Ruled by Intellect or Emotion? Tips on Word Choice #10
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The Transvaal War: General Sir George Colley at the Battle of Majuba Mountain Just Before He Was Killed. See File:Melton Prior - Illustrated London News - The Transvaal War - General Sir George Colley at the Battle of Majuba Mountain Just Before He Was Killed original.jpg for attached article. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)Some words/phrases can induce fairly specific responses in readers. As writers, we all know this, but do we use the power of emotion in our work?
For these few weeks, I’m looking at something subjective: how to choose between emotional and intellectual words for effect. You won’t always agree with me, of course; you’re writers. But, hopefully, my suggestions will get the thought processes going.
In this series I’m looking at the difference between words that seem intellectual as opposed to those that evoke a more emotional response. How you use them is obviously up to you. The point is that the alternatives have the same, or very similar, meanings, but their effect upon the reader can be markedly different. I’ve made some suggestions here, but I’m sure you can think of others.
Intellectual: AssaultEmotional: Beat Up
The General ordered an assault on the hilltop gun emplacement, even though it was so well defended that the mission was tantamount to suicide.
Even though the gang of extremists beat up their prisoner, he refused to give them the satisfaction of displaying pain or fear.
Intellectual: CombatEmotional: Fight
‘This combat mission will advance the battle in the east, men, so I want you to give it your all.’
‘I’m not going to fight you, Jack. I’d lose and you’d be no wiser than you are now.’
Intellectual: YouthfulEmotional: Young
‘Many of the troops we send to the front are youthful and lack experience, making them easier to order into hopeless battle.’
‘Make ‘em young and I’ll give you a fighting force with the guts, passion and bravado that only comes from inexperience.’Related articles [image error] Ruled by Intellect or Emotion? Tips on Word Choice #7
For these few weeks, I’m looking at something subjective: how to choose between emotional and intellectual words for effect. You won’t always agree with me, of course; you’re writers. But, hopefully, my suggestions will get the thought processes going.
In this series I’m looking at the difference between words that seem intellectual as opposed to those that evoke a more emotional response. How you use them is obviously up to you. The point is that the alternatives have the same, or very similar, meanings, but their effect upon the reader can be markedly different. I’ve made some suggestions here, but I’m sure you can think of others.
Intellectual: AssaultEmotional: Beat Up
The General ordered an assault on the hilltop gun emplacement, even though it was so well defended that the mission was tantamount to suicide.
Even though the gang of extremists beat up their prisoner, he refused to give them the satisfaction of displaying pain or fear.
Intellectual: CombatEmotional: Fight
‘This combat mission will advance the battle in the east, men, so I want you to give it your all.’
‘I’m not going to fight you, Jack. I’d lose and you’d be no wiser than you are now.’
Intellectual: YouthfulEmotional: Young
‘Many of the troops we send to the front are youthful and lack experience, making them easier to order into hopeless battle.’
‘Make ‘em young and I’ll give you a fighting force with the guts, passion and bravado that only comes from inexperience.’Related articles [image error] Ruled by Intellect or Emotion? Tips on Word Choice #7
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