Website Writing Guide
Web writing and presentation style
Commonly misused words and phrases
Many words and phrases commonly used in websites do not add meaning to a sentence and only serve to make the text wordy and awkward. They are often used in a mistaken attempt to add emphasis. Below is a list of redundant or unnecessary words and phrases to avoid:
Contact us with your suggestions and examples to add to this list.
Word or phrase |
Preferred form or treatment |
Comment |
‘firstly’, ‘secondly’, ‘thirdly’ |
first, second, third |
consider using a numbered list |
should of |
should have |
drop the ‘of’ |
could of |
could have |
drop the ‘of’ |
orientate(d) |
Orient(ed) |
|
administrate(d) |
administer(ed) |
|
literally |
avoid |
only use where the precise meaning of the word is intended |
