In this installment of Word Knots we’ll continue with our new series, where we look at overused and hackneyed words and phrases. Those selected for this series should be avoided.

Once again our source for this installment is The Dimwit’s Dictionary by Robert Hartwell Fiske (Edison, NJ: Castle Nooks). This is a very entertaining book that’s also very useful: I highly recommend it.

From Fiske (excerpted):

implement

An overworked word.

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Fiske says this about overworked words (edited and excerpted):

The broader your knowledge of words, the greater your ability to express yourself precisely and persuasively. So many speakers and writers, however, rely on certain words—overworked words , like action, actively, amazing… Words, when overworked, diminish the meaning of all that they are used to describe.

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In my view, implement is one more example of a word people use when they want to sound smart. Fiske suggests several replacements, including accomplish, achieve, carry out, complete, execute, fulfill, and realize.

Let’s look at example where implement can be replaced effectively.

Original:

The manager directed his staff to implement the changes to the procedures.

Possible Edits:

The manager directed his staff to carry out the changes to the procedures.

The manager directed his staff to execute the changes to the procedures.

The manager directed his staff to fulfill the changes to the procedures.

Word choice has an impact on your message. Paying attention to the words you use will make your message more effective.

Remember: In self-publishing, presentation is critical. If you’re a self-publishing author, check out our new publishing blog, where each week we discuss topics relevant to self-publishing.

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