Words to avoid

Try replacing these words in your writing with these Plain English Campaign approved alternatives.

Here are some commonly used words. Below you will find the full A-Z.

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to the extent that

Instead of using the term to the extent that use the term if, when instead

transfer

Instead of using the term transfer use the term change, move instead

transmit

Instead of using the term transmit use the term send instead

ultimately

Instead of using the term ultimately use the term in the end, finally instead

unavailability

Instead of using the term unavailability use the term lack of instead

undernoted

Instead of using the term undernoted use the term the following instead

undersigned

Instead of using the term undersigned use the term I, we instead

undertake

Instead of using the term undertake use the term agree, promise, do instead

uniform

Instead of using the term uniform use the term same, similar instead

unilateral

Instead of using the term unilateral use the term one-sided, one-way instead

unoccupied

Instead of using the term unoccupied use the term empty instead

until such time

Instead of using the term until such time use the term until instead

utilisation

Instead of using the term utilisation use the term use instead

utilise

Instead of using the term utilise use the term use instead

variation

Instead of using the term variation use the term change instead

virtually

Instead of using the term virtually use the term almost (or edit out) instead

visualise

Instead of using the term visualise use the term see, predict instead

ways and means

Instead of using the term ways and means use the term ways instead

we have pleasure in

Instead of using the term we have pleasure in use the term we are glad to instead

whatsoever

Instead of using the term whatsoever use the term whatever, what, any instead

whensoever

Instead of using the term whensoever use the term when instead

whereas

Instead of using the term whereas use the term but instead

whether or not

Instead of using the term whether or not use the term whether instead

with a view to

Instead of using the term with a view to use the term to, so that instead

with effect from

Instead of using the term with effect from use the term from instead

with reference to

Instead of using the term with reference to use the term about instead

with regard to

Instead of using the term with regard to use the term about, for instead

with respect to

Instead of using the term with respect to use the term about, for instead

with the minimum of delay

Instead of using the term with the minimum of delay use the term quickly (or say when) instead

you are requested

Instead of using the term you are requested use the term please instead

your attention is drawn

Instead of using the term your attention is drawn use the term please see, please note instead

zone

Don't use zone use the term use area or region.