Use prefixes to reduce word count

Last Updated : Dec 24, 2013 |

Use prefixes to help reduce word count. In particular, avoid the use of not when you can convey the same meaning with a prefix such as un-, in- , or dis-.

Preferred

Discouraged

Perform this procedure if the first disk is destroyed and a backup is unavailable.

Perform this procedure if the first disk is destroyed and a backup is not available.

The 649A power converter is incompatible with the 644A power converter.

The 649A power converter is not compatible with the 644A power converter.

The system administrator can create a list of telephone numbers that are allowed and disallowed.

The system administrator can create a list of telephone numbers that are allowed and not allowed.

Text Chat and Callback calls are unrestricted and limited only by the number of available channels.

Text Chat and Callback calls are not restricted and limited only by the number of available channels.

This restriction is unnecessary for other types of calls.

This restriction is not necessary for other types of calls.

This message indicates that the system tried to communicate with a nonexistent process.

This message indicates that the system tried to communicate with a process that does not exist.

You can disable any feature that is irrelevant to your business needs.

You can disable any feature that is not relevant to your business needs.

Exception for non

Do not use the prefix non with a hyphen to form a word that is nonexistent in the English language, such as non-Avaya switches. Instead, rewrite the expression as a phrase, for example, For the switches of manufacturers other than Avaya, this value depends on the type of switch integration.

Exception for bi and semi

The prefix bi means two, and thus once every two intervals. The prefix semi means half, and thus twice during an interval. In practice, readers and writers frequently confuse these meanings. Therefore, do not use bi or semi to indicate periods of time. Instead, use the correct equivalent phrase from the following table.

Preferred

Discouraged

  • Every 6 months

  • Twice a year

Biannual

  • Every 6 months

  • Twice a year

Semiannual

  • Every 2 months

Bimonthly

  • Every 2 weeks

  • Twice a month

Semimonthly

  • Every 2 weeks

Biweekly

  • Twice a week

Semiweekly