Language

Diction
Lesson 3
Competency

•Use imagery, diction, figures of

speech, and specific experiences
to evoke meaningful responses
from readers
Spelling Test
 Diction
Writer’s
CHOICE OF WORDS

STYLE TONE DESCRIBE

of Expression of the piece Characters
Diction
It is a careful selection of words
to communicate a message or
establish a particular voice or
writing style.
What is the purpose of diction
in writing?
•Create a certain tone that supports
purpose.
•Support the setting.
•Establish a narrative voice and tone.
•Bring characters to life.
 What are the types of Diction?
-FORMAL DICTION-
• It is a writing that establishes a
professional tone, such as business
writing, research, and formal essays.
• Uses descriptive, precise words that are
polite and proper
• Sentences in are often longer.
Example of Formal Diction

•The man spoke to his father in a

low voice so others could not
hear.
“Dad, can I have some time with
you? I just want to share a secret
 Example of Formal Diction
from Hamlet by William Shakespeare
“What a piece of work is a man! How noble in
reason, how infinite in faculty! In form and moving
how express and admirable! In action how like an
Angel! In apprehension how like a god! The beauty
of the world! The paragon of animals! And yet to
me, what is this quintessence of dust? Man delights
not me; no, nor Woman neither; though by your
smiling you seem to say so.”
 What are the types of Diction?
-INFORMAL DICTION-
• Conversational or friendly writing
style
• Generally uses shorter words
• May be incomplete or ignore finer
points in grammar and usage.
 What are the types of Diction?
-INFORMAL DICTION-
• Conversational or friendly writing
style
• Generally uses shorter words
• May be incomplete or ignore finer
points in grammar and usage.
Example of Informal Diction

•That guy told his dad secrets.

•Hey dad! I’ve something to tell
you.”
 Formal VS. Informal
• Would you care to explain • Why'd you leave the party
the reasoning behind your so soon?
decision to leave the • If she doesn't stop yelling,
gathering early? she'll lose all her friends.
• Her terrible temper won't
endear her to many if she
refuses to control her
outbursts.
 Situation:

“You wanted to ask

someone why he wanted
to leave the party early.”
 You may say:

FORMAL DICTION INFORMAL DICTION

“Would you care to “Why’d you leave
explain the reasoning the party so soon?”
behind your decision
to leave the
gathering early?”
 Situation:

“You are introducing

yourself to someone”
 You may say:

FORMAL DICTION INFORMAL DICTION

“My name is ___. It “I’m _____. Nice to
is a true pleasure to meet you.”
make your
acquaintance.”
 What are the types of Diction?
-COLLOQUIAL DICTION
• This refers to the use of phrases or words that are
used and understood by a particular community or
region. These words are used in day-to-day speech,
but they vary from one region or community to the
other. 
Example of Colloquial Diction

• She was hotter than a hen on a July

Sunday. (Southern colloquialism)
• My neighbor is wicked smart! (New
England colloquialism)
• You betcha I’m watchin’ the big game.
(Midwest colloquialism)
 What are the types of Diction?
-SLANG DICTION
• Words that are specific to a period in time
or are considered “trendy” are often
present in slang diction. Young characters
use slang diction that is specific to their
generation. In the 21st century, texting
language can be considered slang diction.
Example of Slang Diction

• She was hotter than a hen on a July

Sunday. (Southern colloquialism)
• My neighbor is wicked smart! (New
England colloquialism)
• You betcha I’m watchin’ the big game.
(Midwest colloquialism)
 What are the types of Diction?
-CONCRETE DICTION-
• This is the use of words or phrases that
listeners can easily understand because
they are common knowledge, and they
can create images in their heads once they
hear them. Basically, with these words, the
listener can visualize what the speaker or
writer is talking about.
Example of Concrete Diction

• I brought my child a phone. (‘

Phone’ is concrete)
• My dog jumped over the fence
after seeing a thief. (Dog’ is
concrete
 What are the types of Diction?
-ABSTRACT DICTION-
• This refers to the use of 
words to describe feelings, thoughts, e
motions
, ideas, and concepts. Unlike concrete
diction, abstract diction describes
things that are intangible and without
physical presence
Example of Abstract Diction

• After doing much-singing practice, I

feel I am a good singer. (Feel’
expresses a feeling)
• Mary loves her mother so much.
(Love’ is an emotion)
Directions:

1. Write a brief letter describing or telling your

trip to your favorite place.
2. For those whose surname starts with A-M,
address your letter to a friend. If your
surname starts with N-Z, address your letter
to your teacher.
3. Use appropriate diction.