Do We Agree? Stylistic Choices by KM Rockwood

We all make stylistic choices as we write.

Stylistic choices refer to the decisions (usually deliberate) made by a writer regarding language, tone, and structure used to convey meaning and achieve a desired effect.

What are some examples of stylistic choices? (Asking a rhetorical question is a stylistic choice. As is a word echo—repeating the same word or phrase in close proximity. Often for emphasis. Also the use of sentence fragments.)

For example, when we have a character who verbally expresses acquiesce, stylistic choice can tell the reader quite a bit about both the characters and circumstance.

“Certainly, sir,” agreed the crisp, professional bell captain in a luxury hotel when asked to fetch a guest’s luggage.

“I guess,” said the reluctant roommate asked to share his quart of milk.

“No problemo.” The teenage server asked to bring ketchup for the fries.

“Soon as I can get to it.” Same server when asked for the ketchup the third time.

“’Atta boy.” Youth sports coach encouraging a timid player who has stepped up to the plate.

“If we must.” Elderly ladies sitting in a disabled car when told that the only way home is to walk.

“’Fraid so.” Yard jockey asked if he’d just driven over scrap metal and torn up the tires of a truck.

“Indubitably.” Professor asked if an excellently executed extra assignment might improve dismal semester grades. (Alliteration can be a stylistic choice, too.)

“¿De verdad?” When one of the guides realizes a tourist in the group understands enough Spanish to have caught all the running commentary among the guides.

“Yeah.” Tepid agreement between friends.

“Sir, yes, sir!” The recruit in boot camp addressing his drill sergeant.

“Hell, yes.” Another beer?

“If you say so.” A doubting friend just informed that the bar where they are to meet opens at 8 am.

“I suppose.” The elderly aunt asked to welcome her nephew’s new girlfriend to a family celebration.

“Tsk. I suppose.” The same aunt when it’s the sixth new girlfriend this year.

“If you think it’s safe.” Reluctant fellow ice fisherman asked early in the season to bring his chainsaw out on the lake.

“You don’t say.” Bored passenger on an airplane whose seatmate babbles on.

“Yep.” Self-satisfied inventor watching a success trial run of his new contraption.

“Cool.” The hippie’s approval of almost anything.

“Agreed.” At the conclusion of negotiations.

“Uh huh.” A worker trying to finish a project despite verbal distractions.

“Should work.” A skeptical participant contemplating a questionable scheme.

“So be it.” The pastor’s affirmation after calling a blessing for his flock.

“Amen.” The congregation’s response.

What additional ways can we use stylistic choice to enhance our writing?