Complex Words
Complex words often appear in technical writing. These slow down the reader, and may cause the reader to misunderstand them and feel ignorant. These are closely related to the extra words issue.
If you find the words or phrases from the left-hand column in your text, consider the alternatives in the right-hand column.
Avoid this | Consider this |
---|---|
accord | give |
accordingly | so |
advantageous | helpful |
aforesaid | as previously mentioned |
albeit | although, but |
ameliorate | improve |
apprise | inform |
ascertain | find out, learn, check |
begs the question | raises the question |
characterize | describe |
cognizant | aware |
commence | start, begin |
commensurate | appropriate, equal |
consolidate | combine |
deem | consider |
deleterious | harmful |
demonstrate | show |
detrimental | harmful |
dispatch | send |
disseminate | issue, spread, send |
downsize | reduce |
effectuate | bring about, cause |
encounter | find, meet |
endeavour | try |
enumerate | list |
evidenced | showed, shown |
expiration | close, end, finish |
facilitate | help, ease |
finalize | complete, conclude, finish |
forecasted | forecast |
forthwith | immediately |
inception | start |
irregardless | regardless |
leverage | use |
methodology | method |
modification | change |
necessitate | require, demand, call for |
nowadays | today, currently |
obviate | avoid, eliminate |
optimum | best |
orientate | orient |
partially | partly |
perform | do |
portion | part |
pre-planning | planning |
prescribed | required |
preventative | preventive |
prioritize | rank |
priorize | rank |
promulgate | issue, publish |
quintessential | perfect example |
regarding | about |
remuneration | payment, reward |
render | make, give, give back |
retain | keep |
subsequent | next |
sufficient | enough |
terminate | end, stop |
time frame | period, interval, timespan |
ubiquitous | wide-spread |
ultimate | last, final eventual |
utilization | use |
utilize | use |
whereas | as, since, while |
whether | if |
TimmiT editing, writing, procurement