From the course: Writing in Plain English (2016)
Join today to access over 22,600 courses taught by industry experts or purchase this course individually.
How to choose meaningful words
From the course: Writing in Plain English (2016)
How to choose meaningful words
- Quick, define several, few, and stuff. Okay, you defined them. And you know exactly how many volunteers as in get several volunteers. You know exactly how many extra days are being requested in I need a few extra days to finish the report. And you have that specific office supply list ready to fill with the instructions get some office supply stuff. The opposite of specific is vague. That's what those words are. Meaningless because they're vague. Plain English words are precise because the reader knows the exact meaning. A dozen volunteers, three extra days, and pens, paperclips, and pads of paper. Now let's look at these degree words. Very, as in very happy. Happy's happy. Extreme happiness has stronger words, enlighted or ecstatic maybe. I'm a fan of Mark Twain quotes and he has a perfect one for very but I'm paraphrasing to avoid a curse word. The exact quote is at this web address. "Substitute "darn" every time you're inclined "to write "very". "Your editor will delete it "and…
Practice while you learn with exercise files
Download the files the instructor uses to teach the course. Follow along and learn by watching, listening and practicing.
Download courses and learn on the go
Watch courses on your mobile device without an internet connection. Download courses using your iOS or Android LinkedIn Learning app.