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City of Boston writing guide

We have tips for what to do — and what not to do — when writing content for the City of Boston.

What to do

Write for your constituent first, always

Have an idea of who you want to provide the information to before you start. What you're writing should be like a conversation with a friend.

Remember to use the active voice

For example, instead of writing, “The bill should be paid by the property owner,” we would write, “The property owner pays the bill.” It’s much more simple and direct.

An easy way to tell if you are using the active or passive voice is to add “by zombies” after the verb in the sentence. If the sentence still makes sense after adding “by zombies,” it’s in the passive voice. If not, it’s in the active voice. For example:

  • Passive: The town was attacked (by zombies). Still makes sense.
  • Active: Zombies attacked (by zombies) the town. Doesn’t make sense.

There are trickier versions of the passive voice, but this is an easy tip to keep in mind.

be short and to the point

If a headline is longer than 11 words, it’s probably too long. Use full names and titles in headlines. Paragraphs should be two to three sentences at most. Aim for a sentence length of 15 to 20 words. For example:

  • “Perhaps more important than fire fighting itself in many modern industrial countries is fire prevention,” could just be: “Fire prevention is important.”

Brevity can also increase readability and make the site more friendly for people using smartphones.

Write for smaller screens

The more text, the more scrolling someone does on their smartphone or tablet.

consider a bulleted list

Do you find yourself with a big paragraph? By breaking down your points into a bulleted list instead of a huge block of text, you’ll increase readability and comprehension. For example:

“The Fire Prevention Division, in the Boston Fire Department, directs fire prevention activities. It handles the more technical fire prevention problems, maintains appropriate records, grants permits, investigates the causes of fires, and conducts public education programs,” could just be:

“The Fire Prevention Division:

  • handles more technical fire prevention problems
  • maintains appropriate records
  • grants permits
  • investigates the cause of fires, and
  • conducts public education programs.”

Just remember, you don’t have to bullet everything on a page. Only use bulleted lists when they make sense.

Personalize the experience for our constituents

Don’t be afraid to say "we" instead of “The City.” Instead of "residents" or “applicants,” consider saying "you."

Can we use a photo with the content?

Photos add depth to what you are talking about, and may provide greater context for users struggling with reading comprehension.

Break up content into blocks or chunks

This allows readers to digest the content more easily. Ideally, you should separate these blocks of text with headlines and bullet lists of information.

Write as you talk

This is a common rule in writing. The content that you create should be like a conversation between two people. Stuffy language can get in the way.

One of the easiest ways to write as you talk is with contractions. People talk in contractions — like can’t and don’t — and using them helps people relate to what you’re writing. The important thing to remember, though, is not to overuse them. Only use them when they sound natural.

What to avoid

jargon and government legalese

We should be writing to the person with the least amount of knowledge on the topic. See a list of plain English words to use instead.

Run-on sentences and multiple commas in a sentence

Use periods where you can to help a reader digest the content.

Words like “may” and “shall”

When something needs to be done to complete a task, make sure a resident knows by using strong words like “must.”

Acronyms

A human-centered website doesn’t require a government reference guide. Explain what it is you're talking about in detail.

Symbols

While symbols — like “&” and “@” — can shorten your text, please just spell out what you’re writing. Symbols like these will only confuse your readers, especially those who may be learning English as a second language.

Repetition

If the full title of person or place has been used already as a first reference on the page, we don’t have to repeat that full title. “Mayor Michelle Wu” would simply become “the Mayor” down the page.

Associated Press style

While there are some exceptions, we are using Associated Press, or “AP,” rules to guide our writing on the new site. A general Google search that includes “AP style” in the question will usually give you the right answer. Here are some common tips pulled directly from the AP stylebook:

Addresses

Use the abbreviations Ave., Blvd., and St. only with a numbered address: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Spell them out and capitalize when part of a formal street name without a number: Pennsylvania Avenue. Lowercase and spell out when used alone or with more than one street name: Massachusetts and Pennsylvania avenues.

All similar words (alley, drive, road, terrace, etc.) always are spelled out. Capitalize them when part of a formal name without a number; lowercase when used alone or with two or more names.

Always use figures for an address number: 9 Morningside Circle. Spell out and capitalize First through Ninth when used as street names; use figures for 10th and above: 7 Fifth Ave., 100 21st St.

