How do we tackle it? The daily drudgery of practicing, the logistics of finding a group and rehearsing, the pain of finding gigs and actually getting people to show up and give a shit. And if you hear the word “concrete,” what’s the first thing you think of? Example 1: Our company can help you meet all your goals. And then I decided that your writing is as beautiful as a simple, yet elegant math question and as adventurous and insightful as a beautiful piece of art. I purchased her book “Steering the Craft,” but haven’t read it yet. I don’t think that exists. We sketch the big picture, and use examples to add color. Really great article with lots of helpful ideas. Poetic diction. If they’re able to make their writing more concrete (or more specific), then their content becomes more engaging as readers can visualize their words. And your article reminded me of it. Thank you, Curtis, I appreciate your encouragement! Once arrested, I realized that handcuffs are concrete , even if my concept of what is legal wasn’t. An abstract detail/image has language and examples that are conceptual and have multiple interpretations. Your five physical senses cannot detect an abstract noun – you can’t see it, smell it, taste it, hear it, or touch it. Great post. Concrete vs Abstract. They’re a gliding scale. This reminds me of my great high school English teacher. And it’s good to know I wasn’t the only one with bad teachers . Concrete words refer to tangible, qualities or characteristics, things we know through our senses. I didn’t even know my website was mentioned in that course. People who know how to speak concrete when I get confused is good.I am not writing a story or anything but trying to understand myself. I actually read the chapter about the ladder of abstraction a couple of months ago, but didn’t quite know how I wanted to write it about until we were doing metaphors in the course last week , I appreciate your recommendation on my courses, too , Hi Henneke, I not only enjoyed your article but didn’t skim read at any point; so I guess you walked the talk. Any badass guitar song I heard, I would always close my eyes and envision myself up on stage playing it to the screams of the crowd, people absolutely losing their minds to my sweet finger-noodling. Excellent Henneke, When I first stepped into the blogosphere, the fact that was bewildering was the number of authors devoted on making you a better blogger. It’s probably one of the best (perhaps THE best) all round writing guide I’ve read. Which one is clear and memorable? The Ladder of Abstraction. Happy writing! Language is basically an abstract system of signs. But only when readers can picture a specific scene, your writing becomes engaging and colorful. Also, see how other writers you admire implement this idea; that’s one of the best ways to learn more and improve your writing (it’s what I continue to do to improve my writing). I certainly didn’t learn how to write well at school and had never heard of abstract and concrete words until now. Yay Isn’t ‘A Writer’s Coach’ terrific? I’m not a writer just a budding entrepreneur who savours the art of good writing practise and who strives to do better at such. The language is specific; tangible things. I’d recommend Jack Hart’s book (A Writer’s Coach) – he discusses the ladder of abstraction in chapter 9. I also loved how Jack Hart explained this in his book The Writer’s Coach. Thanks for the consistently inspiring and enriching posts, Henneke. Abstract diction is the language (words and phrases) we use to describe qualities that cannot be perceived with our five senses . Thoroughly enchanting! The distinction between abstract vs concrete may seem clear at first. I never considered writing or stories to sit on a scale of abstract to concrete. I sometimes wonder whether we, as business writers, are doomed to bore each other to tears. Thank you, Peter. I originally discovered it in S.I. I knew about the importance of specificity and have written about it before. w/ exact meaning Jack Hart doesn’t suggest a specific scheme or formula. I was so enchanted I just purchased a copy of your “Blog to win business” from Amazon. These phrases don’t conjure up concrete images in our mind—unless we get more detailed information like: Henrietta tripped over her shoelaces, lost the contest, and cried like a baby; she felt like a failure. this is one reason I always look forward to receiving that email from you weekly, it’s always worth the wait. That was a great lesson. Words are like kittens—they don’t stay in one place for long, they jump onto things they shouldn’t, and can be a bit naughty at times. I’m glad you found the visuals useful. What is the Difference Between Abstract Nouns and Concrete Nouns? Very helpful examples of the difference between concrete and Abstract thinking. I didn’t fully understand it before but your examples helped me see the big picture of how each type of language works. Examples: “It’s all good.” (translation = “All is well.”) “I aced that quiz!” (“I earned an … It is so true. Thank you for letting me know. When a word conjures up different images—a fruit bowl vs one juicy mango, then a word isn’t terribly concrete. Loved the stories and the examples. Thank you for stopping by to comment, Hasan. Concrete thinking refers to the thinking on the surface whereas abstract thinking is related to thinking in depth. Another way to quote would be: “(…) what we get out of life is not determined by the good feelings we desire but by what bad feelings we’re willing and able to sustain to get us to those good feelings.”