Use simple, specific language

Some people think using complex language makes them appear intelligent; in reality, it only obscures their point and makes them look pretentious. Effective writers use simple words such as start instead of commence, help instead of assist, and end rather than terminate.

Here are some unnecessarily large words and their replacements:

Replace:	With:
abbreviate	shorten
advise	tell
ascertain	find out
assist	help
commence	start
conceptualize	conceive
conjecture	guess
demonstrate	show
duplicate	copy
expedite	speed
facilitate	help
functionality	features, functions, capabilities
indicate	say, show
initiate	begin
nevertheless	but, even so
obtain	get
optimum	best
orientate	orient
receive	get
terminate	end, fire
utilize	use

Here are some phrases that were once commonplace, but now appear stiff and affected. Avoid or eliminate them:

beg to inform	in due course of time
in receipt of	it has been deemed necessary
it has been demonstrated that	it has been shown that
it is found that	it is recognized that
it is the intention of this writer to	it is worthy of note
it may be seen that	it must be remembered that
permit me to say	please be advised that
pursuant to	what is known as

Also avoid clichés such as:

back to square one	back to basics
ballpark figure	beyond the shadow of a doubt
first and foremost	hit the nail on the head
last but not least	state of the art
take the ball and run with it	under review

Finally, good writers also choose concrete words and specific examples over abstract, vague language. A watch that allows you to send email is a much clearer description than an IP- enabled wristwatch. One trick is to write the way you talk. If something doesn’t sound right when you read it out loud, change it.

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