Don't use common words in new ways

Most people know the common definition of words—usually the one that appears first in the dictionary. Refer to Merriam-Webster Dictionary if you have any doubts. Use words in the most familiar sense, or define them if you can’t.

  • Don’t create a new word from an existing word.
    Example
    Don’t use bucketize to mean group.

  • Don't apply a new meaning to an ordinary word.
    Example
    Don’t use graveyard to mean archive.

  • Be careful with common words that have industry-specific uses. Assume customers know the common definition of the word, not the industry-specific definition. If you must use the industry-specific definition, define the word in context.
    Writing tip Sometimes industry-specific usage, such as hacker, becomes part of everyday speech. Know your customer and the language they use. When in doubt, use a simple word with a well-understood meaning.

  • Don’t use verbs as nouns or nouns as verbs.
    Examples

    Use this Not this
    affect performance impact performance
    download the paper get the download
    respond to the request respond to the ask