第30页 | 300 Days of Better Writing | 阅读 ‧ 电子书库

Day 26: Avoid foreign words and phrases.

The point of writing is communication. While some readers may understand a wide variety of foreign words and phrases, many won’t, and this will hinder your ability to communicate clearly. For example, readers may not understand the following:

bon mota prioricause celebrehoi polloinota benesans souciverboten

[Note: When you use these words in a document written in English, you will generally put them in italics.]

On the other hand, many foreign words and phrases are commonly used in English, such as these:

foyerstatus quofaux pascarte blanche

Here’s the point. If you’re using a foreign term to impress your readers, don’t. If you’re using a foreign term that is part of the common vocabulary of your reader, fine. In every case, think about why you are using a particular word and how the reader will respond.