Dates

Always use Arabic figures for dates, without st, nd, rd, or th. For example:

  • We were married on July 1, 2013.
  • On September 5, we celebrate Labor Day.
Headlines

For text used as a headline, only capitalize the first word and proper nouns. Use single quotes for quotation marks. For example:

  • Neighborhood Development joins federal housing program
  • Mayor names new director for Animal Control
  • ‘Prepare for the storm,’ Mayor says
Numerals

In general, spell out one through nine: The Red Sox finished first. He had nine months to go.

Use figures for 10 and above, and whenever preceding a unit of measure or referring to ages of people, animals, events, or things. For percentages, use numerals with “percent,” not “%”. For example:

  • We picked more than 20 apples at the orchard.
  • The City Council is revising the 8-year-old laws.
  • We want you to spend 50 percent of your time on reading.
Time

Use figures except for noon and midnight. Use a colon to separate hours from minutes. You don’t need the “:00” when referring to an hour of the day. For example:

  • The meeting took place at 11 a.m., but we plan to meet again at 3:30 p.m.

When referring to a time span, please use a hyphen instead of the words “to” or “through.” For example:

  • A typical work day for most people takes place from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

If you are writing about a time span in the afternoon, evening, or in the morning, you don’t need to write out the first a.m. or p.m. For example:

  • We plan to discuss the proposal from 9-11 a.m. We should also set some time aside from 3-5 p.m.
Titles

Capitalize formal titles when they are used before one or more names: Pope Francis, President Barack Obama, Vice Presidents John Jones and William Smith.

Lowercase and spell out titles when they are not used with an individual’s name: The president issued a statement. The pope gave his blessing.

Lowercase and spell out titles in constructions that set them off from a name by commas. For example:

  • The vice president, Joe Biden, was re-elected in 2012.
  • Pope Francis, the current pope, was born in Argentina.

There are certain exceptions to this rule for the City of Boston, which you can find below.

Years

Use figures, without commas, for years: 1975. Use an s without an apostrophe to indicate spaces of decades or centuries: the 1890s, the 1800s.

Some examples:

  • January 1972 was a cold month. January 2 was the coldest day of the month.
  • His birthday is May 8. February 14, 1987, was the target date.
  • She testified that it was Friday, December 3, when the accident occurred.

Special writing rules

Mayor

Always capitalize “Mayor” when referring to the Mayor of Boston. This is true whether or not you use the Mayor’s name. For example:

  • Mayor Michelle Wu is coming to the meeting today.
  • Michelle Wu, the Mayor of Boston, is coming to the meeting today.
  • The Mayor is coming to the meeting today.

If you are talking about “mayors” in general, you do not need to capitalize the word. For example:

  • Mayor Michelle Wu will be among the mayors who will visit the White House this week.
  • Climate change is a big concern for mayors in many major cities along the coast.
City Council

Always capitalize “City Council” when referring to the Boston City Council. This is true whether or not you use “Boston” before “City Council.” For example:

  • The Boston City Council will make a decision on the ordinance today.
  • The City Council will make a decision on the ordinance today.

If you are talking about “city councils” in general, you do not need to capitalize the words. For example:

  • In many major cities, city councils help enact laws.
City

Always capitalize “City” when referring to the City of Boston. For example:

  • The City is ready for First Night.
  • This time of year, students from around the world come to the City to attend college.

If you are talking about “cities” in general, you do not need to capitalize the word. For example:

  • Boston is one of the major cities on the East Coast.
  • Climate change is a big concern for cities across the United States.
Use the ‘Oxford’ comma

Always use the “oxford” comma. If you use a serial list in your writing, please remember to include a comma before “and” at the end of the sentence. For example:

  • Boston’s professional sports teams include the Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins, and Celtics.
Phone numbers

Always use the click-to-call friendly format for phone numbers. Remember to use dashes so that the numbers are recognized on mobile devices. For example:

  • Please use 617-353-4500, instead of (617) 653-4500, or 617.635.4500.

Plain English word list

Word list

Here are some suggestions for plain language words to use instead of complicated jargon or legalese. We put together this list from a couple of different sources.

Looking for a better option for a complicated word? Click on a drawer below, hit (ctrl + f) on your keyboard, and type your word in. We might have an answer.

