Problematical Words and Phrases
l Words or phrases that are un-scientific or emotional should not be used. Examples are:
n Very, tremendous, tough, enormous, overwhelming, drastically, incredible, naturally, notorious, obviously, suddenly, staggering, amazing.
l Unfortunately: indicating that an expected outcome did not happen, should not be used.
l Can be [done]: means is possible but frequently used to mean is [done].
l May be: means is permitted or could happen (sentence should make meaning clear).
l If, It, When, This, There is, As such … at the beginning of sentence leaves the subject ambiguous: the sentence can always be turned around to start with the subject.
l …ing: beware words ending in …ing. For example, “The clients are seeking a settlement”, just use “The clients seek a settlement”.
l However, therefore, nevertheless (when there is little connection to the previous sentence).
l Ideal (which in engineering means stripped of imperfections).
l Optimum (when no criteria for optimality are stated).
l Certain, above mentioned, traditional, commonly, …
l Only: misplaced so that it restricts the wrong thing in the sentence.
l Tautology: using words with redundant meaning: “The receiver returns an acknowledgement back.”
l Legalese:
n Herein, hereinafter, …
l Colloquialisms:
n and/or (use one form only), plus-minus (meaning approximately), zinc instead of galvanized steel (be precise), …
l Misuse of similar words:
n Principal-principle, cord-chord, …
l Slang and jargon must not be used.
n Mike (for microphone)
n Advert (advertisement), …
l Frequently confused forms: “It’s” meaning “it is” and “Its” meaning belonging to it are frequently interchanged.
