Get Back to Basics

It's certainly a great temptation to use big words in writing, but unfortunately that only tends to make them fuzzy.  Sludge in writing can be removed effectively by making sure each word used is the lowest common denomination.  That is, use the simplest most direct word possible.  Replace such words as optimum, utilization, tentative, circumstances and so forth.   Greatest utilization becomes use, tentative becomes possible, circumstances become conditions and so forth.

Now let's look at a few.  Someone writes: “We are trying to increase the utilization of these products.”  This isn't too bad, but it doesn't really communicate well, either, so we should change utilization to its basic meaning.  “We're trying to increase the use of these products.”

Now, let’s look at some examples.

Obscure Word

Please use the right procedure.

Basic Form

Please do it the right way.

Obscure Word.

We keep receiving the books at the required intervals.

Basic Form

We keep receiving the books at the required times.

Obscure Word.

The committee recommended that we drop the coffee break.

Basic Form.

To the committee suggested that we drop the coffee break.

Obscure Word.

It has been made feasible.

Basic Form

It is been made possible

Obscure Word.

It was a substantial raise.

Basic Form

it was a large raise.

Obscure Word.

We received the maximum reward possible.

Basic Form

We received the largest award possible.

Obscure Word

Try to do the job on the initial try.

Basic Form

Try to do the job on the first try

Obscure Word

That man always tries to circumvent the rules

Basic Form

That man always tries to get around the rules

Obscure Word.

Try to deliver the goods prior to the due date.

Basic Form.

Try to deliver the goods before the due date

Obscure Word.

Your endeavors are not appreciated

Basic Form

Your activities are not appreciated

Obscure Word.

We are reviewing your application.

Basic Form

We are looking over your application.

Obscure Word.

We intend to terminate the contract.

Basic Form.

We intend to cancel that contract.