Word Usage Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: L.7

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

Students often know the meaning of a word, but they do not have a clue how to properly place the word in a sentence. Word placement can make a sentence effective or a complete disaster. A writer's choice of words will often leave the audience being able to gauge their level of grammar mastery. There are many different literary devices that can make a written work pop, if the words are placed in an effective manner. These worksheets will help students learn more about word placements.

Word Usage Worksheets To Print:

Is the Word Used Correctly? – Each sentence below contains one or more word usage errors. Underline the error.

Word Circles – Circle the correct word to complete each sentence.

Improving Word Choices – Read each given word and write three words that can be used in place of that word.

The Right Word is Everything – Writers use words to paint pictures in readers' minds, so it's very important to use the most precise word that you can.

Dial It Up – Practice using words precisely. Read each given word and write three words that can be used in place of that word.

Avoiding the Double Negative – Find the double negative in each sentence. Rewrite the sentence so that it has only one negative.

The Double Negative – Choose the correct word(s) to complete each sentence.

Choosing the Best Word – Many words have similar, but not exactly the same, meaning.

Let Your Vocabulary Bloom – Expand your vocabulary by thinking of more interesting and exact synonyms that you could use in place of the word in the center of each flower. Write your words in the petals.

Your and You're – Even well educated adults have an issue with this.

Every Word Means Something Slightly Different – Each set of words below are synonyms, but they have different connotations.

Use the Right Word – Circle the word with the most appropriate connotation to complete each sentence.

Choosing the Right Word – Circle the correct word to complete each sentence.

Word Usage and Revision – Revise the following sentences by choosing words to improve them.

Using Words to Communicate Tone – Without coming out and explicitly saying so, one paragraph should convey that you approve of the topic, and the other should convey that you disapprove of it.

How We Attribute Some Words to Personal Emotions?


There are some specific words in the vocabulary of every language that, over time and with persistent use, are associated with some specific emotions. These words do not even have a proper meaning yet they are classified as words because, over time, their usage starts reflecting some meaning. In the English language, these words are commonly known as interjections and are used to display several human emotions like sadness, happiness, excitement, surprise, grief, and others.


What are The Reasons Behind These Words Associated to Personal Emotions?


Some words like alas, oops, hurrah, oh, and ah are only used in proper times and to convey the specific emotions of sorrow, realization, surprise, happiness, and pain. These words can never be used to convey any other emotion than the one that has been attributed to it over time. The reason behind this is the widely recognized acceptance that has been there with use and time and also because of their excess use by various influential figures in the language.


Is It a Mistake to Use One Interjection in Place of Another?


Yes, it is a mistake to use one of such words in the place of another most of the times. This is because these words convey a specific meaning and using them in a wrong emotional state can even wage a war and offend many. You can never tell your recently divorced friend Yahoo or Yay over their sorrow because they might get offended at this unless they know that you did it mistakenly.


What Are Some Examples of Emotions Reflecting Words?


Some common and widely used such emotionally attributed and specific words include yahoo, hurray, yay, etc. to show happiness and alas and oh to show sadness. Other examples include yikes, yum, damn, etc.


Why Some Words Draw More Emotion than Others

The English language can be described as vast and expansive. There are multiple words that convey the same meaning, but in are differentiated in subtle and nuanced ways. Language is used to express oneself and show emotion. Which invariably begs the question, why are some words more persuasive and evoke greater emotion in comparison to others?


For instance, it may transpire that the usage of words as mundane as 'hi' and 'hey' can have different vibes. Hey sounds more energetic than hi. There are many other words in the English language that have the same meaning in essence, but the emotion attached to them is markedly different.


This phenomenon can manifest itself when a person is writing, reading or speaking. If we look at writing, then it boils down to the reaction that a writer or author wants to exhibit and evoke. If they are creating a character in a particular setting, it is their choice what vocabulary they use. This is decisive since what may seem trivial is actually important and using the right words will change the complexion of the scene.


Therefore, regardless of whether you are speaking or writing, it is apparent that words may have meaning, but their purpose differs in the sense that they can be employed to show different levels of emotions.


The words used by an individual also informs their actions. For instance, you may use similar words, but one of the two may incite a greater facial expression than the other. The countenance may change as will the tone of the voice and the accompanying gestures.


That's not all though. The type of words that illicit a greater emotion also affects the person's demeanor and their speech in general.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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