Here are a few suggestions on the use of words to attain force:

 

_Choice of Words_

 

PLAIN words are more forceful than words less commonly used--_juggle_ has more

vigor than _prestidigitate_.

 

SHORT words are stronger than long words--_end_ has more directness than

_terminate_.

 

SAXON words are usually more forceful than Latinistic words--for force, use

_wars against_ rather than _militate against_.

 

SPECIFIC words are stronger than general words--_pressman_ is more definite than

_printer_.

 

CONNOTATIVE words, those that suggest more than they say, have more power than

ordinary words--"She _let_ herself be married" expresses more than "She

_married_."

 

EPITHETS, figuratively descriptive words, are more effective than direct

names--"Go tell that _old fox_," has more "punch" than "Go tell that _sly

fellow_." ONOMATOPOETIC words, words that convey the sense by the sound, are

more powerful than other words--_crash_ is more effective than _cataclysm_.