Thanks to my partner for inspiration for this blog post.
"Hey sweet-cakes, want to help me bathe the cat tomorrow night?"
"I might be willing to do that."
What does that mean? Maybe you will help, maybe you won't. That doesn't give me any intel on whether you are willing to hold down the cat while I pour the evil of evils (water) over her.
I dislike the word "might." I dislike it because it's meaningless.
When I read grant proposals, appeals, or other fundraising writing, I seek to root out meaningless language. If I'm not reading with this in mind, I don't even notice it. It takes concerted effort to edit writing for meaning.
Meaningless language has invaded our lives. Are there words or phrases that you find meaningless? Please share in the comments.
"Hey sweet-cakes, want to help me bathe the cat tomorrow night?"
"I might be willing to do that."
What does that mean? Maybe you will help, maybe you won't. That doesn't give me any intel on whether you are willing to hold down the cat while I pour the evil of evils (water) over her.
I dislike the word "might." I dislike it because it's meaningless.
When I read grant proposals, appeals, or other fundraising writing, I seek to root out meaningless language. If I'm not reading with this in mind, I don't even notice it. It takes concerted effort to edit writing for meaning.
Meaningless language has invaded our lives. Are there words or phrases that you find meaningless? Please share in the comments.
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