Vivid vs. Vague Language

The sensory details you select in your writing should create for your reader the same picture you have in your mind. Instead of using vague, general words, your sensory language should be concrete and sensory-packed. This makes the difference between vivid and vague language.

Vague	Vivid
The food was unappetizing	The pale chicken quarters floated lifelessly in a river of murky fat.
The sprinkler was refreshing	The cool water from the sprinkler splashes playfully over our sun-kissed bodies.

Vary Sentence Structure

When using descriptive language, always vary the structure of your sentence. Avoid using the same subject-verb pattern in all sentences. You can embed descriptive elements and combining sentences to avoid the routine subject-verb structure.

Example:

The park was empty. She ran towards the swing. She reached just as another person came towards it.

You could vary this sentence structure by embedding descriptive details and breaking the monotonous tone and the clipped, subject-verb style.

Racing through the almost empty park, she skidded into the swing, breathless, just as another woman jumped into her view.

When using sensory details, avoid the following:

1. Too many adjectives – use only the most powerful words in your writing, and delete any unnecessary words
2. Too many adverbs. Verbs are stronger than adverbs. She sauntered into the room is more powerful than She walked slowly into the room.
3. Clichéd figures of speech or overused language, such as green with envy, shows very little imagination. Use fresh, descriptive words that go against customary thinking.

Descriptive Paragraph Format

A descriptive paragraph should contain details that are appealing to the five senses. Here is a format that you can use:

Contextualization

When you are writing, remember that the reader needs to understand the basic components of the subject you are describing. Therefore, you need to give details about the essential elements of the piece you are talking about. This will help your readers to contextualize your writing, and this will help you set the scene for what will come next.

Characterization

Some qualities are specific to a particular place, person, or situation. Give the reader the characteristics of the idea that you are describing. For example, giving the reader specific details about the character of a person as this helps them understand that person better.

Importance

Be sure to tell the readers at the start how significant your idea is as this will ensure that they pay attention to your description. Make sure that you structure your words in a meaningful manner so that they express the importance of your subject.

Descriptive Writing Tips

Here are some descriptive writing tips

Be specific

Ensure that your description sparks interest in your reader. The reader does not want to read about things that they are aware of. For example, do not write about the rain falling because the readers already know this. Talk about specific elements about the rain falling. If it is a room, write about an interesting aspect of the room instead of the usual stuff.

Be creative

Allow the reader to connect the information and form their description. Try not to be so obvious when describing your subject. This makes your essay interesting and descriptive at the same time.

Give your descriptions purpose

Although you are describing your subject, be sure to make your essay flow. Ensure that the descriptions you use help you to tell the story.

Use concrete examples

Do not assume that the reader will understand your conceptual thoughts. If you say something ambiguous, ensure that you back it up with specific or clear details. Using examples is one sure way of making your readers understand your statements.