Several words, phrases, and expressions need some attention. Avoid words, phrases, and expressions that are ambiguous. Be as precise and clear as possible in your wording.
Always use ‘full’ words. So, do not use abbreviations or acronyms. Often, readers see a different meaning in or do not recognize abbreviations or acronyms.
In this table, you can find some commonly used words, phrases, and expressions that you must avoid:
| Not approved | Approved |
|---|---|
| Press the button |
Click the button You click a button and you press keys on the keyboard. |
| Activate, call |
Start (for example, Microsoft Word) Open (for example, a form or a page) |
| A lot of, multiple | Several |
| Allow |
Avoid in the sense of a program permitting the user something. Instead, use 'You can'. |
| As, since | Because |
| Different |
Only use in this meaning: not the same. Otherwise, use several. |
| e.g. | For example |
| Etc. | And so on |
| Have to | Must |
| In normal situations, normally | Usually, typically |
| In order to | To |
| In the case of, in the situation of | If |
| -ise, -isation | -ize, -ization |
| It is necessary | You must |
| It is (not) possible | You can (not) |
| System |
Mention the program name. For example, Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Finance and Supply Chain Management You also can use an approved abbreviation: D365 F&SCM. |
| Within | In |
| You may, could | You can |
