In the last blog, I highlighted the importance of clear and straightforward language in grant proposals to ensure effective communication with reviewers. So at this juncture, it is imperative to implement methodologies that facilitate the augmentation of linguistic simplicity within documentation." - OH SORRY!
What I mean is, we should use simpler words in our writing.
So, I’ve put together a table of words and phrases I’ve regularly come across in proposals and believe can be simplified for greater clarity. These examples reflect common tendencies to use complex language when simpler alternatives would convey the same meaning more effectively. By adopting these suggestions, you can make your proposals more accessible and impactful, increasing the likelihood that your key messages will resonate with reviewers.
Complex Words and Their Simpler Alternatives
Complex Word | Simpler Alternative |
Accumulate | Gather |
Advantageous | Helpful |
Allocate | Divide |
Ameliorate | Improve |
Ascertain | Find out |
Cease | Stop |
Commence | Start |
Consolidate | Combine |
Demonstrate | Show |
Disseminate | Share |
Elucidate | Explain |
Endeavor | Try |
Enumerate | Count |
Expedite | Speed up |
Facilitate | Help |
Implement | Start |
Mitigate | Lessen |
Optimize | Improve |
Terminate | End |
Utilize | Use |
Complex Phrases and Their Simplified Versions
Complex Phrase | Simplified Version |
"At this point in time" | "Now" |
"Due to the fact that" | "Because" |
"In the event that" | "If" |
"Prior to the start of" | "Before" |
"With the exception of" | "Except" |
"In order to" | "To" |
"A number of" | "Several" |
"In the near future" | "Soon" |
"Despite the fact that" | "Although" |
"In the vicinity of" | "Near" |
"On a daily basis" | "Daily" |
"At this juncture" | "Now" |
"Has the capability to" | "Can" |
"It is essential that" | "Must" |
"Make an effort to" | "Try" |
"Provide assistance to" | "Help" |
"Reach a conclusion" | "Conclude" |
"Take into consideration" | "Consider" |
"With regard to" | "About" |
"In light of the fact that" | "Because" |
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