. I found his book a fab reinforcement to what you teach on your courses. Many philosophers hold that this difference has fundamental metaphysical significance. . Yes, it’s a terrific book, and I so appreciate your recommendation! Impossible On with the treasure hunt. Examples, story & few sensory words help to explain the abstract rule & create a Big picture. Examples of concrete objects include plants, human beings and planets while things like numbers, sets and propositions are abstract objects. There’s a new concept. Learn how I can help you. I don’t think it’s a book to read from cover to cover in one session of binge reading. Before you know you can spend hours reading here …. BusinessWritingBlog has been helping you become a business writing expert since 2005. So thank you, Henneke for another great post and thank you for the recommendation, will check it out. As a precocious child, he held court in conversations with adults from an early age; by his teens, he could cook a full Sunday roast on his own. The treasure hunt is perhaps more satisfying than being told how to write. Among those strategies, two were writing through storytelling and writing with interesting statistics. I’ve put it on my reading list. I survive by focusing on getting the essentials right. (…). Also, it can motivate and convince people to buy your product or pay for a service. Key Difference: The term ‘abstract’ refers to the ability to think of concepts that are outside the box, concepts that cannot be felt or experienced using just the five senses. I still remember how you taught me during the course, to use examples and metaphors. A pear, a grape, a juicy pineapple—these are all concrete words because we can hold a pear in our hand, taste a grape, and smell a ripe pineapple; they’re tangible. Concrete and Abstract Thought. It is often vague and open to interpretation. I’m not sure whether different style guides have different preferences. And can be effective. The Key difference between concrete and abstract language is with concrete language we use concepts of things that can be felt or experienced in our lives, while in the case of using abstract language we express ideas and thoughts. Now check your email to confirm your subscription. Concrete language: The click rate on this email was pretty high, so many people have found it quite impossible to resist clicking. I would submit this most recent post as exhibit “A”. Because these terms refer to objects or events we can see or hear or feel or taste or smell, their meanings are pretty stable. In essence, an abstract noun is a quality, a concept, an idea, or maybe even an event. I’m looking forward to reading it! Concrete thinking is sometimes described in terms of its opposite: abstract thinking. Usually content gets better if we replace gobbledygook by super-concrete details. I appreciate your stopping by, Nicolas. However, when we need to give instructions, specific advice, or motivate our audience, we need to add some concrete to the mix. All my students would be using your posts as course material. Yes, it’s a maze, isn’t it? Combine that with your cartoons you are someone I know+ in my mind. Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Cynthia. It uses symbols — words — to represent reality. I absolutely love all your articles, they’re all so fun to read yet so informative at the same time, you’re definitely the type of writer I aspire to be (your graphs aren’t half bad either :P). It was impossible for me not to click through to the post. by Henneke | 79 enchanting opinions, add yours? A business coach illustrates online business models with real life stories. ID: 1207721 Language: English School subject: English Language Arts (ELA) Grade/level: Grade 3 Age: 8-9 Main content: Nouns Other contents: concrete and abstract Add to my workbooks (23) Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Lena. Most people remain stuck at the top half of the ladder, but the most interesting content combines the very top with the very bottom of the ladder; it mixes the super-concrete with the really abstract. You may also find it useful to analyze how other writers use abstract vs concrete language – that’s what I do to keep improving my own writing. He wants writers to connect these poles together, to get them working with each other – rather than staying stuck in the boring middle. The red Toyota Corolla jerked back and forth as it went down the bumpy road. I really