Development and Review of Specifications Attachment 8
Needless Words and Jargon
To increase the clarity and readability of specifications, avoid wordy phrases and complex words that can be replaced with fewer or simpler words that convey the same meaning. The list below identifies some common wordy phrases alongside possible plain language substitutes.
| Instead of | Consider |
|---|---|
| a minimum of | at least |
| a number of | some |
| absolutely essential | essential |
| accordingly | so |
| aforementioned | the, that, those |
| as concerned with | concerns |
| as a means of | to |
| as may be necessary | as needed |
| as prescribed by | in, under |
| at a later date | later |
| at the option of the contractor | the contractor may |
| at the present time | now |
| by means of | by |
| capability | can |
| cease and desist | stop |
| commence | start |
| consequently | so |
| contract requirement | contract |
| due to the fact that | because |
| enclosed herewith | enclosed |
| endeavor | try |
| facilitate | help |
| for a period of | for |
| for the purpose of | for, to |
| free from | without |
| give consideration to | consider |
| give due and sufficient written notice | give written notice |
| give recognition to | recognize |
| heretofore | until now |
| however | but |
| if the contractor so elects | The contractor may |
| implement | start, carry out |
| in a manner such that | so that |
| in a timely manner | promptly, on time |
| in advance of | before |
| in an effort to | to |
| in lieu of | instead of |
| in many cases | often |
| in many instances | sometimes |
| in order to | to |
| in the amount of | for |
| in the event of | if |
| in the event that | if, when |
| in the near future | soon |
| in such a manner as to | so as to |
| initiate | start |
| is applicable to | applies to |
| is hereby authorized | may |
| is indicative of | shows |
| it is intended | shall |
| it shall be incumbent upon | shall |
| it shall be the responsibility of the contractor | the contractor shall |
| it shall be the duty | shall |
| make payment | pay |
| make preparations for | prepare for |
| make use of | use |
| methodology | method, way |
| not less than | at least |
| on a quarterly basis | quarterly |
| on a regular basis | regularly |
| pertaining to | of, about |
| prior to | before |
| should it appear that | if |
| so as to | to |
| subsequent to | after |
| successfully complete | complete |
| such that | so |
| terminate | end |
| the month of June | June |
| the question as to whether | whether |
| through the use of | by |
| throughout the construction period | during construction |
| timely | prompt |
| undertake an analysis | analyze |
| until such time as | until |
| utilize | use |