FORMAL AND

INFORMAL WORDS IN
CREATIVE WRITING
Is it possible to express our
thoughts and feelings without
words? We know that we can. A
message that relies heavily on
words, whether oral or written,
can be transformed into
something that is not composed
of words.

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Words are important to
specify and clarify what we
think and feel. Actions are
not enough to express
ourselves fully.

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Writers know how powerful
words are. That is why they are
passionate about learning words
and expanding their vocabulary,
and are meticulous about using
them. In this lesson, we will
learn the importance of diction
in writing.

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Use imagery, diction, figures of speech, and
specific experiences to evoke meaningful
responses from readers (HUMSS_CW/MP 11/12-
Ia- b-4).

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● Be familiar with the types of diction.

● Evaluate what type of diction a writer

uses in a text.

● Use a specific type of diction in an original

work.

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YES, KWEEN! (I MEAN, “YES, YOUR
MAJESTY!”)
1. What you can see on the next slide are word pairs.
All you have to do is to create sentences for each
of them.
2. Here is an example:
Word Pair: dramatic - extra
Sentence #1: Alex’s reaction to the news that he
was no longer top of the class was extremely
dramatic.
Sentence #2: Marian is so extra; have you seen
her dress made entirely of sequins?
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YES, KWEEN! (I MEAN, “YES, YOUR
MAJESTY!”)
FORMAL VS. INFORMAL DICTION

Word Pair Sentence #1 Sentence #2

man - dude

splendid - lit

questionable -
sus
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1. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN THE FIRST AND THE SECOND
WORD IN EACH WORD PAIR?

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2. ARE ALL OF THESE WORDS SUITABLE FOR
CREATING IMAGINATIVE TEXTS? EXPLAIN
YOUR ANSWER.

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3. DO YOU THINK THAT THERE ARE SPECIFIC
RULES THAT WE NEED TO FOLLOW
REGARDING WORD CHOICE IN CREATING
IMAGINATIVE TEXTS? EXPLAIN YOUR
ANSWER.

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What is the purpose of diction in
imaginative writing? What are its types?

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 DICTION

Diction is concerned with the meticulous selection of words to

convey a message. It is also known as word choice.
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 DICTION

Diction makes literature a

distinct body from other forms
of writing. Furthermore, it
helps amplify the setting, the
characters, and the narrative
voice and tone of a story.

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 DICTION

Diction also helps the writer to become accurate, precise,

concrete, and appropriate as he or she writes. Why are
these things important?

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DICTION

Accuracy

Accuracy is defined as the careful

use of words to express meaning.
If the writer is accurate, the
reader will not be confused about
the idea the writer wants to
express.

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 DICTION

Precision

Precision is the exactness of the words we use to express

meaning. Bear in mind that precision can only be utilized
properly if we are familiar with the context of the literary
work we are writing. Factors such as age, gender, culture,
and geography should be considered for the text to
become precise.

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 IMAGINATIVE WRITING

Appropriateness

Appropriateness is the capacity

of words to achieve the purpose
of the text. We need to choose
words that will highlight our
intention and make an
impression on our readers.

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 DICTION

Concreteness

Concreteness is the capacity of the words to stimulate the

readers’ senses. It helps them to experience what they are
reading. However, this does not mean that we should not
use abstract words anymore. Instead, there should always
be a balance between concrete and abstract words in a
creative text.

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 TYPES OF DICTION

There are eight common types of diction. The author’s point of

view or writing style is shown through the way he or she uses
them.
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 TYPES OF DICTION

Formal Diction

It is the use of sophisticated, professional, and sublime

language in a text. Proper grammar and complex sentence
structure are present in this type of diction.

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 TYPES OF DICTION

Informal Diction

It is the use of natural, realistic, and conversational

language in a text. Imaginative writers use this type of
diction to show how the characters interact with each
other in real life.

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TYPES OF DICTION

Formal Diction vs. Informal

Diction

Example:
Goodbye, Dave! See you soon!
(formal)

I’m outta here, Dave. Catch you

later! (informal)

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What is the difference between formal diction
and informal diction?

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 TYPES OF DICTION

Colloquial Diction

It is the use of informal language that is linked to a specific

region and/or time period in a text.

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 TYPES OF DICTION

Slang Diction

It is the use of informal language that is restricted to a

particular context or social group of people in a text.

