Short and clear alternatives to long and fussy words
When you are talking to your reader, say what you mean using words your reader will understand. There is no point in using unnecessarily long words. In general, where there is a plain and precise alternative, use it.
| Long and fussy word/s | Short and clear alternatives |
|---|---|
| an absence of | no, none |
| abundance | enough, plenty |
| accelerate | speed up |
| accomplish | do, finish |
| accordingly | in line with this, so |
| acknowledge | thank you |
| additional | extra, more |
| advantageous | useful, helpful |
| advise | tell, say (unless your are giving advice) |
| aligned | in line, lined up |
| alleviate | ease, reduce |
| alternative | choice, other |
| amendment | change |
| an individual | a person |
| anticipate | expect |
| application | use |
| appropriate | right, proper, suitable |
| ascertain | find out |
| assistance | help |
| attempt | try |
| authorise | allow, let |
| beneficial | helpful, useful |
| calculate | work, decide |
| communicate | talk, write, phone (be specific) |
| complete | fill in, finish |
| completion | end |
| concerning | about |
| consequently | so |
| considerable | great, important |
| consult | talk to, meet, ask |
| currently | now (or edit it out) |
| deficiency | lack of |
| demonstrate | show, prove |
| difficulties | problems |
| discontinue | stop, end |
| discrete | separate |
| documentation | papers, documents |
| dominant | main |
| duration | length, time, life |
| emphasise | stress |
| employment | work |
| enable | allow |
| endeavour | try |
| ensure | make sure |
| establish | show, find out, set up |
| excessive | too many, too much |
| expenditure | spending |
| expedite | speed up |
| facilitate | help, make possible |
| frequently | often |
| further to | after |
| generate | produce, give, create |
| identify | find, list, specify, discover |
| illustrate | show, explain |
| implement | carry out, do |
| impact | affect |
| inception | start, beginning |
| inform | tell |
| initially | at first |
| intend to | will |
| issue | give, send |
| liaise with | meet/discuss/work with |
| locate | find, put |
| magnitude | size |
| manner | way |
| marginal | small, slight |
| migrate | move |
| modification | change |
| negligible | slight |
| notify | tell, let you know |
| numerous | many (or be specific) |
| objective | aim, goal |
| obtain | get, receive |
| optimum | best, ideal |
| outcomes | results (or be specific) |
| participate | take part, join in |
| projected | estimated |
| provide | give |
| qualify for | can get, be able to get |
| reduce | cut |
| require | need |
| requirements | needs, rules |
| represent | show, stand for |
| supplementary | extra, more |
| solely | only |
| substantial | large, a lot of, great |
| ultimately | in the end, finally |
| undertake | agree, promise, do |
| utilise | use |
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