Lesson 21—Diction problems
1. What is a diction error?
A diction error is a “wrong word” error. For instance, if an employer says we interviewed perspective
candidates instead of we interviewed prospective candidates, she has committed an error in diction.
Perspective means point of view, but prospective means potential. On the SAT, a diction error will be a
word that almost sounds right.
2. Common diction errors
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Diction practice
Correct any diction errors in the following sentences.
1. Even the most trivial news seems to effect the stock price immediately.
2. David felt ambiguous about testifying against his partner.
3. The moral of the troops was at an all-time low during the Christmas season.
4. That scarf really compliments your outfit.
5. I tried to stay awake for the lecture, but I was so disinterested that I dozed off before the professor was
finished.
6. The article mentioned the low voter turnout in order to infer that the senator may not have been
elected by a true majority.
7. Although the police initially had many solid leads, the suspect alluded them for several months.
8. It may be years before we understand how pollution from the new power plant might effect the regional
environment.
9. The new online store’s musical offerings run the gambit from arias to zydeco.
10. Heather was the principle author of the study that was recently published in a prominent scientific
magazine.
11. All of the invited guests accept Anthony arrived promptly.
12. For nearly the entire semester, I felt so inhabited that I never so much as razed my hand in class.
13. Try as they might, the hikers could not find the anecdote to the snake venom.
14. The acid solution was so potent that we had to delude it with water before we could use it safely.
15. The symbols on the cave walls are ambivalent; scientists have been debating their meaning for
decades.
16. Despite a minor setback with the caterers, the Breedens managed to give an eloquent party.
17. As someone committed to fairness in education, she could not accept the iniquity of the admissions
policy.
18. Although most of the manuscripts were signed by their authors, some were written unanimously.
19. It was hard for the comic to illicit even the slightest laugh from the crowd.
20. We needed to adopt the old engine to fit the new go-cart.
21. The imminent congresswoman was reelected easily.
22. She thought she should be discrete about her previous relationship with the defendant.
23. The counsel will decide how to finance the new city park.
24. Rather than cooperating with the rest of the team, Richard always tries to flaunt the rules.
25. His knowledge of sports runs the gambit from table tennis to arena football.
26. The jury should not imply guilt from the defendant’s refusal to answer these questions.
27. We are amazed at how adapt a juggler Carl was.
28. Rather than eliminate the department all at once, they decided to faze it out gradually.
29. Barking dogs can often signal eminent danger.
30. After our vacation, we decided to precede with the plan.
31. I was trying to infer that I didn’t enjoy the movie.
32. I always felt reticent to talk in class.
33. Deanne’s concentration was not even phased by the fire alarm.
34. The police officer was sighted for her efforts in the hostage rescue.
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3. Tip for improving your essay
When you write, diction is important. Your choice of words often conveys your level of authority on and
sensitivity to your subject. The essay readers on the SAT specifically assess the strength or weakness of
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your diction when grading your essay, so think carefully about your choice of words. Choose the most
effective word for your purpose. For instance, saying I worked really hard leaves the impression that
you don’t have a strong vocabulary. Saying I worked diligently leaves a better impression without
seeming overbearing. Saying I worked assiduously or I worked sedulously might seem overbearing and
pedantic, depending on the context. Using effective diction does not simply mean showing off every big
word you know; it means using clear and appropriate vocabulary.
4. Tip for the multiple-choice questions
If an underlined word on an SAT Writing question sounds a bit odd, it might be a diction error. On the
SAT, diction errors will always be “near misses.” That is, they sound similar to the right word, but are
illogical in context.
, the effects of the storm were
, because the townspeople
well in advance, and had taken all necessary
.
The word negligent means lax or neglectful. Only people can be negligent, not storms or their effects, so its
use in this context is illogical. Choice (B) should be changed to negligible, which means insignificant.
Answer Key
Diction practice
1. Even the most trivial news seems to affect the stock price immediately.
2. David felt ambivalent about testifying against his partner.
3. The morale of the troops was at an all-time low during the Christmas season.
4. That scarf really complements your outfit.
5. I tried to stay awake for the lecture, but I was so uninterested… (Disinterested means impartial.)
6. The article mentioned the low voter turnout in order to imply…
7. Although the police initially had many solid leads, the suspect eluded them for several months.
8. It may be years before we understand how pollution from the new power plant might affect the regional
environment.
9. The new online store’s musical offerings run the gamut from arias to zydeco.
10. Heather was the principal author of the study…
11. All of the invited guests except Anthony arrived promptly.
12. For nearly the entire semester, I felt so inhibited that I never so much as raised my hand in class.
13. Try as they might, the hikers could not find the antidote…
14. The acid solution was so potent that we had to dilute it with water before we could use it safely.
15. The symbols on the cave walls are ambiguous; scientists have been debating their meaning for decades.
16. Despite the setbacks with the caterers, the Bree-dens managed to give a splendidly elegant party.
(Eloquent means well-spoken.)
17. As someone committed to fairness in education, she could not accept the inequity… (Iniquity is sin.)
18. Although most of the manuscripts were signed by their authors, some were written anonymously.
19. It was hard for the comic to elicit even the slightest laugh from the crowd.
20. We needed to adapt the old engine to fit the new go-cart.
21. The eminent congresswoman was reelected easily.
22. She thought it wise to be discreet about her previous relationship with the defendant.
23. The council will decide how to finance the new city park.
24. Rather than cooperating with the rest of the team, Richard is always trying to flout the rules.
25. His knowledge of sports runs the gamut from table tennis to arena football.
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26. The jury should not infer guilt from the defendant’s refusal to answer these questions.
27. We are amazed at how adept a juggler Carl was.
28. Rather than eliminate the department all at once, they decided to phase it out gradually.
29. Dogs barking can often signal imminent danger.
30. After our vacation, we decided to proceed with the plan.
31. I was trying to imply that I should be considered for the new position.
32. I always felt reluctant to talk in class.
33. Deanne’s concentration was not even fazed by the fire alarm.
34. The police officer was cited for her efforts in the hostage rescue.
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