a completely different meaning

Answer

Deliberately using old-fashioned vocabulary

Answer

Using slang in formal writing

Answer

A word borrowed from another language

Question 6

Which pair of words is an example of homonyms?

Accepted Answer

their / there

Answer

big / large

Answer

quick / fast

Answer

run / sprint