What You Say When You Write a Message: Use a Choice Superlative by Gene Griessman
Whether you are writing a thank-you note, a sympathy note, or a business letter, your use of a well-chosen superlative can set your message apart from the others, make it memorable, perhaps treasured.
But be careful. Superlatives can sound overly flowery. You never want to sound false or insincere.
If English is not your first language, be doubly careful when you use superlatives. Nothing gives you away more quickly than the inept use of a superlative. To insure that you use a superlative correctly, consult a really good dictionary for examples. Fortunately there are a number of good dictionaries on-line that provide examples of correct usage.
Below is a list of superlatives you can choose from. Some of my favorites are on this list.
amazing
astonishing
astounding
attractive
awe-inspiring
beautiful
beyond belief
bright
brilliant
colorful
dazzling
excellent
exceptional
extraordinary
fabulous
generous
gleaming
glowing,
good-looking
gorgeous,
handsome
inconceivable
incredible
lively
lovely
luminous
marvelous
miraculous
outstanding
radiant
remarkable
shimmering
shining
sparkling
spectacular
splendid
startling
striking
stunning
surprising
unbelievable
vibrant
vivid
wonderful
Next time you write a note, give the over-used words in your core vocabulary a break. Pick a superlative or two from the above list. The results may be surprising, wonderful, unbelievable.
Source: “101 Ways To Say Thank You” by Kelly Browne (Sterling: NY and London, 2008 www.sterlingpublishing.com) Whatyousay.com likes this book. It brims with examples and wise advice about thank-you messages.
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