Business Writing Tips from The Writing Center
Avoid Jargon and Pompous Wording (3)
September 6, 2007
Pompous wording
can confuse readers, too. Pompous wording is using big words when a
small one will do just as well.
Take a few minutes now to test your pompous
wording index.
Can you match these
examples of pompous wording with the more familiar phrases that follow?
- Scintillate,
scintillate, asteroid minific.
- Members of an avian species of identical plumage congregate.
- It is fruitless to become lachrymose over precipitately departed
lacteal fluid.
- It is fruitless to attempt to indoctrinate a superannuated canine
with innovative maneuvers.
- The temperature of aquaeous content of an unremittingly ogled
saucepan does not reach 212 degrees (Fahrenheit).
___
a. It's no
use crying over spilled milk.
___ b. A watched pot never boils.
___ c. Twinkle, twinkle little star.
___ d. Birds of a feather flock together.
___ e. You can't teach an old dog new tricks.
How do the more familiar words contribute to effective communication.
Which version would you rather read?
(By the way, the answers are 1: c, 2:
d, 3: a, 4:
e, 5: b)
This edition was adapted from our Effective
Business Writing Program. Previous editions
may be read at
http://www.uliveandlearn.com/newsletters/index.cfm.
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