Non-literally!

Using non-literal language in professional writing

How often do you use non-literal language?

Most professional writing uses language at face value—known as literal language, where a word's meaning is direct. This is important to ensure writing is straightforward and easy to understand.

But there may be certain circumstances, when appropriate, where non-literal language can be more effective. For example: to hammer home a point (a metaphor) or explore blue-sky thinking (symbolism).

Non-literal language can make writing more interesting for the reader. It can communicate a wealth of compressed information through the associations we place upon words. Care must be taken, however, to understand the audience, as non-literal language carries a greater risk of being misunderstood.

While professional writing should be straightforward, clear, and concise as a rule, in certain contexts you may like to consider introducing the occasional well-placed metaphor, simile, symbolism, humour, irony, idiom, or other non-literal language.

Such turns in your writing can make a world of difference.