News Writing Style (original) (raw)
Newspaper Headlines often include key words that may or may not be commonly used. They are chosen because they are shorter and require less space and also because of the effect that they may produce on the learners. Headlines are also written in a special style which basically consist of simplifying the grammar.
Therefore, in headlines, we usually find:
- Short words instead of long ones and abreviations.
- Dramatic adjectives and adverbs to attract readers attention.
- Active verbs.
- Cultural references.
- A very condensed structure:
- articles and verb the "to be" are frequently omitted;
- verbs are simplified:
- the present simple refers to the present or the past;
- the infinitive refers to the future;
- the verb "to be" is also omitted in the passive and in continuous forms;
- the progressive -ing form is used to show something that is developing.- nouns and adjectives are grouped together without any verbs or conjunctions.
Following is a list of words that often appear in headlines and the meaning they usually have in this context:
| Headline word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| accord (n) | agreement |
| aid (n/v) | assist/ assistance |
| axe (v) | cut, destroy |
| awe (v) | veneration |
| back (v) | support |
| ban (n/v) | prohibition |
| bar (n/v) | exclude, prohibit |
| bid (n) | attempt |
| blast (n) | explosion |
| blaze (n) | fire |
| blow (n) | injury/disappointment |
| boom (n/v) | sudden beneficial increase |
| boost (n/v) | help, incentive |
| bring (v) | to cause, result in |
| bug (n) | disease, virus |
| call (for) (n/v) | demand |
| clash (n/v) | argument, conflict |
| cop (n) | policeman |
| coup (n) | revolution, change in government |
| crook (n) | criminal |
| curb (n/v) | restrain, limit |
| cut (n/v) | reduction |
| deal (n) | agreement |
| drama (n) | dramatic action, |
| drive (n) | campaign, effort |
| envoy (n) | diplomat |
| exit (n/v) | leave |
| fear (n/v) | anxious expectations |
| flee (v) | escape rapidly |
| gems (n) | jewels |
| go (v) | be sold or knock down |
| go-ahead (n) | approval |
| gunman (n) | a man with a gun |
| hail (v) | celebrate, acclaim |
| halt (n/v) | stop |
| hammer (v) | beat |
| haul (n/v) | large quantity that has been stolen |
| head (n/v) | direct, lead |
| hit (v) | affect badly |
| hold (v) | detain, keep in police custody |
| hurdle (n) | obstacle |
| jail (n/v) | prison |
| jet (n) | aeroplane |
| jobless (adj) | unemployed |
| key (adj) | essential, vital |
| kid (n) | child |
| killing (n) | murder |
| link (n/v) | connection |
| loom (v) | approach (of something threatening) |
|---|---|
| mob (n) | mafia/ uncontrolled crowd |
| net (v) | to capture |
| no (n) | refusal, rejection |
| ordeal (n) | unpleasant experience |
| oust (v) | push out, replace |
| output (n) | production |
| pact (n) | agreement, treaty |
| peril (n) | danger |
| pledge (n/v) | promise |
| plea (n) | strong request |
| poll (n) | election, public survey |
| press (v) | to insist on something |
| press for (v) | demand, ask for |
| probe (n/v) | investigate |
| quit (v) | leave, resign |
| quiz (v) | interrogate |
| raid (n/v) | attack, robbery |
| riddle (n) | mystery |
| row (n) | argument, disagreement |
| scare (n) | alarm |
| seek (v) | request |
| shock (n) | surprising revelation |
| slam (v) | criticise severely |
| slash (v) | reduce |
| smash (v) | destroy |
| snub (v) | reject, turn down |
| soar (v) | increase dramatically |
| spark (v) | cause, produce |
| split (n/v) | divide |
| squeeze (n/v) | shortage, scarcity |
| storm (n) | violent disagreement |
| strife (n) | conflict |
| sue (v) | accuse, appeal |
| switch (n/v) | change, deviation |
| swoop (n/v) | sudden attack or raid |
| talks (n) | discussions |
| threat (n) | menace |
| toll (n) | number of people killed |
| top (n) | exceed |
| urge (v) | recommend strongly |
| vow (n/v) | promise, threaten |
| walkout (n) | strike |
| wed (v) | wedding |
| weep (v) | cry, mourn |
| win (v) | gain, achieve |
| woe (n) | misfortune |
| woo (v) | try to win the favour of |