Ever been tongue-tied? You know what you want to say but your words get tangled? Sometimes you mix up the order of the words, like saying "Ever get tied-tongue?" Sometimes you insert a familiar-sounding word but one that doesn't mean the same thing, like saying "Ever get tong tied?"
Writers often get "tongue-tied," too. They know what they want to write but they might mix up the order of the words or misuse a word. Being tongue-tied is usually the result of writing too quickly and not proofreading your work Here are other common vocabulary mistakes writers make: replacing a perfectly fine but common word like "tongue" with a more flowery synonym like "organ of speech." Ever have your "organ of speech" tied? Sounds silly doesn't it? Still, beginning writers often make this mistake of using recently learned vocabulary words from English class incorrectly. Others thumb through a thesaurus for words that sound intelligent. They think that by using big words, they'll impress the judges. Good writing doesn't work that way.
The audience who reads your work should be able to hear your voice, not your just-learned vocabulary. When you write, be natural. Use the kinds of words you would in everyday conversation. That's not to say vocabulary isn't important. It is. But if the words you use are confusing to sound too stuffy, then you need to revise your language. Here is a surefire tip to help you untangle your vocabulary: Read your letter aloud. Listen to your voice. Listen to how the words and phrases sound. If the language is twisted or unclear, then revise.