Precision for Writers and Editors

Word abuse

Here are some of the most commonly overused, misused, and abused words in business and technical writing today.

actionable means “inviting a lawsuit” but in some circles is acquiring a secondary meeting of “useful”; considering the word’s primary meaning, it is folly to say that you produce actionable recommendations

both not every pair of words needs to be emphasized with this word: “We produced both classified and unclassified versions” could do without both

coalesce means “come together”; you don’t coalesce things

comprise means “be made up of” —a state comprises counties, cities, and towns; but comprise sounds so sophisticated compared to compose that it gets forced in where it doesn’t belong

emulate means “do at least as well as” but imitate, the word that is more likely appropriate, doesn’t sound nearly as impressive

respective “The adjudant generals report to their respective governors”—well, of course they report to their own governors

utilize means “find a use for”; if it refers to something that is not used to full potential, fine— otherwise it could be insulting