Words to avoid and suggested alternatives
Where possible we aim to use jargon-free, plain English when writing content for Turas or Public Services Delivery Scotland products. These are a few words to avoid:
- along the lines of
- instead use, like or as in
- and/or
- instead use, and, or, or both or x, y or both
- notwithstanding
- instead use, even if, despite, still or yet
- outwith
- instead use, outside, outside of or beyond
- thus
- instead use, so or therefore
- whilst
- instead use, while
If in doubt, use a shorter, simpler word.
Find more examples and lots of inspiration on how to simplify your language at the Plain English Campaign A-Z of Alternative Words