Writing Tips

Contrary to what some people seem to believe, simple writing is not the product of simple minds. A simple, unpretentious style has both grace and power. By not calling attention to itself, it allows the reader to focus on the message.

– Richard Lederer and Richard Dowis, Sleeping Dogs Don’t Lay

Word choice

Often you can replace “big” words with shorter—even more expressive— alternatives. Simpler words typically make your message more readable.

abundance
plenty

accommodate
adapt, allow, adjust, fit

at that point in time
then

at the present time
now

accomplish
achieve, perform, succeed

accordingly
so

additional
added, more, extra

additionally
and, also

advance planning
planning

approximately
about, almost, nearly

ascertain
check

conclusion
end

demonstrate
show

endeavor
try

frequently
often

in conjunction with
with

in order to
to

initiate
begin

inquire
ask

necessitate
require, force

obtain
get

period of time
time, period

provided that, in the event that
if

purchase
buy

regardless of the fact that
although

terminate
end, close, stop, halt

Sunday, Monday timeframe
Sunday, Monday

utilize
use

Exception to the “keep it simple” rule: a person may be unsuitable for a particular job or office, but not unfit. Choose the best word for each situation.

Voice and tone

For more on our NAU brand voice and tone, visit the NAU Brand Center.

Active and passive voice

active voice – The subject performs the action the verb conveys: John calculates the solution (subject-verb-object).
passive voice – The object of the action becomes the subject. The passive voice always contains a form of the verbs to be or to get. The subject-verb-object order is inverted; the direct object becomes the subject.

Examples

The solution was calculated correctly.
Better: Tammy calculated the solution.

The class is being taught by a visiting professor.
Better: A visiting professor teaches the class.

Avoid using the passive voice unnecessarily; it creates wordy constructions and often introduces ambiguity about who performed the action.