This article series aims to eliminate usage errors and help non-native speakers to write clearly and fluently. We suggest that you always do proper research and use style guides effectively. For anything you are not sure of, feel free to ask us. Misused word: aim (with the aim to) Alternatives with the aim of (doing something), with a view to (doing something, not do something). Explanation This expression actually takes of + the gerund. Example Avoid “List of specific recommendations […]

This article series aims to eliminate usage errors and help non-native speakers to write clearly and fluently. We suggest that you always do proper research and use style guides effectively. For anything you are not sure of, feel free to ask us. Misused word important Alternatives large, substantial, significant.

This article series aims to eliminate usage errors and help non-native speakers to write clearly and fluently. We suggest that you always do proper research and use style guides effectively. For anything you are not sure of, feel free to ask us. Misused word control, ­to control, a control Alternatives audit, check, verify/verification, inspect/inspection, safeguard. Explanation To control does not usually mean “to audit,” “check” or “verify” and “a control” is not normally “a check” or “an inspection.” Its most […]

This article series aims to eliminate usage errors and help non-native speakers to write clearly and fluently. We suggest that you always do proper research and use style guides effectively. For anything you are not sure of, feel free to ask us. Misused word modify Alternatives amend, change. Explanation When referring to changes to legislation, “amend/amendment” are better words than “modify/modification.” In other contexts, the word “change” is a more common alternative. Example Avoid “The Commission … undertook to make […]

This article series aims to eliminate usage errors and help non-native speakers to write clearly and fluently. We suggest that you always do proper research and use style guides effectively. For anything you are not sure of, feel free to ask us. Misused word do Alternatives perform, carry out, undertake. Explanation “To do” is a rather weak word: “to perform” and “to carry out” are often better. Using them also avoids the rather common confusion between “to do” and “to […]

This article series aims to eliminate usage errors and help non-native speakers to write clearly and fluently. We suggest that you always do proper research and use style guides effectively. For anything you are not sure of, feel free to ask us. Misused word inform Alternatives announce, declare, state etc.

This article series aims to eliminate usage errors and help non-native speakers to write clearly and fluently. We suggest that you always do proper research and use style guides effectively. For anything you are not sure of, feel free to ask us. Misused word within the framework of, in the framework of Alternatives in connection with, as part of, under etc.