JS Tip 130: From the Writing Workshops: The “Precision in Language” Game

This is a game. That’s all this is. Play with it. Have fun.

What percentage of occurance would you give to each of these words? What numbers would you give?

For example, if something occurs half the time, it probably occurs fifty percent of the time. Duh.

But what about—

Occasionally? Thirty-three percent? Twenty-five percent? What?  

Sometimes?
Not too often?
Hardly ever?
Frequently?

Almost always?
Once in a while?
Usually?
Often?
Now and then?   

Talk with your buddies. Ask them what they think. Ask them what percentages they’d give.

And be precise in your communication.

If you have questions, let us know. We love this stuff.

Next week: Taking away the chance to argue.