In UN and other institutional texts, precision matters. Yet some of the most common problems arise not from complex terminology but from pairs or sets of ordinary words that look interchangeable — and are not.
A few frequent culprits include:
- ensure / insure / assure
- notably / especially / specially
- alternate / alternative
- affect / effect
Test yourself
Choose the correct word in each sentence.
- The Secretariat will ______ that all stakeholders are consulted before implementation.
(ensure / insure / assure) - The programme focuses on vulnerable groups, ______ women and children.
(notably / especially / specially) - This agreement does not ______ any change to existing legal obligations.
(affect / effect) - Member States were offered an ______ option should consensus not be reached.
(alternate / alternative)
Answer key
- Ensure = to make certain that something happens.
“Insure” is US English. In British English (UN style), it means to take out an insurance policy. “Assure” means to remove doubt. - Especially = used to single out a group within a broader category.
“Specially” means in a special manner or for a special purpose. “Notably” means to a high degree. - Effect = meaning “to bring about”.
“Affect” means to produce an effect on someone. - Alternative = a different option or choice. “Alternate” means taking turns.
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Author: Carol Waites
Presentation/editing by Christina O’Shaughnessy
https://worldwidewriting.org/
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Carol Waites (PhD)
Email: carolswritingtips@gmail.com
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