20 words to avoid – if you want to write in plain English

What words are 'plain English' and what words are not? The basic rule is to use everyday words that your target audience is familiar with.

Everyone can read and understand more easily when you use everyday words. If you’re writing for a wide audience, it’s particularly important to use words that your intended audience is familiar with.

And research shows that highly educated readers prefer plain English too – possibly because it’s quicker to scan and read.

One problem with using unfamiliar words is that people might have different definitions, so they could misunderstand your message. For example, some people think that ‘optimum’ means ‘first’ instead of ‘best’ or ‘most favourable’. Here are some suggestions for words to avoid:

Instead of . . .	Try using . . .
Ascertain	learn / check / find out / make certain
Assist	help
Prior to	before
Additional	more / extra
Commence	begin
Regarding	about
Determine	decide
Implement	carry out / do
Initially	first
Comply with	follow
In the event that	if
In lieu of	instead of
Rectify	fix
Require	must / need
Without further delay	immediately
Verify	check
Utilise	use
Ensure	make sure
Notify	tell / inform
Modify	change