his perspective on this, too. However, the second sentence defines who you are, what you will do, and how it will help your client. Fascinating! Am I the only one who thinks so? When you hear the term “abstract,” what comes to mind? A second advantage is helping writers understand that abstract sentences aren’t wrong—as long as you mix the abstract statements with concrete examples so the writing feels alive rather than being just dry facts. I think your post will help me to combine those and to write an engaging introduction for my reader. On the other hand, abstract thinking goes under the surface. And thank you for your lovely comment. If we want to share our big ideas without boring our readers to tears, we have to mix abstract advice with concrete imagery. Abstract vs. Or perhaps I just never considered it this way. I’d say, trust your own judgment. Our company is looking for a flexible team player. Cheers sweetie…. It is attention-grabbing and full of details. Thanks for helping me understand why I keep getting confused with what is said not just with teachers but with everyday people. Thank you for your huge compliment, Charlie. I loved your examples and illustrations in this post, just been saving them to Pinterest. We learned about grammar and punctuation. Abstract words refer to intangible qualities, ideas, and concepts. I know I finally broke my silence with your last post (or the one before?) 1990) and use it often in my daily life in general. Thanks again for the great post. Examples of concrete terms include spoon, table, velvet eye patch, nose ring, sinus mask, green, hot, walking. So, I can’t really comment. And avoid hiding behind broad generalizations. From the way you explained it, I can definitely understand why it was so effective — something that might have taken me a bit longer to realise if it weren’t for you! It gets right to the point and removes any ambiguity. There are two basic forms of reasoning: concrete and abstract. They mix abstract language with somewhat concrete language, but they don’t become specific enough. So, aim for concrete language—specific language that is easily understood and vivid. It’s like hearing facts from a trusted friend whose way with words is magical. Or perhaps you think of the zesty Granny Smith you had yesterday afternoon. What Type of Writer Am I? It’s a mountain of a dream and a mile-high climb to the top. Curtis, that’s so true. I didn’t fully understand it before but your examples helped me see the big picture of how each type of language works. Concrete nouns or concepts are something that can usually be experienced using one’s five senses: touch, taste, smell, sight and sound. Thank you for your compliment on my drawings. There was an error submitting your subscription. These words indicate things we know only through our intellect, like "truth," "honor," "kindness," and "grace." This is an excellent post. Concrete words on the other hand (like cat, umbrella, rain, wool, stomp, drizzle) appeal to the senses and have more flavour. Give your reader something they can relate to, picture, or feel. A reader may find it hard to pin down the exact meaning. You’re not the only one. But then I pondered this a few more seconds and I thought, but no you’re also very clear in delivering and achieving what you set out to explain, so more mathematical. But I am so glad I got stuck here :D. Thank you for sharing! Many writers think their writing is concrete, but their writing is only half-way the continuum. The accounting department has asked all employees to submit reports using Excel spreadsheets. Being specific and dabbling between concrete and abstract writing is the key to great writing. Hi Henneke, Love your drawings. Your advice is always a worthwhile read Henneke and while ‘yes’ I’m guilty of skimming for tidbits I look forward to your posts my dear. With your student’s quest, since of curiosity and imagination you have already done a wonderful job of organizing your treasure hunt and sharing it with the rest of us. Thank you for stopping by and for spreading the word. An architect shows photos or drawings of buildings to illustrate architectural trends. Girl, flag vs. beauty, patriotism Denotation vs. connotation – lang. I can think of a nonmaterial particular thing such as the Angel Gabriel. A woman cradled him in her arms as paramedics rushed to the scene before whisking Quamari away to hospital. To get readers to listen to our advice, we need to explain the abstract rules, and share concrete stories to add meaning. I agree with you – that article by Gary Younge is well written, and it’s interesting to see how he keeps jumping up and down the Ladder of Abstraction to mix concrete stories with the data and the trends. I hope you’ll enjoy the book. That’s a good point about gobbledygook because gobbledygook is usually somewhere in the middle of the ladder. It’s a great book for grazing (like reading a chapter here or there when you feel like it). At school, we’ve learned how to write. When my drawings