/*-->*/

INSTEAD OF: CONSIDER USING:
INSTEAD OF:(an) absence of
CONSIDER USING:no, none
INSTEAD OF:abundance
CONSIDER USING:enough, plenty, a lot (or say how many)
INSTEAD OF:accede
CONSIDER USING:agree, grant, allow
INSTEAD OF:accelerate
CONSIDER USING:speed up
INSTEAD OF:accentuate
CONSIDER USING:strengthen, emphasize
INSTEAD OF:access [verb]
CONSIDER USING:enter, use, gain, entry
INSTEAD OF:accommodation
CONSIDER USING:where you live, home
INSTEAD OF:accompanying
CONSIDER USING:with
INSTEAD OF:accomplish
CONSIDER USING:do, finish
INSTEAD OF:accordingly
CONSIDER USING:so
INSTEAD OF:according to our records
CONSIDER USING:our records show
INSTEAD OF:accountability
CONSIDER USING:responsibility for
INSTEAD OF:accustomed to
CONSIDER USING:used to
INSTEAD OF:acknowledge
CONSIDER USING:thank you for
INSTEAD OF:acquaint yourself
CONSIDER USING:find out, read
INSTEAD OF:acquiesce
CONSIDER USING:agree
INSTEAD OF:acquire
CONSIDER USING:buy, get
INSTEAD OF:additional
CONSIDER USING:more, extra
INSTEAD OF:address [sense 'consider']
CONSIDER USING:tackle, deal with, consider
INSTEAD OF:adjacent
CONSIDER USING:next to
INSTEAD OF:adjustment
CONSIDER USING:change, alteration
INSTEAD OF:admissible
CONSIDER USING:allowed, acceptable
INSTEAD OF:advantageous
CONSIDER USING:useful, helpful
INSTEAD OF:advices
CONSIDER USING:information, instructions
INSTEAD OF:advise [ sense 'inform']
CONSIDER USING:inform, tell, let [me] know
INSTEAD OF:affix
CONSIDER USING:add, write, fasten, stick on, fix to
INSTEAD OF:afford an opportunity
CONSIDER USING:let, allow
INSTEAD OF:afforded
CONSIDER USING:given
INSTEAD OF:aforementioned, aforesaid
CONSIDER USING:[get rid of or be more specific]
INSTEAD OF:aforesaid
CONSIDER USING:this, earlier in this document
INSTEAD OF:aggregate [noun]
CONSIDER USING:total
INSTEAD OF:aligned
CONSIDER USING:lined up, in line
INSTEAD OF:alleviate
CONSIDER USING:ease, reduce, lessen
INSTEAD OF:allocate
CONSIDER USING:give
INSTEAD OF:along the lines of
CONSIDER USING:like, as in
INSTEAD OF:alternative
CONSIDER USING:choice, other
INSTEAD OF:alternatively
CONSIDER USING:or, on the other hand
INSTEAD OF:ambit
CONSIDER USING:scope
INSTEAD OF:ambiguous
CONSIDER USING:more than one meaning
INSTEAD OF:ameliorate
CONSIDER USING:improve, help
INSTEAD OF:amendment
CONSIDER USING:change
INSTEAD OF:annuity
CONSIDER USING:pension, lifetime income
INSTEAD OF:annul
CONSIDER USING:cancel
INSTEAD OF:anticipate
CONSIDER USING:expect
INSTEAD OF:apparent
CONSIDER USING:clear, obvious
INSTEAD OF:applicant
CONSIDER USING:[use 'you' where possible]
INSTEAD OF:application [noun]
CONSIDER USING:use
INSTEAD OF:apportion
CONSIDER USING:split
