How to Write Great Essays

somewheres: see anyways
theirselves/themself: both are incorrect forms of themselves; because them is
plural, self must be as well. Also, their combined with selves is incorrect
because it suggests possession.

---

HOW TO WRITE GREAT ESSAYS

CHAPTER 3 Word Choice
30

C
O N N O T AT I O N
When you are certain you have selected your words carefully, each one denoting exactly what
you intend it to, you must then consider connotation. What shades of meaning are suggested?
Think beyond the dictionary, or denotative meaning, to what might be implied or inferred
by your writing.
POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE CONNOTATION
Connotation involves emotions, cultural assumptions, and suggestions. Connotative, or
implied, meanings can be positive, negative, or neutral. Some dictionaries offer usage notes
that help to explain connotative meanings, but they alone can’t be relied on when trying to
avoid offensive or incorrect word choices. Keep in mind that using a word without being
aware of its implied meaning can annoy your reader or make your message unclear.
For example, what feelings come to mind when you hear the words plagiarize or copy?
Plagiarize has negative connotations, while copy is a more neutral selection. Blunder or over-
sight? Leer or look?
If you were making travel plans, would you choose to rent a car from an agency whose
safety record was described as adequate? Although the dictionary definition of the word is
“sufficient” or “meeting a requirement,” the connotative meaning is negative: “barely satis-
factory.” Consider all the meanings your words might reveal, and determine whether they
belong in your writing.