Keep it simple
Use simple words in place of long or unusual words, which can confuse readers. Only use complex words or phrases when they are the best ones for the job.
The checklist below shows some common bureaucratic terms and their plain English alternatives.
Also use the Plain English Campaign's publication, The A to Z of alternative words.
| Replace | With |
|---|---|
| as a consequence of | because of |
| at this point in time | now |
| ascertain | find outnow |
| blue in colour | blue |
| commence | start or begin |
| desist | stop |
| despite the fact that | though or although |
| ensure | make sure |
| few in number | few |
| in addition (to) | and or also |
| in a number of cases | some (or say how many) |
| in a position to | able to |
| in excess of | more than |
| in the event that | if |
| in the near future | soon |
| in view of the fact that | as or because |
| persons | people |
| prior to | before |
| reside | live |
| terminate | end |
| utilise | use |
| whether or not | whether |
| with effect from | from |
| with reference to | about |
| within | in |
Words and phrases to avoid
- a total of
- absolutely
- abundantly
- actually
- all things being equal
- as a matter of fact
- as far as I'm concerned
- at the end of the day
- at this moment in time
- basically
- current
- currently
- during the period from
- each and every one
- existing
- extremely
- I am of the opinion of
- I would like to say
- going forward
- here at UCAS
- in due course
- in order to
- in the end
- in the final analysis
- in this connection
- in total
- in view of the fact that
- it should be understood
- last but not least
- obviously
- of course
- quite
- really
- really quite
- regarding the (noun), it was
- the fact of the matter is
- the month(s) of
- to all intents and purposes
- within
You can often remove these commonly used words and phrases without changing the meaning or tone of your writing.