INSTEAD OF:appreciable
CONSIDER USING:large, great
INSTEAD OF:apprise
CONSIDER USING:inform, tell, let [me] know
INSTEAD OF:appropriate (adjective)
CONSIDER USING:suitable, right, proper
INSTEAD OF:appropriate to
CONSIDER USING:suitable for
INSTEAD OF:approximately
CONSIDER USING:about, roughly
INSTEAD OF:as a consequence of
CONSIDER USING:because
INSTEAD OF:as of the date of
CONSIDER USING:from
INSTEAD OF:as regards
CONSIDER USING:about, on the subject of
INSTEAD OF:ascertain
CONSIDER USING:find out
INSTEAD OF:assemble
CONSIDER USING:build, gather, put together
INSTEAD OF:assist, assistance
CONSIDER USING:help
INSTEAD OF:at an early date
CONSIDER USING:soon (or say when)
INSTEAD OF:at its discretion
CONSIDER USING:can, may (or edit out)
INSTEAD OF:at the moment
CONSIDER USING:now (or edit out)
INSTEAD OF:at the present time
CONSIDER USING:now (or edit out)
INSTEAD OF:attain
CONSIDER USING:reach
INSTEAD OF:attend
CONSIDER USING:come to, go to, be at
INSTEAD OF:attributable to
CONSIDER USING:die to, because of
INSTEAD OF:attribute [verb]
CONSIDER USING:earmark
INSTEAD OF:authorize
CONSIDER USING:allow, let
INSTEAD OF:authority
CONSIDER USING:right, power, may (as in "have the authority to")
INSTEAD OF:axiomatic
CONSIDER USING:obvious, goes with saying
INSTEAD OF:belated
CONSIDER USING:late
INSTEAD OF:beneficial
CONSIDER USING:helpful, useful
INSTEAD OF:bestow
CONSIDER USING:give, award
INSTEAD OF:branchild
CONSIDER USING:idea
INSTEAD OF:breach
CONSIDER USING:break
INSTEAD OF:by means of
CONSIDER USING:by
INSTEAD OF:burgeon
CONSIDER USING:grow, increase
INSTEAD OF:calculate
CONSIDER USING:work out, decide
INSTEAD OF:category
CONSIDER USING:group
INSTEAD OF:cease
CONSIDER USING:stop, end
INSTEAD OF:circumvent
CONSIDER USING:get around, void, skirt, circle
INSTEAD OF:clarification
CONSIDER USING:explanation, help
INSTEAD OF:cognizant of
CONSIDER USING:aware of, know about
INSTEAD OF:combine
CONSIDER USING:mix
INSTEAD OF:combined
CONSIDER USING:together
INSTEAD OF:cohort
CONSIDER USING:group [with shared characteristics]
INSTEAD OF:collaborate
CONSIDER USING:work together, work with
INSTEAD OF:commence
CONSIDER USING:start, begin
INSTEAD OF:commencement date
CONSIDER USING:start date
INSTEAD OF:commensurate with
CONSIDER USING:consistent with
INSTEAD OF:communicate
CONSIDER USING:talk, write, telephone (be specific)
INSTEAD OF:competent
CONSIDER USING:able, can
INSTEAD OF:compile
CONSIDER USING:male, collect
INSTEAD OF:complete
CONSIDER USING:fill in, finish
INSTEAD OF:comply with
CONSIDER USING:keep to, meet
INSTEAD OF:component
CONSIDER USING:part
INSTEAD OF:comprise
CONSIDER USING:make up, include

