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10 Tips for Business Writing
In Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address," there are 268 words; 196 of them (73%) are only one syllable long.
     
1.Use familiar words: Don't use:  Use:
  terminate end
  initiate  begin
  unanimity agreement
 

2.Use short words:

 

 Don't use:
predicated
terminate
demonstrate		 Use:
based
quit
show
 
3. Use concrete language: Don't use: Use:
  a higher percentage 22 percent gain
  sometime next week 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday
  more fabric 3.5 yards
 

4. Use active voice:

 

 

 

Don't use:

Use:
The results were given. We gave the results.
The time was decided by the committee. The committee decided the time.
The policy is enforced by the agents. The agents enforce the policy.
 
5. Avoid camouflaged verbs: Don't use: Use:
  Make an application... Apply
  Give assistance to... Assist
  Make a commitment. Commit
 

6.Use words for precise meanings

 

 

 Examples:  
farther down the road  
but with further insight
superior to but different from
 
7. Avoid sexist language. Examples:  
Use the third person or the plural as alternatives to he/she. The prize is given to the best writer.   
  Customers who pay promptly are on our preferred list.  
 
8. Avoid racial and ethnic stereotyping. Take one person at a time.  
 
9. Avoid slang and clichés. Maintain a professional tone and use your own words.  
 
10. Keep writing. The more you write, the better you become.