make someone smile, I’m happy . This fantasy could keep me occupied for hours on end. Turning Abstract Writing into Concrete Marketing Language. I'd like to receive the free email course. Concrete language is specific, literal word usage rather than metaphorical or figurative language. Writing for Social Media, a writing course I’m currently taking on edX brought me here. I find it hand-wringing-ly frustrating as a business writer when my clients insist that the tone I use is “too conversational” or “too informal”. But this was the first time, I heard about the ladder of abstraction – I love it! And it took me a long time and a lot of negative experiences to finally figure out why: I didn’t actually want it. So, to be an effective business writer, you need to understand the differences in abstract vs. concrete language. A reader may find it hard to pin down the exact meaning. You put a smile on my face , Follow proven templates for specific writing tasks, practice your skills, and get professional feedback so you become a confident business writer. – David, PS – will check out the recommended book, A Writer’s Coach. They make the facts meaningful. So, you may need to add context or modifiers to tweak a sentence. Unless you’re the Pope or a president, I find most online and/or marketing writing to be too formal. Think about fruit. Life would get pretty boring without ideas and concepts floating around, challenging our minds to try to define them. Interestingly, Jack Hart also refers to that book – that’s where he first came across the Ladder of Abstraction. An article about knife crime by Gary Younge, for instance, starts with a specific story of a specific student: Quamari Barnes, a 15-year-old student, had been stabbed several times. That’s what makes this post good. If you want to know more, I recommend Jack Hart’s book “A Writer’s Coach” – chapter 9. Diction Powerpoint Project Jiyoon Cho, Caitlin Crommett, Jacqueline Jacobs, Corisa Oh, Alexandra Steinhaus IDEA English 2 Period 3 2. They tell us the big picture. Seriously. Organizing our own treasure hunt and discovering the treasures is fun, right? Active Voice vs. A luminary once explained that, as we grow, we move from a state of unaware ignorance (we dont know that we dont know) through to a state of aware knowing. The best has yet to be found. It sounds like you had a much better English teacher than I’ve had! I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy that book, David! Your brain pulled these answers quickly. Thank you for your lovely comment, Irina. Remember, the more abstract your writing is, the less likely you are to make your point. Great job as usual. I keep clicking on the next link to see what else is around the corner :). Did we learn how to engage our readers? Your website helped me understand my own thinking.If the teacher starts speaking jargon and uses abstract words I am lost. Thank you for your lovely comment, Bernice. And to jump to the last sentence of his post, Manson summarizes his message in abstract language again: This is the most simple and basic component of life: our struggles determine our successes. Answer by Craig… Because you are most familiar with these words in those settings. Thank you indeed. Example #1. Yes, that’s so true… moving from a state of unaware ignorance to a state of aware ignorance can be quite scary so I wanted to make sure this post moved you all the way to a state of aware knowing. Both are critically important for day to day life, but most people are better at one type of reasoning than the other. THE NATURE OF LANGUAGE The nature of language is abstract. * John Stuart Mill ; The names of individuals are concrete , those of classes abstract. Let me know? Thank you again. Abstract nouns are words that name things that are not concrete. The Importance of Planning a Business Document, How to Write a Professional Out of Office Message, Misplaced Modifiers: What Are They and How to Avoid Them. It is especially helpful in business communication. Did you click through to read Mark Manson’s article? Let’s breakdown the differences between abstract language and concrete language. But not only. Good educational content jumps from concrete to abstract and back all the time. In his excellent book “A Writer’s Coach,” Jack Hart calls this the ladder of abstraction. Tis an irritation isn’t it? When you add relevant details, you make your story more vivid. Concrete diction consists of specific words that describe physical qualities or conditions. Abstract Thinking vs Concrete Thinking. A word may not always fall into the “abstract” or “concrete” category. I’m glad you enjoyed this one, Debbie. I’m in charge of social media for a tech-company and more often than not, I try to inject very fancy and complex terms, hoping that it will attract the technical readers. Concrete language is preferred in business communication. Abstract thinking is part of what sets us apart from most other animals. The best writing integrates concrete and abstract diction, the