|
Use simple, short, clear words.
|
• |
Choose everyday words with 1 or 2
syllables if possible. Avoid jargon, chains of nouns, and double
negatives. |
|
• |
Change or take out wordy
phrases. |
|
• |
Choose concrete not abstract words.
|
|
• |
Use contractions such as don’t and
we’ll. |
|
• |
Use possessive ’s or s’ endings.
|
|
• |
Define technical terms or leave them out.
|
|
• |
Identify acronyms in the text. |
| Write this: |
Not this: |
| present |
not absent |
show
|
demonstrate |
if
|
in the event that |
plan
|
strategize |
he won’t
|
he will not |
| department’s policy |
policy of the department |
| The
Alternate Word and Phrase List on page 35 has examples of simple, short,
clear words to replace complex, long, abstract words or phrases. |
|
|
|
