Implicit and Explicit Language:

Implicit and Explicit Language:
What are they, and how do they
affect my writing?
Implicit Language
• Used in small-knit communities of friends, coworkers, families.
• Used when all parties involved in the
conversation already obtain extensive
knowledge regarding the subject.
• We use implicit language as an informal way
to communicate with those people we know
very well.
Implicit Language
Where/when do we use it?
• Facebook/ MySpace entries. For example, Sarah
might leave a Facebook message on a friend’s
wall that says, “Are you going tomorrow night?”
• The recipient of this message likely already knows
what Sarah is talking about, so Sarah doesn’t
need to specify that she is talking about Malik’s
birthday party.
Implicit Language
• An outsider who does not know Malik might
see the posted message, but he does not
know what the message is pertaining to.
• If she wanted inform everyone, Sarah should
have used explicit language. For example,
“Are you going to Malik’s birthday party
tomorrow night?”
Explicit Language
• Used when speaking broadly to a general
audience that likely does not have extensive
knowledge of the topic/subject.
• Specific language that provides details and
explanation.
Explicit Language:
When/where should we use it?
• Most professional/academic writing should be
written using explicit language.
• Examples: Research papers, essays, business
letters, speeches, formal writing of any kind
on tests.
• Remember, don’t ever assume that your
reader knows exactly what you are talking
about! 
Implicit vs. Explicit
Implicitly written
“Are we going?” I asked.
“I haven’t decided.” Mom said.
“Well, let me know.” I replied.
Explicitly written
“Are we going to go to the
beach tomorrow?” I asked.
“ I haven’t made a decision
yet. It depends on if your
father can take off of work.”
Mom said.
“Well, just let me know
because I need to make
other plans if we cannot
go.” I replied.

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