language of showing and the language of telling (explaining)." When you can deftly implement and weave language on multiple levels, your writing becomes more interesting. You wouldn’t let me off the hook before the scene became vivid with details. Huh. [This is directly opposite to abstract terms, which name things that are not available to the senses.] This can spell disaster in business. The email page you sent was killer. I appreciate it. Concrete imagery is all the more powerful if you can connect the words to strong associations many have experienced. It just refers to thinking in the periphery. I love writing and sharing what I learn! I got past it, more or less, when I decided the “master” teacher’s limitations left that much more for me to discover on my own. He would have us write a short essay almost everyday. It means while descending by the ladder of abstraction we’ve to cut FAT(gobbledygook) from our content to make it concrete. The visuals with the concrete and abstract words is very helpful. Abstract Words. I wish my days of teaching were still going. Abstract diction refers to language that denotes ideas, emotions, conditions, or concepts that are intangible. What a great explanation of how abstract and concrete work together to paint a vivid picture and convey a message. A skilled writer knows how to properly use and mix all levels of language, including abstract and concrete. Does the author draw up complicated schemes of wheter you should match a 1/3 concrete with a 2/3 abstract word, for instance? That’s how I like to write my blog posts . As you can probably tell from the definition of concrete thinking, abstract thinking is when someone can think about things that aren't physically in front of them. Does 'concrete' mean a sensible (detectable by the senses) thing, ie a corporeal sensible thing, or only a 'particular' thing. Not abstract. Abstract language: Includes general language and intangible qualities, ideas, or concepts. ? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Henneke, you’ve just helped us writers to be aware of the abstraction ladder AND to know how to use it. A question to a fellow litty: what do you think of Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Lathe of Heaven? Nope, being verbose means adding needless detail. Why can’t I remember that when I’m writing!? Oh, my goodness, Henneke! This is the thought that popped into my mind after I navigated your once again magical story. Yes, the Writer’s Coach is an excellent read. Concrete Language. :). The term abstraction also applies to uses of language. Success! I mean that . But the big picture only comes alive with specific examples and stories. You might think of the apples, pears and kiwis in your fruit bowl, or you might think of one juicy mango, or you might think of the fruit display at your supermarket or local greengrocer. Your website is a giant maze of information and I can’t get out, lol. I can’t seem to find straight crit on her work. I wish the world communicated more in concrete ideas, too, as it’s easier for everyone to understand concrete messages. I hope you’ll enjoy the “snacks!” . I’m thinking of the Braeburn apple I had for breakfast with cinnamon, blueberries, almonds, and yogurt. Abstraction on a scale. Abstract my mind picture maybe,but you have laid down more concrete facts than anyone I have read. But the more I write, the more I realize that especially on social media when the attention of the audience is extremely short, it’s way better to keep the copy straight forward, short, and provide as much value as possible instead of using bait-click words. Both your courses and his book . This is where I see most writers go wrong, and they don’t realize exactly why their writing feels bland. I think last two lines is the summary of the post, love the style. A painting by Jackson Pollock? An article about knife crime by Gary Younge, Imagery examples: How to paint pictures with words, How to use the persuasive power of metaphors, https://www.enchantingmarketing.com/precise-writing/. At the same time there is so much of you in every post that I can almost see you, your bycle and sketching pens,each time I start to read your writing. Perhaps I should be more grateful to my teachers who left me so much to discover . And what it took me a long time to discover is that I didn’t like to climb much. Informal Diction. Yes, using stats and storytelling are both powerful strategies; and the real magic happens when you combine the two. And your drawings are fabulous! (, ZYX Marketing will integrate actionable solutions. Thanks Henneke for sharing this useful and important rule for writing content that grabs and moves readers to vividly imagine specific scenes supported with context. Ultimately it becomes digestible for readers to gobble up. We use abstract terms every day. I love your phrase hand-wringing-ly frustrating. If we want our messages to stick, we have to educate and entertain our readers.
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