Avoid using these words in documents and on tests. They convey little information and won't help the reader understand.

and/or, etc., misc.
It is always possible to re-write the sentence to remove these vague terms.
basically, basic
A common speech filler; in a document, it is of the same genre as generally and is basically unclear.
compatible
These are hundreds of different opinions on this word. Say what you mean. (e.g. The computer must be able to run Doom.)
easy, easier, easiest, easily, simply, hard, harder, hardest
These are impossible to test. State some specific number to write a clear sentence.
efficient, more efficient, less efficient
Unless you are discussing furnaces, this word is vague. Say what you mean.
flexible, flexibility
Unless you are discussing gymnastics, this word is vague. Say what you mean.
quickly, more quickly, less quickly, fast, faster
Same problem as easy.
maximize, minimize, optimize
These are precise in mathematics; in English they are basically unclear.
State clearly what parameters you are trying to maximize or minimize.
module, modular, modularity
These terms have a wide variety of definitions, probably more than compatible.
user friendly
Are you kidding?
usually, generally, should, probably
These are all of the same, unclear, genre. Write what you mean. Document readers hate these words.
very
If emphasis is needed, use a precise word.

Last updated on 11/4/97