How do you use appropriate language for your story?

Language is more than just words on a page—it’s a powerful tool for immersion in storytelling. When language doesn’t match your characters, setting, or time period, it can pull readers out of the story instantly. Here’s why it matters and how to get it right.

Characters speak differently

Every character has a unique voice shaped by their age, background, education, and personality.

Your characters’ speech, thoughts, and internal narration should match who they are. A Victorian aristocrat wouldn’t casually text “LOL” in a 19th-century setting, just as a ten-year-old in a fantasy world probably wouldn’t use formal legal jargon.

TIP: Read dialogue aloud. If it sounds off for the character, it probably is.

Worlds and settings need consistent language

Whether you’re building a fantasy kingdom or a sci-fi colony, the language you use shapes the world. Using words that are too modern or out of place can break the illusion of a carefully constructed time or place.

Example:

• Calling a medieval inn a “coffee shop” immediately pulls a reader out of the story.

TIP: Try to invent phrases or idioms that feel natural within your world.

Periods in time

Words, idioms, and sentence structures change over time. Using modern slang or idioms in the wrong era can distract readers from the story. Even small details like saying “cell phone” in the 1800s will feel jarring.

Example:

• A 16th-century noble wouldn’t say “cool” or “totally freaked out.”

TIP: Study historical letters, diaries, and literature for authentic speech rhythms. When in doubt, keep dialogue and narration simple and timeless rather than forcing modern phrases into the wrong setting.

Age and generational language

Each generation has its own slang, references, and way of speaking. Teenagers in 2025 don’t speak like teens in the 1980s. Using the wrong generational language can make characters feel inauthentic.

Example:

• “We had a rad time at lunch,” the teen said, instantly breaking the illusion of a 2025 setting.

TIP: Immerse yourself in the generation you’re writing about—research what people said and how they actually spoke.

Cultures and countries

Language should reflect cultural and regional context. Misusing cultural and regional language can confuse readers—or worse, come across as insensitive. Dialects, idioms, and vocabulary should be handled respectfully and accurately.

TIP 1: When writing outside your own experience, research thoroughly or consult sensitivity readers.

TIP 2: Avoid stereotypes or phonetic spellings of accents; focus on word choice and rhythm instead.

Every word you choose contributes to your story’s authenticity. Inconsistent language—whether it’s period speech, regional terms, or character voice—can break immersion and pull readers out of the narrative. Get it right, and your characters and world will feel alive, believable, and impossible for readers to leave.