Mastering Clear Communication: Strategies to Avoid Overly Abstract Language

To avoid overly abstract language, consider the following strategies:

Best Practices for Clear Writing

Use Concrete Examples: Illustrate your points with specific examples or anecdotes that can ground your ideas in reality. Be Specific: Choose precise words that convey exact meanings instead of vague terms. For instance, instead of saying 'it was interesting,' say 'it sparked excitement.' Simplify Vocabulary: Use everyday language instead of jargon or complex words to make your writing more accessible. Limit Adjectives and Adverbs: Instead of relying on modifiers that may not add clarity, focus on strong nouns and verbs. Break Down Complex Ideas: Divide abstract concepts into smaller, digestible parts, explaining each component clearly. Ask for Feedback: Share your writing with others to see if they find any parts confusing or overly abstract. Revise and Edit: Review your work with an eye for clarity. Remove or rephrase sentences that feel vague or convoluted.

By applying these techniques, you can enhance clarity and ensure your writing remains engaging and understandable.

A Concrete Example of Abstract vs. Clear Writing

Another useful strategy is to think concretely. To better understand, we can look at what makes a word abstract. Abstract nouns typically describe feelings, ideas, or states that are often intangible, invisible, or difficult to define. Examples include 'anxiety, isolation, music, love, insipidity,' and 'superfluity, subversion, incandescence.'

Young children's books rarely contain abstract language because the literacy level necessary to access and understand such words is high. Instead, children's writers opt for concrete descriptions and literal ideas that are within their readers' experience and easily explained.

Consider the following quote: 'He stood before me perfectly still in the gloom of the winter’s afternoon. The debris of the packaging that had protected him was still piled around his feet. He emerged from it like Botticelli’s Venus rising from her shell. Through the north-facing window, the diminishing light picked out the outlines of just one half of his form, one side of his noble face. The only sounds were the friendly murmur of the fridge and a muted drone of traffic. I had a sense then of his loneliness settling like a weight around his muscular shoulders. He had woken to find himself in a dingy kitchen in London SW9 in the late twentieth century without friends, without a past, or any sense of his future. He truly was alone.'

In this passage by Ian McEwan, the abstract concepts like 'diminishing light' and 'emerging' are used sparingly and effectively. He uses simple language like 'piled around', 'picked out', 'dingy', and phrases such as 'without friends, without a past, or any sense of his future.' The loneliness of the automaton is conveyed using everyday words, making the idea more relatable and understandable.

For good writing, less really is more. Low frequency lexis should be used very sparingly. Contemporary fiction, especially from the 20th century onward, is generally characterized by 'concrete' or colloquial vocabulary. Opting for simple language can effectively express profound ideas and concepts.

The Power of Simplicity

Removing unnecessary adjectives and adverbs can also enhance clarity. If you go through your draft section by section and remove all adjectives and adverbs, your writing will likely be better instantly. Only reinsert those that you cannot bear to do without, as their absence can weaken the sense and intention of your writing.

Remember, good questions to keep in mind when writing fiction are: 'Do I talk like this? Does anyone talk like this?' Narration or direct speech should sound natural, reflecting the likely vocabulary and experience of the intended audience.

Further Reading and Resources

Lastly, there's a fantastic book by Master Writer and Editor Sol Stein called 'Solutions for Novelists.' This book delves into the value of being clear rather than abstract when writing fiction. It's highly recommended and was incredibly useful to me.

In summary, achieving clear and engaging writing involves focusing on concrete examples, being specific, simplifying vocabulary, limiting adjectives and adverbs, breaking down complex ideas, seeking feedback, and carefully editing. By practicing these techniques, you can ensure your writing remains accessible and impactful.