/*-->*/

Instead of: Consider using:
Instead of:compulsory
Consider using:required, you must
Instead of:conceal
Consider using:hide
Instead of:concept
Consider using:idea
Instead of:concerning
Consider using:about
Instead of:consequently
Consider using:so
Instead of:considerable
Consider using:large
Instead of:conclusion
Consider using:end
Instead of:concur
Consider using:agree
Instead of:condition
Consider using:rule
Instead of:consequently
Consider using:so
Instead of:considerable
Consider using:great, important
Instead of:constitutes
Consider using:makes up, forms, is
Instead of:construct [verb]
Consider using:build
Instead of:construe
Consider using:interpret
Instead of:consult
Consider using:talk to, meet, ask
Instead of:consumption
Consider using:amount used
Instead of:contemplate
Consider using:think about
Instead of:contrary to
Consider using:against, despite
Instead of:correct
Consider using:put right
Instead of:correspond
Consider using:write
Instead of:corroboration
Consider using:evidence, proof, support
Instead of:costs the sum of
Consider using:costs
Instead of:counter
Consider using:against
Instead of:courteous
Consider using:polite
Instead of:cumulative
Consider using:added up, added together
Instead of:currently
Consider using:now (or edit out)
Instead of:customary
Consider using:usual, normal
Instead of:deduct
Consider using:take away, take off, substract
Instead of:deem
Consider using:treat as, consider
Instead of:defer
Consider using:put off, postpone
Instead of:deficiency
Consider using:lack of
Instead of:delete
Consider using:cross out
Instead of:deliverables
Consider using:results, outputs, what we'll provide
Instead of:demonstrate
Consider using:show, prove
Instead of:denote
Consider using:show
Instead of:depict
Consider using:show
Instead of:designate
Consider using:name, specify
Instead of:desire
Consider using:wish, want
Instead of:desist
Consider using:stop
Instead of:despatch or dispatch
Consider using:send or post
Instead of:despite the fact that
Consider using:although, despite
Instead of:determine
Consider using:decide
Instead of:determine [legal sense]
Consider using:end, terminate
Instead of:detrimental
Consider using:harmful
Instead of:diminish
Consider using:lessen, reduce
Instead of:disburse
Consider using:pay
Instead of:discharge [verb]
Consider using:pay off, settle
Instead of:disclose
Consider using:tell, show
Instead of:disconnect [verb]
Consider using:cut off
Instead of:discontinue
Consider using:stop, end
Instead of:discuss
Consider using:talk about
Instead of:disseminate
Consider using:spread
Instead of:documentation
Consider using:papers, documents
Instead of:domiciled in
Consider using:living in
Instead of:dominant
Consider using:main
Instead of:due to the fact that
Consider using:as, because
Instead of:duration
Consider using:time, life
Instead of:during which time
Consider using:while
Instead of:dwelling, domicile
Consider using:home, property
Instead of:economical
Consider using:cheap, good value
Instead of:egress
Consider using:exit, way out
Instead of:elect, election [outside of political context]
Consider using:choose, choice
Instead of:eligible
Consider using:allowed, qualified
Instead of:elucidate
Consider using:explain, make clear
Instead of:emanate from
Consider using:come from, stem from
Instead of:emphasize
Consider using:stress
Instead of:empower
Consider using:allow, let
Instead of:enable
Consider using:allow
Instead of:enclosed
Consider using:inside, with
Instead of:encounter
Consider using:meet
Instead of:endeavor
Consider using:try, attempt
Instead of:enhance
Consider using:improve
Instead of:enquire
Consider using:ask
Instead of:enquiry
Consider using:question
Instead of:ensure
Consider using:make sure
Instead of:entitlement
Consider using:right
Instead of:envisage
Consider using:expect, imagine, forecast, think
Instead of:equitable
Consider using:fair
Instead of:equivalent
Consider using:equal, the same
Instead of:erroneous
Consider using:wrong, mistaken
Instead of:establish
Consider using:set up, create, form
Instead of:evaluate
Consider using:test, check
Instead of:eventuate
Consider using:result, occur, happen
Instead of:evince
Consider using:show, prove
Instead of:ex officio
Consider using:because of his or her position
Instead of:exhaustive
Consider using:complete
Instead of:exceptionally
Consider using:only when, in this case
Instead of:excessive
Consider using:too many, too much
Instead of:exclude
Consider using:leave out
Instead of:excluding
Consider using:apart from, except
Instead of:exclusively
Consider using:only
Instead of:exempt from
Consider using:free from
Instead of:expedite
Consider using:hasten, speed up
Instead of:expeditiously
Consider using:as soon as possible, quickly
Instead of:expenditure
Consider using:spending
Instead of:expire
Consider using:run out
Instead of:expiration
Consider using:end
Instead of:extant
Consider using:current, in force
Instead of:extremity
Consider using:limit
Instead of:fabricate
Consider using:make, make up

