44453A84-A5A9-B9E2-2ED13FAF66A5E3E1
3823E1C5-A10A-F090-E58F666F7ED3D188

Shorthand: (“j”)

Avoid jargon.

Jargon, also known as the stuffy, abstract, colorless, impersonal, and wordy language that appears in much professional, pseudo-scientific, bureaucratic, and journalistic writing, is often intended to compensate for lack of creativity. Almost inevitably, it fails.

Writers of jargon overuse the passive voice and forms of the verb to be. They are fond of “noun-noun constructions,” such as food situation, long-term energy shortage problem, and precipitation conditions.  

Frequent use of jargon is no excuse for confusing your reader. Important-sounding phrases are no substitute for simple, clear, active words. The following are some words and phrases commonly used by writers of jargon. None of them is intrinsically objectionable, but they often substitute for thought and meaning. Consider their respective alternatives.

Instead of: try:
have a belief in believe
put an emphasis on emphasize
is indicative of indicates
in the event of if
impact v. affect, n. effect
utilize use
prior to before
transcend exceed or excel
condition circumstance or contingency
situation circumstance
status condition
-wise probably unnecessary
inherent often unnecessary
in view of the fact that because (6 - 1 = 5 words saved)
in connection with with
viewpoint perspective
of this nature probably unnecessary
in regard to regarding
character vague; use a thesaurus*
societal social
in many instances probably unnecessary
due to the fact that because

* Do not, however, become reliant upon a thesaurus. A thesaurus lists words, which are not always synonyms.  Your professor can tell when you use a word but really have no idea what it means.

Bryce Fan '20

Find Your Voice

What good is having a great idea if you can’t communicate it effectively? We’ll teach you how to express yourself through writing and speaking, of course, but also through digital communications and artistic expression — all of which will help you stand out no matter what path you choose after graduation.

Contact

Office / Department Name

Nesbitt-Johnston Writing Center

Contact Name

Jennifer Ambrose

Writing Center Director

Office Location
Kirner-Johnson 152
Hours
M
10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Tu
10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
W
10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Th
10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Fr
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Su
2 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Help us provide an accessible education, offer innovative resources and programs, and foster intellectual exploration.

Site Search