When writing to diplomatic missions or within international organizations, the goal is often clarity wrapped in courtesy and neutrality. Diplomatic language softens directness, avoids blame… Read More »Switching between diplomatic and plain English writing
When we write at work, we usually have to be factual, clear and direct. At other times, though, we need to express ourselves more cautiously… Read More »Hedging language
Let’s look at the use of the word “that” in a New York Times article on artificial intelligence. What is the function of “that” in… Read More »Uses of “that”
Are you still using expressions like any of these? “Kindly be advised” or “Please be informed” or “Kindly note that” “for your reference and perusal”… Read More »Are you writing emails in an old-fashioned style?
Sometimes I get feedback from my audience asking “do we really need to dumb down? Will our vocabulary become poorer as a result of plain… Read More »Why do you ask us to write simply and clearly? What about literature?
Passive voice shifts the responsibility and can sound impersonal. The active voice puts the person back into the writing and makes the reader feel included.… Read More »Use active voice in your correspondence
“all, relevant, appropriate, duly, due, specific, closely, close” Do you tend to use these words? They’re words that are commonly found in writing in international… Read More »Pruning your text to get rid of redundant words
To make your writing sound more alive, don’t use dull and impersonal expressions such as “it is”, “it was”, “there is”, “there was”. Not only… Read More »Sound more engaged and action-oriented by avoiding “impersonal” beginnings
Today in international organizations, we’re writing emails to so many different people in different locations that our email language is sounding less and less English… Read More »Unfortunate email beginnings
In professional writing, “sorry” can convey an apology, empathy, responsibility, bad news or a desire to maintain positive relations. But its usage requires caution. According… Read More »“Sorry!”: a word with multiple meanings