In the second last post in a series about choosing the right word when communicating, we look how archaic words are still appearing in many business’s writing, particularly standard letters.
Archaic words are words and phrases that were once used regularly, but are now less common. Of course, the English language continually evolves, and possibly not more rapidly than it has been doing so in the last 20 years. New words come and go, but some very old words have remained in certain business environments. And no prizes for guessing which industry is still the biggest user of archaic words.
Plain language consultants have been working hard to rid many legal firms, government and large corporate bureaucratic organisations of such archaism.
In today’s modern world, the following ‘ye olde worldy’ words and phrases just don’t make the grade. Try the improved version:
Archaic: So we may effect cancellation of your membership…
Improved: So that we can cancel your membership…
Archaic: Pursuant to our agreement…
Improved: As we agreed…
Archaic: Enclosed herewith, please find…
Improved: Here are…
Archaic: Receipt is acknowledged…
Improved: Thank you for your letter…
Often a simple way to improve your writing that contains archaic language is to use personal pronouns like ‘we’, ‘I’ or ‘you’. Take a look at some of your templates to see if any archaic language could be removed.
For the last post on choosing the right word, we will look at wordiness. Until then…
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