I don't think I've ever followed a set of instructions without rewriting at least part of it in my head. I recognise and acknowledge that this is possibly/probably an occupational hazard. Sometimes it's just wording I'd change. Sometimes it's because I've reached...
Use your words… wisely
Language evolves, obviously, and I’m glad it does. I just want it to evolve towards precision, not away from it. Euphemisms help no one, and neither do diluted truths.
The Duty of Candour: on institutional honesty, public inquiries, and the weight of words
The language of apology without accountability is also its own form of dishonesty.
Sincerity and authenticity in copy
If you’ve ever had to get sign off on a press release from a non-communications leadership team, you have probably played strikeout bingo. The red pen has deleted many a ‘delighted’, ‘strength to strength’, and ‘game-changing’. There are many, many more, that give us...
Why verbing nouns needs to stop
I like, because it makes me smile, that some Australian towns thank you for visiting as you drive out by farewelling you - there are signs that say ‘Porpoise Spit farewells you’ at the edge of town. The first time I saw one of those signs I thought it sounded clumsy...
Words and phrases that get on my wick (and/or are used incorrectly)
A little list of linguistic offences
Me, on See it. Say it. Sorted. and public information messaging
According to this Prolific North piece, "See it. Say it. Sorted." is one of the most successful public information campaigns of all time. Really? Apparently so. According to this, “Since the campaign’s launch in 2016, reports to British Transport Police’s 61016 text...
AI in the workplace (as at August 2025)
AI is everywhere. I suspect some organisations are caught off guard at the rapid growth and adoption of AI tools. You can’t ignore it. A total ban is possibly unworkable and somewhat naive; the same applies to a policy requiring approval for usage. A robust, but also...
Speak human: Clearer language = better customer experience
What do you tend to do when/if you get rubbish customer service? You switch allegiance as soon as humanly possible, and probably tell your friends. ‘Your message/call is very important to us’ ‘We are experiencing a high volume of calls at the moment’ ‘Please do...
A 5-minute plain English test for your emails
If your email inbox is anything like mine, (or FAR more likely, your spam/junk folder) it potentially contains the odd business email that reads like it was written by a bot. A generic opener along the lines of "I trust this email finds you well", or "I'm reaching out...