Better business writing skills start by following the 7 C writing formula that I learned more than 30 years ago.
Long before the web 2.0 world, journalists were taught to choose simple, straightforward words over big, multi-syllabic ones. We were taught better writing must be:
- Correct (get it right – grammar and spelling)
- Consistent (follow a stylebook, even if its your own)
- Clear (use simple words, short sentences, short paragraphs)
- Concise (save people time)
- Coherent (think structure and organization)
- Complete (answer the questions)
- Creative (be interesting, don’t bore)
Bigger words do not equal clear, concise, better writing. Simply put, skip the big word when a small word will do! Below are 38 commonly used big words with wiser-choice, small word substitutes.
| accumulate acquaint activate additional adhere to aggregate amalgamate ameliorate anticipate ascertain cognizant commence concur configuration conjecture equivalent expeditious factor feasible |
gather tell start more follow total merge improve expect learn know begin agree shape guess equal fast fact likely |
initial interface locate magnitude manifest materialize modification necessitate optimum personnel peruse presently prior to subsequent substantiate sufficient terminate transpire utilize |
first relate find size show happen change require best people study now before later prove enough end happen use |
Together, let’s grow this list from 38 to 100. Add your favorite big word/smaller word substitutes in the comments section below.
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