Good writing usually relies on simple, straightforward, and (often) short words. If you’re having trouble being concise, or if you’re stuck with strict character counts, here are some easy swaps you can start making today.
Note: these are suggestions, not laws. Short words do not by default mean better writing. You can write badly using short words and write well using long words, and vice versa. The key is to choose words that improve clarity, not inhibit it.
Never use a big word when a diminutive phrase can be utilized 😉
Instead of… Use…
- accommodate >> help or fit
- accommodation >> room
- accomplish >> do
- accordingly >> so
- advise >> tell
- applicant >> you
- approximately >> about
- assist >> help
- beneficial >> helpful or useful
- commence >> start
- complete >> fill in
- configure >> set up
- consequently >> so
- enable >> allow
- execute >> run
- facilitate >> help or run (as in a workshop)
- forward >> send
- halt >> stop
- have a need for >> need
- image >> picture
- immediately >> now
- in excess of >> more than
- in order to >> to
- in the amount of >> for
- in the event of >> if
- in the process of >> during or while
- liaise >> meet
- modify >> change
- navigate >> go
- obtain >> get
- perform >> do
- pre-plan >> plan
- prior to >> before
- purchase >> buy
- reason for >> why
- regarding >> about
- remuneration >> payment
- request >> ask
- resolve >> fix
- serious crisis >> crisis
- similar to >> like
- submit >> give or send
- subsequently >> then
- terminate >> end
- therefore >> so
- toggle >> switch
- transmit >> send
- utilize >> use
- with reference to >> about
- with the exception of >> except for
This article was reposted on Medium on January 30, 2019
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andrea drugay 