Business Writing Tips from The Writing Center
Avoid Jargon and Pompous Wording (4)
September 13, 2007
Use familiar
words to ensure that your message is easy to understand.
Avoid archaic,
legalistic constructions and pompous words that distance your reader and
draw attention to themselves instead of to your message. Use plain
English -- the same language you would use when talking face to face.
Write to "express" not to "impress."
NOT: Pursuant to your request, enclosed you will find our
quarterly report.
BUT: As you asked, I have
enclosed our quarterly report.
Therefore, replace words like those listed below on the left,
with words like those listed on the right:
|
NOT |
BUT |
|
apprise |
inform |
|
ascertain |
find out |
|
deem |
consider |
|
initiate |
begin |
|
subsequent to |
after |
QUICK PRACTICE: USING NATURAL WORDING
Rewrite the following sentences in plain English
(without looking at the sample answers displayed below):.
- Enclosed please find a copy of the report completed
September 12.
- Attached hereto you will find said information as
per your request.
Sample Answers
- A copy of the September 12 report is enclosed.
- The information you requested is attached.
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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