As a copy editor, one of the most important things you need to know is how to use a thesaurus effectively. A thesaurus is a valuable tool that can help you find synonyms and other related words to make your writing more diverse and interesting. However, it is important to use a thesaurus correctly, as using the wrong synonym can change the meaning of a sentence entirely.
One common mistake people make when using a thesaurus is using words that are not in agreement with the rest of the sentence. For example, let`s say you are writing a sentence that reads, “The dog barked loudly.” You decide to use a thesaurus to find another word for “loudly,” and you come up with “tumultuously.” So your new sentence reads, “The dog barked tumultuously.”
While “tumultuously” is a perfectly good synonym for “loudly,” it does not agree with the tone and meaning of the rest of the sentence. “Tumultuously” implies a chaotic and disorderly sound, which is not what you want to convey if you are simply describing a dog barking. In this case, a better synonym would be “vociferously” or “energetically.”
Another common mistake people make when using a thesaurus is using words that are too obscure or technical. While it may seem impressive to use big, complex words, in reality, it can make your writing difficult to understand and come across as pretentious. Remember, the goal of writing is to communicate a message clearly and effectively, not to showcase your vocabulary.
In conclusion, using a thesaurus can be a great tool for copy editors, but it is important to use it correctly. Make sure you choose synonyms that are in agreement with the tone and meaning of the sentence, and avoid using obscure or technical words that can make your writing confusing. With a little practice, you can become an expert at using a thesaurus to improve your writing.