CREATED BY KATHRYN REILLY

Pretentious Language

Pretentious Language Basics

What is pretentious language? Unnecessary words used in an attempt to impress the

reader

Why should writers avoid pretentious language? This type of language alienates the reader; it comes

across as snobby and oftentimes the readers feel as though the writer is trying to make them feel stupid.

What does pretentious language look like? Jack and Jill went up the hill.

A male human and a female of the same species arduously traversed upward upon a cohesive mound of earth.

Avoiding Pretentious Language

Avoid using the Thesaurus as a best friend. Write using words you know Use a Thesaurus only to avoid repeating the same

word multiple timesAsk the question: Does a simpler word or

phrase exist? And if so, does it convey the point clearly? If the answer is yes, simplify your sentence. Pretentious language is wordy language; simplifying

actually means less writing for you!KISS your work – Keep It Simple and Short

Pretentious Language Examples

Pretentious

AscertainEbullient PlethoraPre-ownedTranspireVertically challenged

KISSed

find out(very) happy manyusedhappenshort

Practice KISSing these Fairy Tale Characters

A crystalline precipitation form cohesively appearing without color

An immensely gigantic, morally depraved member of the Canis Lupis species

KISS IT!

A crystalline precipitation form cohesively appearing without color

SNOW WHITE

An immensely gigantic, morally depraved member of the Canis Lupus species

The BIG, BAD WOLF