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 mot
a priori
cause celebre
hoi polloi
nota bene
sans souci
verboten

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

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

foyer
status quo
faux pas
carte 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.