Page 125 - Planning Group Induction Pack_Neat

Verbs

Overly complex sentences undermine your ability to effectively communicate a message. Certain verbs, such
as ensure, undertake and support, have become overused and are a major factor in creating unnecessarily
long sentences. They can also make everything sound the same.
By dropping these words, your sentence becomes more active and easier to understand. And your writing
becomes sharper and more economical.

Example:
The council agreed to undertake a study into water use in caravan parks.
Clear English version

The council agreed to study water use in caravan parks.

Example:
The new legislation will ensure that country towns are provided with safe drinking water.
Clear English version

Thanks to this new legislation, country towns will have safe drinking water.

Example:

A consideration of your appeal has been undertaken and the fine has been cancelled.
Clear English version
We considered your appeal and cancelled the fine.

Commit - use sparingly
Commit has become a catchphrase for many. If you need to talk about a funding/government commitment,
focus on the actual commitment and how it will become a reality.

Example:
The Victorian Government is committed to upgrading the health of Victoria’s rivers. (weak)
Clear English version
The Victorian Government will upgrade the health of Victoria’s rivers. (strong) or
The Victorian Government is upgrading the health of Victoria’s rivers. (strong)

Acronyms/initialisms

Write a name or term in full and then put the acronym in brackets, if that acronym is going to be used again
in the document.

Example:
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is responsible for securing
Victoria’s water for future generations. DELWP has other responsibilities including...

Writing with style 5
Our guide to better writing and reaching your readers