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Acceptable phrases?

S

Snowy

Member
Are "pros and cons" acceptable to use in the exam - I came upon "versus" as a common phrase which is frowned upon, but I am not sure if "pros and cons" qualify.

Are there any more common such phrases which we should avoid?
 
Clear and easy to digest Communication

It does seem to be a cliche though I don't think this can be over emphasized. The message should be judged in its complete form. It should be clear and easy to digest. Latin words/phrases don't make messages easy to digest. Jargon does not and also most phrases that would suggest a certain sophisticate/educated image.

Pros and cons would suggest a sophisticate/educated image to me and I wouldn't go with it to be safe with the examiners. I prefer everyday plain english which doesn't reveal anything about me the writer.

Though I add that it would still be judged in the context of the whole message.
 
More hated pet words than phrases....

Clearly
Obviously


It may not be clear/obvious to the reader and could be taken as patronising.

I don't mind pros and cons though in a more business oriented work, advantages and disadvantages are better.

I think it is very much a case of knowing the context when choosing your words. Ie tailor it to the scenario you have.

Good luck
 
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