26 phrases you should never use in writing
Excerpted from the Executive Report: Business Writing: A Guide to Clear, Concise and Effective Writing
Certain phrases are part of the business world - but that doesn’t mean they’re the best choices. You can easily improve your writing and more effectively communicate by using more direct terms and phrases. Here are some examples of wordy phrases and what to use instead:
Instead of: Use:
At this point in time Now
Come to the conclusion Conclude
Despite the fact that Although
Exhibits a tendency to Tends
I am of the opinion I think
In the amount of for
Is indicative of indicates
It is incumbent on me I must
Make a decision to Decide
On the grounds that Since
Perform an analysis of Analyze
Pertaining to About
Prior to that time Before
Provide information about Inform
Reached an agreement Agreed
Subsequent to After
Take under advisement Consider
The committee made an agreement We decided
The question as to whether Whether
To summarize the above In summary
Under no circumstances Never
We deem it advisable I suggest
With a view to To
With regard to About
With this in mind Therefore
You will find attached Here is
DIGGING DEEPER
Writing clearly and concisely is key to being successful in business. This writing guide can help: Business Writing: A Guide to Clear, Concise and Effective Writing
Great article. It is not a phrase, but here is one of my pet language peeves:
"Utilize use, don't use utilize"
Posted by: Andy Koczon | July 07, 2008 at 04:28 PM
One that drives me crazy is "very much so".
Posted by: Debbie | July 11, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Can we quit utilizing the word "utilize"? How about if we just use the word "use"?
Posted by: Fred Meyer | July 13, 2008 at 10:37 PM
"Having said that...." - instead say "So..."
Posted by: Jay | July 22, 2008 at 02:12 PM
"Synergy" - how about " " - I have no suggestion to replace synergy
Posted by: Jay | July 22, 2008 at 02:14 PM
For the most part, I agree with the article, But in certain circumstances, one should use the trite "catch" phrases to avoid appearing too informal or direct; although clearer, some people may interpret the shorter phrases as too aggressive.
Posted by: Chuck | September 05, 2008 at 01:55 PM
"Call my office" use "Call me"
Posted by: Tim | September 05, 2008 at 03:26 PM
One phrase that most people use too much AND often get wrong is "That said...." which is actually a useful transitionary phrase BUT I've noticed many people will say "Having said that,...." or "That being said...." It should be "That said.." or nothing!
Posted by: Smith | September 09, 2008 at 02:01 PM
At this point in time, I have come to the conclusion, that due to the fact, that I exhibit a tendency to be somewhat wordy, it is incumbent on me to perform an analysis of my writing. I will gladly take under advisement, with a view to the future, that it may be deemed advisable for me, under most circumstances, to adjust my writing style with regard to the aforementioned wordiness on the grounds that in providing information about subsequent events, I may be less wordy and therefore be more succinct in providing information to my fellow Americans.
Posted by: Gary | September 09, 2008 at 03:27 PM
I can't stand when people say "often times" instead of just "often."
Another one is using "irregardless" for "regardless."
Posted by: Susan Greene | September 29, 2008 at 09:53 AM