Avoid foreign words and phrases.

The point of writing is communication. While some readers may understand a wide variety of foreign words and phrases, many won’t, and this will hinder your ability to communicate clearly. For example, readers may not understand the following:

bon mot

a priori

cause celebre

hoi polloi

nota bene

verboten

[Note: when you use these words in a document written in English, you will generally put them in italics.]

On the other hand, many foreign words and phrases are commonly used in English, such as these:

foyer

status quo

faux pas

carte blanche

Here’s the point. If you’re using a foreign term to impress your readers, don’t. If you’re using a foreign term that is part of the common vocabulary of your reader, fine. In every case, think about why you are using a particular word and how the reader will respond.

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This is the strategy for day 26 in 300 Days of Better Writing, available at Hostile Editing in PDF, Kindle, and paperback formats.

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