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Words, Phrases and Writing Mistakes to Banish in 2019

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Bad writing can damage your professional reputation. In a post on Fast Company in December, professional writing coaches shared the most common mistakes they encounter, and advice for how to avoid them.

Writing inappropriately for the audience is a frequent pitfall, says Wilma Davidson, author of the book “Business Writing: What Works, What Won’t.” Scolding readers or failing to consider their interests turns them off, she says. To find tones that resonate, envision readers as real people, suggests Natalie Canavor, a writing consultant and author of “Business Writing for Dummies.”

Taking too long to state the point is another common flaw in business writing. State your purpose at the beginning of the piece and then provide details, advises Jodi Torpey, a business-writing coach. That way, even if the reader doesn’t finish what you’ve written, your point still comes across.

Word gaffes also undermine business communication. Using the wrong word can confuse the reader or change your meaning — and may make the audience question your intelligence.

Senka Hadzimuratovic, head of communications at the proofreading platform Grammarly, cites commonly misused words such as “than” versus “then,” and “lose” versus “loose.” Proofread aloud to make sure you’re using the right words, she says.

Words to avoid

Lake Superior State University recently issued its “44th Annual List of Banished Words for Misuse, Overuse and General Uselessness,” based on nominations and votes the Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., school received during 2018. Some highlights:

  • “Wheelhouse,” meaning an area of expertise. Currie from Ottawa, Ontario, nominated this word for being “Irritating … a cliché” and an “offense to the English language.”
  • “Wrap my head around,” meaning to comprehend. Linda of Bloomington, Minn., wants this phrase banished because it’s “impossible to do and makes no sense.”
  • “Platform,” as in social media site or other opportunity to express oneself. Michael of Alameda, Calif., says, “People use it as an excuse to rant. Step down from the platform, already.”
  • “Thought leader” — as Matt of Superior, Colo., puts it, “Thoughts aren’t ranked or scored.” Paul of Ann Arbor, Mich., says, “If you follow a thought leader, you’re not much of a thinker.”

 

This article first appeared in the February 2019 “Storytelling & Writing” issue of Strategies & Tactics.


Greg Beaubien is a frequent contributor to PRSA’s publications.

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Greg Beaubien

1 Comment

  • The list of words to avoid was very helpful to me, and it’s something I will keep in mind when I write in the future. I write for Platform Magazine, so it was funny to me that I should avoid that word.

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