THE POWER OF KISS
When we write it is important to KISS (keep it simple and sweet) so that our message is clear. Big words only make us look more clever but people may not know what we mean. Short words are better than longer ones because they sound more powerful when you read them aloud. By using long and difficult words only when they are needed we will increase their impact.
| Common legal style | Kerk & Partners’ Style |
| Utilise | Use |
| Purchase / Procure | Buy |
| Provide / Furnish | Give |
| Assist / Assistance | Help |
| Commence | Begin |
| Terminate / Determine | End |
| Regarding / Concerning / Re / With reference to | About |
| Permit | Let |
| Approximately | About |
| Sufficient | Enough |
| Commonly / Frequently | Often |
| Is able to | Can |
| Currently / Presently | Now |
| Ascertain | Find out |
| Accordingly | So / Therefore |
| Irrespective of | Whether or not / Even if |
| Additionally | And |
| Prior to | Before |
| In excess of | More than |
| Firstly | First |
| Sell and / or buy | Sell, buy or both |
| Execute / Execution | Sign / Signature |
| Financial Institution / Financier | Bank |
| Forward | Send |
| Please find enclosed | Here is |
| Indicate | Show |
| Ongoing | Continuing |
| In my opinion / I am of the opinion that | I think |
| Undertake | Promise |
| Per annum | A year |
| Practically | Almost / Nearly |
| Preceding | Last / Before |
| Prescribed | Set / Fixed |
| Reimburse | Repay / Pay back |
| Subsequently | Then / After / Later |
| Supplementary | Extra / More |
| In the event of | If |
| As a consequence of | Because of |
| In addition to | Besides |
| With the exception of | Except |
| In the absense of | Without |
| In favour | For |
| In order to | To |
| Commencement / initiate | Start |