/*-->*/

Instead of: Consider using:
Instead of:facilitate
Consider using:help
Instead of:factor
Consider using:reason
Instead of:failure to
Consider using:if you do not
Instead of:finalize
Consider using:end, finish
Instead of:following
Consider using:after
Instead of:for the duration of
Consider using:during, while
Instead of:for the purpose of
Consider using:to
Instead of:for the reason that
Consider using:because
Instead of:formulate
Consider using:plan, devise
Instead of:forthwith
Consider using:now, at once
Instead of:forward [verb]
Consider using:send, give
Instead of:frequently
Consider using:often
Instead of:fundamental
Consider using:basic
Instead of:furnish
Consider using:give, provide
Instead of:further to
Consider using:after, following
Instead of:furthermore
Consider using:also
Instead of:generate
Consider using:produce, give, make
Instead of:give consideration to
Consider using:consider, think about
Instead of:grant
Consider using:give
Instead of:henceforth
Consider using:from now on, from today
Instead of:hereby
Consider using:now, by this (or edit out)
Instead of:herein
Consider using:here (or edit out)
Instead of:hereinafter
Consider using:after this (or edit out)
Instead of:hereof
Consider using:of this
Instead of:hereto
Consider using:to this
Instead of:heretofore
Consider using:until now
Instead of:hereunder
Consider using:below
Instead of:herewith
Consider using:with this
Instead of:hitherto
Consider using:until now
Instead of:hold in abeyance
Consider using:wait, postpone
Instead of:hope and trust
Consider using:hope, trust (but not both)
Instead of:hypothecate
Consider using:earmark
Instead of:if and when
Consider using:if, when (but not both)
Instead of:if this is not the case
Consider using:if so
Instead of:illustrate
Consider using:show, explain
Instead of:immediately
Consider using:at once, now
Instead of:impart
Consider using:give, pass on, tell, inform
Instead of:implement [verb]
Consider using:carry out, do
Instead of:imply
Consider using:suggest, hint at
Instead of:in a number of cases
Consider using:some (or say how many)
Instead of:in accordance with
Consider using:in line with
Instead of:in addition (to)
Consider using:and, as well as, also
Instead of:in advance
Consider using:before
Instead of:in case of
Consider using:if
Instead of:in conjunction with
Consider using:with
Instead of:in connection with
Consider using:for, about
Instead of:in consequence
Consider using:because, as a result
Instead of:in excecss of
Consider using:more than
Instead of:in lieu of
Consider using:instead of
Instead of:in order to
Consider using:to
Instead of:in receipt of
Consider using:get, have, receive, receiving
Instead of:in relation to
Consider using:about
Instead of:in regard to
Consider using:about, concerning, on
Instead of:in respect of
Consider using:about, for
Instead of:in the absence of
Consider using:without
Instead of:in the course of
Consider using:while, during
Instead of:in the event of
Consider using:if, when
Instead of:in the eventuality of
Consider using:if, when
Instead of:in the majority of instances
Consider using:most, mostly
Instead of:in the near future
Consider using:soon (or say when)
Instead of:in the neighborhood of
Consider using:about, around
Instead of:in view of the fact that
Consider using:as, because
Instead of:inappropriate
Consider using:wrong, unsuitable
Instead of:inception
Consider using:start, beginning
Instead of:incorporating
Consider using:which includes
Instead of:incurred
Consider using:have to pay, owe
Instead of:indicate
Consider using:show, suggest
Instead of:inform
Consider using:tell
Instead of:initially
Consider using:at first
Instead of:initiate
Consider using:being, start
Instead of:insert
Consider using:put in
Instead of:instances
Consider using:cases
Instead of:insofar as
Consider using:as far as
Instead of:institute [verb]
Consider using:being, start
Instead of:intend to
Consider using:will
Instead of:interim [noun]
Consider using:meantime, for the time being
Instead of:intimate
Consider using:say, hint
Instead of:irrevocable
Consider using:cannot be reversed or change
Instead of:irrespective of
Consider using:despite, even if
Instead of:is in accordance with
Consider using:agrees with, follows
Instead of:is of the opinion
Consider using:thinks
Instead of:issue
Consider using:give, send
Instead of:it is known that
Consider using:I/we know that
Instead of:jeopardize
Consider using:risk, threaten
Instead of:juncture
Consider using:point, time
Instead of:(a) large number of
Consider using:many, most (or say how many)
Instead of:(to) liaise with
Consider using:to meet with, to discuss with, to work with (whichever is more descriptive)
Instead of:locality
Consider using:place, area
Instead of:locate
Consider using:find, put
Instead of:magnitude
Consider using:size
Instead of:mandatory
Consider using:required by law, (you) must
Instead of:manner
Consider using:way
Instead of:manufacture
Consider using:make
Instead of:material
Consider using:relevant
Instead of:materialize
Consider using:happen, occur
Instead of:marginal
Consider using:small, slight
Instead of:may in the future
Consider using:may, might, could
Instead of:merchandise
Consider using:goods
Instead of:mislay
Consider using:lose
Instead of:modification
Consider using:change