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TYPES OF DICTION

Colloquial Diction vs. Slang

Diction

Example:
You want to eat some crisps,
mate? (colloquial)

You wanna eat some crispy taters?

(slang)

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Are you still confused about the difference
between colloquial diction and slang diction?
To help you with this, you need to remember
that both slang and colloquial language use
informal words and expressions.

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The difference between them is that slang
language is used within a particular social
group (e.g., a group of friends, netizens who
use similar apps) while colloquial language is
used within a particular community that uses
a distinct regional dialect (e.g., British English,
Canadian English).

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Before creating an imaginative text about a
place, we first need to research the regional
and social dialects within it to paint a more
vivid picture for the readers.

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 TYPES OF DICTION

Pedantic Diction

It is the use of highly complex or scholarly language in a

text. It is often used in portraying educated characters
while they talk.

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 TYPES OF DICTION

Poetic Diction

It is the use of descriptive and lyrical language to create a

mellifluous sound.

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TYPES OF DICTION

Pedantic Diction vs. Poetic

Diction

Example:
Based on the dense formation of
cumulonimbus clouds, we can
infer that precipitation is
imminent. (pedantic)

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TYPES OF DICTION

Pedantic Diction vs. Poetic

Diction

Example:
It seems like the angels will weep
soon, for the dark clouds mirror
their misery. (poetic)

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What is the difference between pedantic
diction and poetic diction?

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 TYPES OF DICTION

Concrete Diction

It is the use of words in their literal or denotative meaning.

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 TYPES OF DICTION

Abstract Diction

It is the use of intangible words in a text to explain or

express an idea or emotion.

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TYPES OF DICTION

Concrete Diction vs. Abstract

Diction

Example:
Do not cry if you see me lying in
that coffin. (concrete)

Do not feel sad if death claims

me. (abstract)

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What is the difference between concrete
diction and abstract diction?

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CHARADES. ACT OUT THE CONCEPT BEING
DESCRIBED IN EACH ITEM.

1. IT IS ALSO KNOWN AS DICTION.

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CHARADES. ACT OUT THE CONCEPT BEING
DESCRIBED IN EACH ITEM.

2. IT IS THE ABILITY OF THE WORDS TO

ACHIEVE THE PURPOSE OF THE
IMAGINATIVE TEXT WHILE CONSIDERING
THE TARGET AUDIENCE.

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CHARADES. ACT OUT THE CONCEPT BEING
DESCRIBED IN EACH ITEM.

3. IT IS THE CAREFUL USE OF WORDS TO EXPRESS

MEANING.

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CHARADES. ACT OUT THE CONCEPT BEING
DESCRIBED IN EACH ITEM.

4. IT IS THE ABILITY OF THE WORDS TO

STIMULATE THE READERS’ SENSES.

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CHARADES. ACT OUT THE CONCEPT BEING
DESCRIBED IN EACH ITEM.

5. IT IS THE EXACTNESS OF THE WORDS WE

USE TO EXPRESS MEANING.

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● Diction, or word choice, is a type of literary
device concerned with the meticulous selection
of words and phrases to convey a message. The
author’s point of view or individual writing style
is shown through the way he or she uses diction.
Diction helps to amplify the setting, the
characters, and the narrative voice and tone of a
story. It also helps the writer to become
accurate, precise, concrete, and appropriate as
he or she writes.
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● Formal diction is the use of sophisticated,
professional, and sublime language, while
informal diction is the use of natural, realistic,
and conversational language in a text.

● Colloquial diction is the use of informal

language, which is linked to a specific region
and/or time period. In contrast, slang diction is
the use of informal language, which is restricted
to a particular context or social group of people
in a text.
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● Pedantic diction is the use of highly complex
or scholarly language, while poetic diction is
the use of descriptive and lyrical language to
create a mellifluous sound in a text.

● Concrete diction is the use of words in their

literal or denotative meaning, while abstract
diction is the use of intangible words in a text
to explain or express an idea or emotion.

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A mini-saga is a type of fiction that is shorter
than a drabble. It must be exactly 50 words
long (not including the title).

Create a mini-saga using the writing prompt on

the next slide. You will be graded according to
the following criteria: (a) mini-saga mechanics,
(b) plot development, (c) grammar and
punctuation, and (d) writing discipline.
Title: The Urban Legend - Create a story based
on a well-known humorous or horrifying rumor.
Use either formal or informal diction to make the
story exceptional.