Microsoft Simple Word Choices Rule

This rule promotes clearer, more accessible writing by suggesting simpler alternatives to complex or formal words. It follows Microsoft's style guide principle of using straightforward language that's easier for readers to understand, particularly important for technical documentation and international audiences.

The rule operates by identifying commonly overused complex words and phrases, suggesting simpler alternatives that convey the same meaning. This helps reduce cognitive load on readers and makes content more accessible to non-native English speakers.

Examples:

  • "approximately" → suggests using "about"

    ❌ "The process takes approximately 5 minutes"
✅ "The process takes about 5 minutes"

  • "utilize" → suggests using "use"

    ❌ "Please utilize this tool to scan your files"
✅ "Please use this tool to scan your files"

  • "commence" → suggests using "begin"

    ❌ "Commence the installation process"
✅ "Begin the installation process"

  • "numerous" → suggests using "many"

    ❌ "There are numerous ways to solve this"
✅ "There are many ways to solve this"

The rule is configured as a suggestion level alert, meaning it provides guidance while allowing writers flexibility in their word choice based on context.

Rule Source

This rule comes from: https://github.com/mesosphere/dcos-docs-site

Rule Definition

extends: substitution
message: "Consider using '%s' instead of '%s'."
link: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/style-guide/word-choice/use-simple-words-concise-sentences
ignorecase: true
level: suggestion
action:
  name: replace
swap:
  "approximate(?:ly)?": about
  an abundance: plenty
  accelerate: speed up
  accentuate: stress
  accompany: go with
  accomplish: carry out|do
  accorded: given
  accordingly: so
  accrue: add
  accurate: right|exact
  acquiesce: agree
  acquire: get|buy
  additional: more|extra
  addressees: you
  adjacent to: next to
  adjustment: change
  admissible: allowed
  advantageous: helpful
  advise: tell
  in aggregate: in total
  aircraft: plane
  alleviate: ease
  allocate: assign|divide
  alternatively: or
  ameliorate: improve
  amend: change
  anticipate: expect
  apparent: clear|plain
  ascertain: discover|find out
  assistance: help
  attain: meet
  attempt: try
  belated: late
  bestow: give
  cease: stop|end
  collaborate: work together
  commence: begin
  compensate: pay
  comprise: form|include
  concerning: about
  confer: give|award
  consequently: so
  consolidate: merge
  constitutes: forms
  contains: has
  convene: meet
  demonstrate: show|prove
  depart: leave
  designate: choose
  desire: want|wish
  detrimental: bad|harmful
  disclose: share|tell
  discontinue: stop
  disseminate: send|give
  elucidate: explain
  employ: use
  enclosed: inside|included
  encounter: meet
  endeavor: try
  equitable: fair
  exclusively: only
  expedite: hurry
  facilitate: ease
  females: women
  finalize: complete|finish
  frequently: often
  incorrect: wrong
  indication: sign
  initiate: start|begin
  itemized: listed
  jeopardize: risk
  liaise: work with|partner with
  maintain: keep|support
  methodology: method
  modify: change
  multiple: many
  necessitate: cause
  numerous: many
  obligate: bind|compel
  permit: let
  portion: part
  possess: own
  previous: earlier
  previously: before
  prioritize: rank
  procure: buy
  provide: give|offer
  purchase: buy
  relocate: move
  solicit: request
  state-of-the-art: latest
  subsequent: later|next
  substantial: large
  sufficient: enough
  terminate: end
  transmit: send
  utilization: use
  utilize: use