/*-->*/

Instead of: Consider using:
Instead of:monies
Consider using:money, amounts of money
Instead of:moreover
Consider using:and, also, as well
Instead of:necessitate
Consider using:need, have to, require
Instead of:negligible
Consider using:very small
Instead of:nevertheless
Consider using:even so, however, yet
Instead of:nonetheless
Consider using:even so, however, yet
Instead of:notify
Consider using:tell, let us/you know
Instead of:not less than (ten)
Consider using:at least (ten)
Instead of:not more than (ten)
Consider using:(ten) or less, (ten) or fewer
Instead of:notwithstanding
Consider using:even if, despite, still, yet, but
Instead of:numerous
Consider using:many (or say how many)
Instead of:objective
Consider using:aim, goal
Instead of:(it is) obligatory
Consider using:(you) must
Instead of:obtain
Consider using:get, receive
Instead of:occasioned by
Consider using:caused by, because of
Instead of:on behalf of
Consider using:for
Instead of:on numerous occasion
Consider using:often
Instead of:on receipt of
Consider using:when we/you get
Instead of:on request
Consider using:if you ask
Instead of:on the grounds that
Consider using:because
Instead of:on the occasion that
Consider using:when, if
Instead of:onus
Consider using:burden, duty
Instead of:operate
Consider using:work, run
Instead of:optimum
Consider using:best, ideal
Instead of:option
Consider using:choice
Instead of:ordinarily
Consider using:normally, usually
Instead of:other than
Consider using:except
Instead of:otherwise
Consider using:or
Instead of:outstanding
Consider using:unpaid
Instead of:owing to
Consider using:because of
Instead of:particulars
Consider using:details, facts
Instead of:(a) percentage of
Consider using:some (or say what percentage)
Instead of:partially
Consider using:partly
Instead of:participate
Consider using:join in, take part
Instead of:particulars
Consider using:details, facts
Instead of:per annum
Consider using:a year
Instead of:perform
Consider using:do
Instead of:permissible
Consider using:allowed
Instead of:permit
Consider using:let, allow
Instead of:personnel
Consider using:people, staff
Instead of:persons
Consider using:people
Instead of:perpetrator
Consider using:(alleged) wrongdoer
Instead of:peruse
Consider using:read or study carefully, examine
Instead of:polemical
Consider using:controversial
Instead of:possess
Consider using:have, own
Instead of:possessions
Consider using:belongings
Instead of:predominantly
Consider using:mainly
Instead of:prescribe
Consider using:set, fix
Instead of:preserve
Consider using:keep, protect
Instead of:previous
Consider using:earlier, before, last
Instead of:principal [adjective]
Consider using:main, chief
Instead of:prioritize
Consider using:rank
Instead of:prior to
Consider using:before
Instead of:proceed
Consider using:go ahead
Instead of:procure
Consider using:get, obtain, arrange
Instead of:profusion of
Consider using:plenty, too many (or say how many)
Instead of:prohibit
Consider using:ban, stop
Instead of:projected
Consider using:estimated
Instead of:prolonged
Consider using:long
Instead of:promptly
Consider using:quickly, at once
Instead of:promulgate
Consider using:advertise, announce
Instead of:proportion
Consider using:part
Instead of:provenance
Consider using:source, origin
Instead of:provide
Consider using:give
Instead of:provided that
Consider using:if, as long as
Instead of:provisions [of a law, policy]
Consider using:the law, the policy, rules, terms
Instead of:proximity
Consider using:closeness, nearness
Instead of:purchase
Consider using:buy
Instead of:purport [verb]
Consider using:pretend, claim, profess
Instead of:pursuant to
Consider using:under, because of, in line with
Instead of:qualify for
Consider using:can get, be able to get
Instead of:reconsider
Consider using:think again, about, look again at
Instead of:reduce
Consider using:cut
Instead of:reduction
Consider using:cut
Instead of:referred to as
Consider using:called
Instead of:refer to
Consider using:talk about, mention
Instead of:(have) regard to
Consider using:take into account
Instead of:regarding
Consider using:about
Instead of:regulation
Consider using:rule
Instead of:reimburse
Consider using:repay
Instead of:reiterate
Consider using:repeat, restate
Instead of:relating to
Consider using:about
Instead of:remain
Consider using:stay
Instead of:remainder
Consider using:the rest, what is left
Instead of:remittance
Consider using:payment
Instead of:remuneration
Consider using:pay, wages, salary
Instead of:remunerative employment
Consider using:paid work
Instead of:render
Consider using:send, make, give
Instead of:representations
Consider using:show, stand for, be
Instead of:representations
Consider using:comments
Instead of:request
Consider using:ask, question
Instead of:require
Consider using:need, want, force
Instead of:requirements
Consider using:needs, rules
Instead of:reside
Consider using:live
Instead of:residence
Consider using:home, property, address
Instead of:restriction
Consider using:limit
Instead of:retain
Consider using:keep
Instead of:review
Consider using:look at (again)
Instead of:revised
Consider using:new, changed
Instead of:save [conjunction]
Consider using:except

/*-->*/

Instead of: Consider using:
Instead of:scrutinize
Consider using:read (look at) carefully
Instead of:select
Consider using:choose
Instead of:settle
Consider using:pay
Instead of:similarly
Consider using:also, in the same way
Instead of:shall [legal obligation]
Consider using:must
Instead of:solely
Consider using:only
Instead of:specified
Consider using:given, written, set
Instead of:state
Consider using:say, tells us, write down
Instead of:statutory
Consider using:legal, by law
Instead of:stipulate
Consider using:state, set, lay down
Instead of:subject to
Consider using:depending on, under, keeping to
Instead of:submit
Consider using:send, give
Instead of:subsequent to/upon
Consider using:after
Instead of:subsequently
Consider using:later
Instead of:substantial
Consider using:large, great, a lot of
Instead of:substantially
Consider using:more or less
Instead of:sufficient
Consider using:enough
Instead of:supplement
Consider using:go with, add to
Instead of:supplementary
Consider using:extra, more
Instead of:supply
Consider using:give, sell, delivery
Instead of:terminate
Consider using:end, stop
Instead of:that being the case
Consider using:if so
Instead of:the law provides that
Consider using:the law says
Instead of:the question as to whether
Consider using:whether
Instead of:the way in which
Consider using:how
Instead of:thereafter
Consider using:then, afterwards
Instead of:thereby
Consider using:by that, because of that
Instead of:therein
Consider using:in that, there
Instead of:thereof
Consider using:of that
Instead of:thereto
Consider using:to that
Instead of:thus
Consider using:so, therefore
Instead of:to date
Consider using:so far, up to now
Instead of:to the extent that
Consider using:if, when
Instead of:transfer
Consider using:change, move
Instead of:transmit
Consider using:send
Instead of:timeously
Consider using:in goot time
Instead of:tranche
Consider using:slice, portion, share, chunk
Instead of:ultimately
Consider using:in the end, finally
Instead of:unavailability
Consider using:lack of
Instead of:undernoted
Consider using:the following
Instead of:undersigned
Consider using:I, we
Instead of:undertake
Consider using:agree, promise, do
Instead of:uniform
Consider using:same, similar
Instead of:unilateral
Consider using:one-sided, one-way
Instead of:unoccupied
Consider using:empty
Instead of:until such time
Consider using:until
Instead of:utilization
Consider using:use
Instead of:utilize
Consider using:use
Instead of:variation
Consider using:change
Instead of:verify
Consider using:check, prove
Instead of:virtually
Consider using:almost (or edit out)
Instead of:visualize
Consider using:see, predict
Instead of:ways and means
Consider using:ways
Instead of:we have pleasure in
Consider using:we are glad to
Instead of:whatsoever
Consider using:whatever, what, any
Instead of:whensoever
Consider using:when, whenever
Instead of:whereas
Consider using:but
Instead of:whereby
Consider using:by which, because of which
Instead of:whether or not
Consider using:whether
Instead of:with a view to
Consider using:to, so that
Instead of:with effect from
Consider using:from
Instead of:with reference to
Consider using:about, concerning
Instead of:with regard to
Consider using:about, concerning
Instead of:with respect to
Consider using:about, for, concerning
Instead of:with the minimum of delay
Consider using:quickly (or say when)
Instead of:whilst
Consider using:while
Instead of:willfully
Consider using:deliberately
Instead of:you are requested
Consider using:please
Instead of:your attention is drawn
Consider using:please see, please note
Instead of:zone
Consider using:area, region
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